How to Apply

Application Steps & Deadlines

  1. Apply to CSU East Bay via CSUApply

    Spring 2025 [08/1/24 - 8/31/24]
    Fall 2025 [10/1/24 - 5/15/25]

  2. Submit Official Transcripts & Other Required Documentation to CSUEB's Admissions Office.

  3. Make sure you accept / deny Admissions Offer by the deadline!

    • You do this through MyCSUEB. Spring admissions offers are due on November 1st. Fall admissions offers are due June 15th.
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B.A. in Music

All music majors in the B.A. In Music program require a successful Applied Area Audition in order to start taking lessons in their primary area of study. Students only do this once. Once in lessons, students follow the applied jury schedule depending on their entry level.

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It is required for all music majors in the B.A. in Music Program to take at least 4 semesters of lessons.
Students need to plan accordingly in order to not delay their graduation.
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The Music Department hosts Scholarship & Applied Area Auditions in October/November (for the following Spring semester), and February/March (for following Fall semester). All incoming applicants and current students will be notified of the exact audition dates / times via email.

Live auditions are preferred, but we also welcome online submissions if you are unable to travel to Hayward. If you can’t be present for a live audition, please be ready to submit links to a high-quality video of your performance in which we can see you and instrument fully, and the audio quality allows us to hear your tone clearly. You may share links from platforms such as YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar.

B.A. in Music, Classical Performance (in an instrument or voice)

Classical Performance, Piano

Two or three works of contrasting styles, at least one of which needs to be memorized. Pieces need to be chosen from the standard Classical repertoire and last no more than ten minutes in total. 20th- and 21st-century works are welcome. Individual movements of multi-movement works (such as sonatas or suites) are acceptable.

Classical Performance, Voice

Two contrasting selections of music totaling no more than ten minutes. At least one song should be in a language other than English. Classical songs or arias, folk songs, and musical theater selections are preferred. Selections should be memorized and sung with accompaniment.

Classical Performance, Percussion

Two contrasting works totaling no more than ten minutes (sections of works are acceptable in order to stay within the ten minute timeframe) Show a contrast of musical instruments (i.e. snare drum and marimba, etc. . .)

Classical Performance, All Other Instruments

Two contrasting works totaling no more than ten minutes (sections of works are acceptable in order to stay within the ten minute timeframe)

B.A. in Music, Jazz Performance (in an instrument)

Jazz Performance, Drums

Demonstrate the following styles: Medium Tempo Swing; Up Tempo 50s Bebop; Medium Tempo Jazz Waltz; Bossa Nova (medium); Afro Cuban (medium to fast); Funk; Hip hop (any tempo). Bluetooth access will be provided for backing tracks.

Jazz Performance, All Other Instruments

Two contrasting works totaling no more than ten minutes (sections of works are acceptable in order to stay within the ten minute timeframe). You will also be required to demonstrate improvisation skills. Bluetooth access will be provided for backing tracks.

B.A. in Music, Composition

Two original compositions (scores and recordings) that best represent your musical potential and creativity. The scores should be submitted as a PDF, and the MIDI/Audio recordings as either an mp3, wma, wav, or aiff

B.A. in Music, Music Production

Two original songs (audio only) that best represent your musical potential and creativity. Links from platforms such as SoundCloud and Youtube are preferred, though you may also upload the MIDI/Audio as either an mp3, wma, wav, or aiff.

M.A. In Music Additional Information

The M.A. in Music is not accepting new students at this time while we restructure the program. Any interested graduate students should contact the department for further information.

Graduate Certificate in Music Education

Currently it may be obtained in two ways:

  1. While pursuing a Bachelor of Art (B.A) in Music at CSUEB. Students must be admitted into the B.A. in Music degree in order to start this certificate, and follow the B.A. in Music application requirements.
  2. As a stand-alone graduate certificate, for all applicants already in possession of a Bachelor's degree. These applicants will be asked to provide the following:
    1. Curriculum Vitae
    2. Two (2) letters of reference
    3. A statement of purpose (2-3 double-spaced pages) describing your formal background and training in music, and your reasons for wanting to become a K-12 music teacher
    4. Unofficial Transcripts from previous higher education institutions

I got in! Now What?

Make sure you accept your admissions offer! See below how to accept the admission offer for both 1st-year students and transfer students

  1. Access the MyCSUEB portal. You will need a NetID and password. All Cal State East Bay applicants receive a personal NetID after submitting an application for admission. Included with your NetID are instructions for setting your password >> video tutorial on how to navigate MyCSUEB portal <<
  2. Once there, accept (or deny) your offer of admission. To do so, choose the “Admissions Tile” tile and select your decision from the list. The sooner you do this, the sooner we can get you started with courses and other important info.

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