Programs
New Students
The Department of Music admits new students to the program every Fall and Spring semesters and offers a wide range of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. We offer a wide selection of major area options of focus and multiple options and great flexibility in repertoire styles for your specific audition!
After you apply to the university through CSU APPLY you will receive a music department audition application link that will give you very specific information once you log in your option area (program) and your instrument. We believe you'll find the process very clear!
What's Next?
All applicants must meet all eligibility requirements for admission to California State University, Northridge either as a freshman or transfer student. After applying to the university on CSU APPLY, you will be emailed a music department audition application link through "acceptD" after which the following steps will occur:
- Submit the Music Department audition application including any supplemental materials required for your option.
- If auditioning/interviewing in person: schedule your on-campus audition as soon as possible for best choice.
- If auditioning by video, simply upload your video. Any virtual interview if required, will be scheduled after successfully passing your audition.
- Note: all jazz performance majors and some jazz options must first pass a pre-screen audition round with a firm early deadline.
- Successfully pass the entrance audition and if required, the interview as well.
Once you are accepted and send your intent to register to the Music Department and to CSUN:
- Undergraduate Students
- Take the online musicianship test and fill out keyboard experience questionnaire so that we can get you placed correctly in your classes.
- Get required advising from
- The HUB - Freshman
- Undergraduate Music Advisor Nicole Hovland - Lower Division Music Students and Transfers
- Graduate students
- Take entry exams in music history and theory just prior to the start of the semester in which you will start attending.
- Get required advising from:
- Graduate Advisor Steve Thachuk - Graduate Students
*Not applicable to new students applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration (MIA) degree program. Please see the MIA Program Requirements page for more information.
The Department of Music is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. For further information, please consult the requirements listed in the current CSUN catalog. You can also request information by sending an e-mail to: