Composition Audition Requirements

Bachelor of Music - Composition 

Prospective students who are interested in the Bachelor of Music in Composition program first apply to CSUN and within a few days are emailed the link to the music department audition application.

As soon as music application materials are uploaded and submitted, you will have the opportunity to schedule your performance audition and interview. Applicants auditioning by video, should upload that video along with your portfolio.

Entrance requirements for Bachelor of Music in Composition:

• PORTFOLIO
  • 1-2 works (freshmen) or 2-3 works (transfer students), written in different styles and for various combinations of instruments/voices and accompanied by recordings, if available.
  • The portfolio of scores and recordings should be uploaded as part of the music department audition application.
• SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
  • Brief biography demonstrating interest and qualifications in the area of music composition, and a list of references familiar with your work as a student or composer.
• AUDITION/INTERVIEW
  • Audition requirements for specific instruments are found on our website and within the Music Department application.
  • In-Person Auditions/Interviews: Both the audition and the interview should be scheduled for the same day, with the audition first by at least 30 minutes. After completing an audition on their primary instrument or voice, applicants will interview with the Director of the Composition program, Professor Liviu Marinescu. 
  • Video Auditions/Interviews: Performance videos can be uploaded to our platform. Applicants who receive a passing performance score may then be invited for a virtual Composition interview with Professor Marinescu.

For more information regarding the Composition program, please contact Liviu Marinescu or visit the composition area page.

Master of Music - Composition

Prospective students interested in the Master of Music in Composition program are required to submit a portfolio of works as well as additional documents demonstrating their background and expertise in music composition. NOTE: An instrumental audition is not required for the MM in Composition degree.

Prospective students first apply to CSUN and within a few days are emailed the link to the music department audition application.

Entrance requirements for Master of Music in Composition:

This program is designed for students interested in studying contemporary art music styles and compositional techniques and writing chamber, symphonic, or experimental electronic music. The Master of Music in Composition degree is particularly useful for students interested in pursuing further graduate studies in a doctoral program, ultimately leading to a career in the fields of concert music composition, teaching or academic research.

Prospective students should submit the following documents as part of their music department application:

• PORTFOLIO
  • 3-4 works written in contemporary styles, for various combinations of instruments/voices. Professional recordings, reading sessions, piano reductions, or MIDI versions of the scores submitted are strongly recommended.
  • The portfolio of scores and recordings should be uploaded as part of the music department audition application.
• SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
  • A one-page statement discussing previous musical background as well as current interests and goals as a composer.
  • Brief biography and list of performances, as well as contact information concerning recommenders.
• INTERVIEW
  • A Zoom or on-campus interview may be offered to select applicants whose portfolios receive a successful evaluation. Submission of a portfolio does not guarantee an interview.

Potential music department scholarships may be awarded only after all the requirements have been met.

For more information regarding the Composition program, please contact Liviu Marinescu or visit the composition area page.