Composition Audition Requirements

Bachelor of Music - Composition

Prospective students who are interested in the Bachelor of Music in Composition program should audition in one of the performance areas during one of the regularly scheduled audition sessions, submit a portfolio of compositions, as well as additional documents demonstrating their interest and qualifications in the area of music composition.

Entrance requirements for Bachelor of Music in Composition:

Performance audition with the appropriate applied area (keyboard, woodwinds, voice, etc.)
On-campus interview with the composition faculty, to be scheduled during the same day the instrumental audition takes place; no previous appointment is required.
Portfolio of 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.
Brief biography and a list of references familiar with your work as a student or composer.

The portfolio of scores and recordings should be submitted as part of the music department audition application.

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. An instrumental audition is not required for the MM in Composition degree.

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 of 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.
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.

A zoom or on-campus interview will be scheduled after a complete portfolio has been submitted.

Please note that you will need to submit a complete CalState application in addition to your music audition application. 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.