How to Apply

Applications for Fall 2024 are now OPEN! October 1st, 2023 - April 2nd, 2024

All applicants apply to the CSUEB Music Department through Cal State Apply. Please visit the CSUEB Admissions Office for updated information on general university requirements.

For late application requests, contact admissionpetitions@csueastbay.edu

CSU Apply

Additional Music Department Application

Full acceptance into our programs requires applicants to complete two steps:

Be admitted by CSU East Bay’s admissions; This is your CSUApply application. Make sure you fully complete it by the deadline set by the University.
Be admitted by the Music Department, see below.

The Music Department Application Form (required to complete your application process) will be sent out to you (via email) after you've completed the CSUApply application. See below details on the materials you will be asked to prepare/submit based on your program and area of interest

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We review applications as we receive them. The sooner you complete your application, the sooner you will receive our admission decision. All accepted applicants are automatically eligible for a Music Department Scholarship based on their materials. Scholarship decisions will be sent out on a separate email after all live auditions have been completed (in late March).

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

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. Auditions will be scheduled during the Music Department application process.

Classical Performance, Piano

Prepare 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

Additional Materials: 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

Additional Materials: 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

Additional Materials: 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, Jazz Guitar

Additional Materials: 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, as well as a Guitar Amp.

Jazz Performance, Drums

Additional Materials: 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

B.A. in Music, Composition

Online Submission only, completed during the Music Department Application process.

Additional Materials: 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

Online Submission only, completed during the Music Department Application process.

Additional Materials: 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.

Music Education Graduate Certificate

Currently it may be obtained in two ways:

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.
As a 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. A 15-minute uninterrupted video of you teaching music in a group setting (class or rehearsal, not performance). Videos of individual lessons are not appropriate

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please reach the main music office via Phone: (510) 885-3135 or Email: music@csueastbay.edu

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

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 <<
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.