Thank you for your interest in Graduate music programs at SF State. On this page you will find a complete list of application and audition instructions.
Note: students currently enrolled at SF State may be able to omit some of the steps
Students should apply by April 1 for the following Fall semester or by October 1 for the following Spring semester. Admission to conditionally classified status requires acceptance by both the university and the School of Music and Dance. Visit these links for more information:
Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements for admission to conditionally classified status in music are as follows:
- A baccalaureate degree, with a major in music or equivalent musical experience.
- A minimum 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 units of undergraduate study.
International Applicants
Students coming from international universities must take the TOEFL
Application Procedures
Part I: Apply to SF State
You can find University Application Information and apply online, or call the SFSU Graduate Division Office: 415-338-2234.
International students should contact the Office of International Programs.
Part II: Apply to the School of Music and Dance
- Complete the Music Department Application
- Submit two letters of recommendation from current or former teachers, or professionals who are familiar with your qualifications. Letters should be sent directly from the two sources.
- Submit a 200- to 500-word narrative Statement of Purpose. This statement should include a description of your previous accomplishments.
- Submit an official copy of your undergraduate transcripts, and graduate transcripts (if you have been previously enrolled in a program of graduate study), sent directly from the source (this is in addition to the set sent to SF State Graduate Studies).
- Submit writing samples, demonstrating graduate level, discipline-specific proficiency in music research. Samples may include writing assignments submitted to satisfy requirements in undergraduate history courses. Applicants with substandard writing may be considered not admissible.
Students who have recently earned an undergraduate degree from SF State may be exempted from the writing requirement.
Master of Arts in Music
Emphasis in Music Education
A written description of the nature and extent of teaching experience. Applicants must also provide evidence of at least two years of school music teaching and/or a valid teaching credential.
Emphasis in Music History
Representative examples of music research papers.
Emphasis in Composition
A minimum of two representative scores and, if possible, recordings of recent musical compositions.
Master of Music
Emphasis in Classical Instrumental/Vocal Performance or Chamber Music program
A live audition before members of the Music faculty; or for applicants unable to travel to San Francisco, a high quality audio cassette, CD, DVD or videotape 30-45 minutes in duration demonstrating the student's current level of accomplishment. A repertoire list is also required, including an indication of those works on the list which have been performed in recital.
Emphasis in Orchestral Conducting
Auditions are completed in two rounds:
Round One
- Send one copy of a DVD of a recent conducting experience
- Send copies, not originals, as the recordings will not be returned
- DVD must be playable on U.S. videosystems
- DVD should show a front view of the conductor from a reasonable distance, and ideally demonstrate a varied selection of repertoire
- On DVD casing (and on a separate sheet) please include your name, a repertoire list (with timing numbers), and the performance date
- Enclose a current resume
Selected Candidates may be invited for a live audition (Round Two) with the SFSU Orchestra. Details will be forwarded when appropriate.
Emphasis in Wind Ensemble Conducting
Auditions are completed in two rounds:
Round One
- Send one copy of a DVD of a recent conducting experience (Send copies, not originals, as the recordings will not be returned!)
- DVD must be playable on U.S. videosystems. DVD should show a front view of the conductor from a reasonable distance, and ideally demonstrate a varied selection of repertoire.
- On DVD casing (and on a separate sheet) please include your name, a repertoire list (with timing numbers), and the performance date
- Enclose a current resume
Selected Candidates may be invited for a live audition (Round Two) with the SFSU Wind Ensemble. Details will be forwarded when appropriate.
Mail all application materials to:
School of Music and Dance
c/o San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
Auditions
Please visit the FAQ for Prospective Students for audition information.
Cancellation of Admission
Admission will be cancelled automatically if a student is accepted by San Francisco State University for a given semester and the student does not enroll for that semester. Students who apply at a later date must file a new application, pay a new application fee, and meet the requirements for admission in effect at the time of admission.
Students admitted contingent on receipt of proof of an earned baccalaureate degree or on receipt of official transcripts must provide the required documents by the end of the fourth week of the semester or students will be disenrolled, will earn no credit toward the degree and must officially reapply for the next semester.
Reservation: University Right to Select Students
The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs. The University, in its sole discretion, determines admissions based on an applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the university.
Meeting minimal university requirements for admission does not ensure acceptance into a graduate program because admission to a graduate program is selective and more students apply than can be accepted.
