Admissions

Admissions Process for B.A. in Music

We want you to see yourself in music at CSU East Bay. Below are the steps to follow for admission into the B.A. in Music.

1. Follow the instructions for admissions as set out on the University's How to Apply page
2. Consider auditioning for a scholarship if the deadline hasn't passed. It is always best to apply before auditioning.
3. Upon acceptance, contact the Department of Music office to be placed on the music contact mailing list. This is important as you will need to be aware of information regarding auditions for the quarter you will enter.
4. If you are an undergraduate student entering during the fall of an academic year, you will need to audition on your instrument for ensemble placement.
5. If you are a transfer student or a graduate student, you will need to take the placement exams.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE M.A. IN MUSIC

Applying for admittance to the graduate program in music is a two-step process that is outlined below. Please use the Graduate Study Application Checklist (download here) to help in this process and include it with your application. For more information about individual areas of emphasis, scholarship, fellowship, and assistantship, and all detailed instructions, please visit the graduate section of our departmental website. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis throughout the year, but preference will be given to those who apply by March 1, 2012. All application materials must be submitted by May 15, 2012.

1. Step One: Apply to the University. Visit the University's Graduate Admission's page. Once you are sure you have met the requirements for admission to the university graduate program follow the "Graduate Application Instructions," including submitting an online application (CSU Mentor), transcripts, and other materials. The GRE is not required for admission to the graduate program at Cal State East Bay. Prospective international applicants should visit the University's International Student Admission's page.
2. Step Two: Apply to the Department of Music. Submit the following documents in paper form to the Department of Music:
1. Department of Music Application Form (download here)
2. A Statement of Purpose of no more than three pages (typed, double-spaced), describing your reasons for choosing to pursue a graduate degree in music and what you see as your goals in this program and beyond.
3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are in a position to comment on your potential to succeed in graduate work.
4. Evidence of your abilities in the area of emphasis you wish to pursue as a graduate student:
• Choral Music: Submit a video recording (DVD) of at least 15 minutes of a rehearsal with a choral ensemble. You may optionally include a video of a concert performance in addition to the rehearsal video. Final candidates will be invited to campus to audition with one of the CSUEB choral ensembles.
  Preference will be given to candidates who apply to the Music Department by March 1.
• Composition: submit a portfolio of the scores of 3-4 representative compositions for various combinations of instruments and voices, preferably with an audio or video recording of the works.
• Music Theory: submit a research paper on a music theory or an analysis with commentary of a substantial musical composition. Your submission should display your ability to clearly discuss analytical or theoretical issues.
• Music History: submit a 10-12-page research paper on any topic of music history or another academic area of music. This paper should display your ability to write thoughtfully and with clarity about issues in music.
• Performance: schedule an audition at the Department of Music that includes at least two contrasting examples of compositions at the senior undergraduate-level of difficulty. Audition recordings (audio or video) will also be accepted upon approval from the graduate coordinator.
• Music Education:
  1. Submit a copy of your California Teaching Credential
  2. Submit portfolio evidence of a minimum of two years fulltime teaching at the K-12th grade levels, or a minimum of three years fulltime teaching at the K-12th grade levels without the Credential

Submit the documents listed in Step Two in paper form to:
Dr. Peter K. Marsh, Graduate Coordinator
Department of Music
Music Building, Room 2571
California State University, East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94542

Advising

First-time freshman advising is organized by the University Advisement Center (UAC). All freshman must attend summer advising scheduled by the UAC.

Graduate student advising is scheduled individually with the Graduate Coordinator. Transfer student advising is scheduled with respective music department advisors on an ad hoc basis. See Student Resources page for a listing of Music Department advisors.

Transferring to CSU East Bay

If you are transferring to CSU East Bay from another college, you'll need to do the following:

1. Apply to the university. Currently, there is no separate application for the department of music
2. Contact the University Advisement Center (UAC) to gain information on the transfer of general education units. The Department of Music only evaluates music units.
3. Contact the Department of Music office to schedule an audition, placement examinations, and advising.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Transfer Students

I've got all my lower division GE done. How long will it take for me to graduate?
The answer to this question depends on the following:

• What level you place on your instrument upon auditioning
• Your performance on the entrance examinations
• The UAC's assessment of your GE units
• How many units of music you have upon transfering and if those units can count towards degree requirements

Dr. Rafael Hernandez, our undergraduate advisor, can best help you with a picture of total time to graduation. However, he can't do this until you have auditioned on your instrument and you know your applied level.

I'm interested in majoring in recording and audio production. What do I do?
Currently, the Department of Music only offers audio production courses as electives. All B.A. students (music majors) are required to meet and complete the requirements set out in the catalogue.

I noticed auditions are in the fall. What do I do?
For students not entering in the fall, you will be required to make ad hoc audition appointments with the Department of Music office. See the auditions page for more details.

I took the placement examinations and the theory I need to take isn't offered until this quarter. What do I do?
Our musicianship courses (theory, sight singing, and basic piano) are offered sequentially during the fall, winter, and spring quarter. Because we are a small department, we are not able to offer courses out of sequence. So, fall quarter will always be the only quarter level 1 (freshman) and level 4 (sophomore) courses are offered, winter will always be the only quarter level 2 (freshman) and level 5 (sophomore) courses are offered, and spring will always be the only quarter level 3 (freshman) and level 6 (sophomore) courses are offered.