Undergraduates interested in the Composition emphasis must audition on their primary instrument. During the first two years of study, students will take the Music Core classes (which are the same for all emphases), and private lessons on their primary instrument.

Once the lower division requirements have been completed, students should take MUS 425 Composition Workshop concurrently with Theory IV - MUS 420 20th Century Techniques. In these two classes, students compose works that they may then submit as a portfolio in application for the composition major.

The SMD has lockers for rent in the Creative Arts building and the Fine Arts building. Priority is given to Music & Dance Majors and minors - lockers become available to any member of the campus community beginning the third week of each semester.

Named after Theodor Adorno, the German sociologist/philosopher of aesthetics, cultural awareness, and musicology, ADORNO Ensemble’s mission is to captivate audiences with a fresh, up-to-date concert going experience that showcases contemporary music as a relevant, compelling synergy of cultural and social participation. From interactive concerts in museums and galleries to online composition workshops, the group understands the benefits of a diverse, learning audience.

We bring together advanced students and professional faculty in a high-level, collaborative environment. The program is highly selective and deliberately limited to a small number of students—resulting in a student-teacher ratio averaging 2:1. Private studio instruction is at the center of the performance and composition degrees, while seminars and hand-on experiences are the focus of degrees in music education and music history.

Classical Singers at San Francisco State never have trouble finding performance opportunities! With four choral ensembles, opera workshop, a newly formed early music choir, and a fully-staged opera every spring, the Ensemble Experience is impossible to avoid. Additionally, the vocal studios all combine for a weekly performance master-class (Vocal Practicum) and two studio recitals each semester. Opera Gala (in its second year) is the largest fundraiser for the Opera program, and features scenes and arias by students, faculty, and alumni.

Incoming Graduate Students must take classification exams for both the University and the Music department before beginning the program.

The Music department also offers a Minor in Music, requiring 21 units in the music department. The music minor is designed to lay the groundwork for a lifelong enjoyment and appreciation of music. No audition required.

The Piano program at San Francisco State University consists of the following tracks or degree objectives:

The Generations Band is an all-star sextet that was brought together to serve as ambassadors and teachers for the International Center for the Arts at San Francisco State University’s Generations Jazz mentorship program.