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. The application process is in TWO PARTS- details below.
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:
Requirements for Admission
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.
Application Part I
1. Apply to SFSU:
You can find University Application Information and apply online, or call the SFSU Graduate Division Office: 415/338-2234.
International students should to contact the Office of International Programs.
Application Part II
All materials in PART II should be mailed to the School of Music and Dance
1. Complete the Music Department Application
2. Submit two letters of recommendation from current or former teachers or professionals who are familiar with the applicant's qualifications- letters should be sent directly from the 2 sources.
3. Submit a 200-500 word narrative statement of purpose. This statement should include a description of the applicant's previous accomplishments.
4. Submit an official copy of the applicant's undergraduate transcripts, and graduate transcripts if the student has been previously enrolled in a program of graduate study, sent directly from source(this is in addition to the set sent to SFSU Graduate Studies).
Specific requirements for each individual program
For applicants to the Master of 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.
For applicants in the Master of Arts with an 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.
For applicants in the Master of Arts program in Music History: representative examples of music research papers.
For applicants in the Master of Arts program in Composition: a minimum of two representative scores and, if possible, recordings of recent musical compositions.
Students coming from international universities must take the TOEFL
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.
