Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Gateway Audition
No Interview
University App Required
TRAINING & PERFORMANCE
•Individual instruction through Applied Music with nationally-renowned professors
•Three paths of study: Vocal Studies, Classical Instrumental, and Jazz Studies
•Ensemble performance in College Choir, Concert Band, College Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combos
•Summer musical collaboration with the theatre department featuring live orchestra
TRANSFER PATHWAY
•AA-T guarantees admission with junior standing to the CSU system
•Priority admission to your local CSU campus in a similar major
University AppApplication
Apply
Deadline
Rolling
Program AppApplication
Audition
Applied Music Audition (Fall 2026 entry)Feb 28, 2026
No audition required to apply. Students audition for the program after enrolling at the university.
Songs
VOCAL AUDITION
•ONE PREPARED VOCAL SOLO — aria or art song
•Memorization encouraged but not required
•Must be accompanied by piano
•Submit accompaniment parts at least one week in advance
Additional Materials
Theory placement exam (required for all)
•Music theory placement exam administered at audition
Sight-reading (required for all)
•Vocalists: sight-singing demonstration
•Instrumentalists: sight-reading demonstration on primary instrument
Instrumental audition
•ONE PREPARED SOLO OR ÉTUDE on primary instrument
•Staff accompanist available — submit parts one week in advance
•Jazz students: also demonstrate improvisation on a 12-bar blues
ENROLLMENT
•Open enrollment — apply to Bakersfield College via CCCApply
•Enrollment fee: $46 per unit (set by the state)
AUDITION REGISTRATION
•Submit the Applied Music Interest Form on the music auditions page to schedule an audition
GATEWAY AUDITION
•Applied Music (MUSC B7) audition is required to complete the AA-T degree
•Students must first enroll at Bakersfield College, then audition for Applied Music
•Auditions typically held in spring and again in August before fall semester
AUDITION FORMAT
•Three components: prepared performance piece, sight-reading/sight-singing, and theory placement exam
•Staff accompanist available — submit parts at least one week in advance
POST-AUDITION
•Students admitted to Applied Music enroll in co-requisite ensemble and theory courses each semester
•4 semesters of Applied Music required to complete the degree
Program info updated 4h ago
TRAINING & PERFORMANCE
•Individual instruction through Applied Music with nationally-renowned professors
•Three paths of study: Vocal Studies, Classical Instrumental, and Jazz Studies
•Ensemble performance in College Choir, Concert Band, College Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combos
•Summer musical collaboration with the theatre department featuring live orchestra
TRANSFER PATHWAY
•AA-T guarantees admission with junior standing to the CSU system
•Priority admission to your local CSU campus in a similar major
Updated 4h ago
Academic School Information
22%
Grad Rate
17,280
Enrollment
$37,291
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$1,430
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,300
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$14,621
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$14,493
Family Income $30k - $48k$14,538
Family Income $48k - $75k$15,011
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,746
