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California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Performance Focus

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Performance Focus

Browse programs

Quick links

BM Commercial Music

Instrumental or Vocal Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Performance Focus

Training

Private lessons with experienced commercial music professionals, plus extensive coursework, live performance, and studio recording

Performance students cross-train in film scoring, songwriting, recording, mixing, and DAWs

Performance & Productions

Performers are encouraged to join the Commercial Music Ensemble and explore jazz, Afro-Latin, and choral ensembles

A one-year Studio Practicum brings performers, songwriters, composers, producers, engineers, and mixers together to create professional-level work

Location

Los Angeles proximity supports real-world experience and access to the commercial music industry

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.25

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

53%

Enrollment

19.6K

Earnings

$59K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$7,938

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$19,242

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$38,500

Before aid

Average net price

$3,967

After aid

Cost Attendance · calstatela.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 9, 1:05 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Private lessons with experienced commercial music professionals, plus extensive coursework, live performance, and studio recording

Performance students cross-train in film scoring, songwriting, recording, mixing, and DAWs

Performance & Productions

Performers are encouraged to join the Commercial Music Ensemble and explore jazz, Afro-Latin, and choral ensembles

A one-year Studio Practicum brings performers, songwriters, composers, producers, engineers, and mixers together to create professional-level work

Location

Los Angeles proximity supports real-world experience and access to the commercial music industry

Program Highlights

Training

Private lessons with experienced commercial music professionals, plus extensive coursework, live performance, and studio recording

Performance students cross-train in film scoring, songwriting, recording, mixing, and DAWs

Performance & Productions

Performers are encouraged to join the Commercial Music Ensemble and explore jazz, Afro-Latin, and choral ensembles

A one-year Studio Practicum brings performers, songwriters, composers, producers, engineers, and mixers together to create professional-level work

Location

Los Angeles proximity supports real-world experience and access to the commercial music industry

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Cal State Apply· Only option

Fee

Application Fee

$70

Opens

Cal State Apply preview opensAug 1, 2026

Cal State Apply submission opensOct 1, 2026

Deadline

Cal State Apply required before BM admission requirement — standard applicant deadlineNov 30, 2026

Cal State Apply required before BM admission requirement — international first-year and returning applicantsFeb 5, 2027

Fall 2027 Admission Deadlines Undergraduates · calstatela.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

School Website

Deadline

Music (BM) Admission Audition RequirementFeb 5, 2027

Fall 2027 Admission Deadlines Undergraduates · calstatela.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Creative Sample

Portfolio: 3 to 5 performance examples in commercial styles; at least two must be videos, and concert, studio, home-studio, or professionally released tracks are accepted

Letters of Recommendation (Three from Teachers or Music Professionals)

Statement (One Page Addressing Your Goals)

Transcript (Photocopies Accepted)

Undergraduate Application Process · calstatela.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Cycle

Apply to Cal State LA through Cal State Apply

Fall 2027 applications open for submission October 1, 2026

Complete the Music BM admission audition requirement by February 5, 2027

The department portfolio page still publishes Fall 2026 scheduling details; Fall 2027 submission instructions have not yet been posted

Submission

Submit all materials through one Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud-storage link

Incomplete applications are not considered

What's The Process

Portfolio Review

Admission is by portfolio review of your submitted work samples

Repertoire should be in commercial styles (rock, pop, folk, singer-songwriter, R&B); classical and jazz styles are not used here

Applicants who pass portfolio review may be invited to a Zoom interview with the Commercial Music faculty

Focus Areas

Instrumental or Vocal Performance, Songwriting, Scoring for Media, and Recording and Production

Contact

Commercial Music area coordinator: Prof. JP Mourão

Scholarship Info

Merit-Based Scholarships

Music Department scholarships consider portfolio review and applicant potential

The currently published scholarship page remains for Fall 2026 awards; the next award deadline has not been published

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.25

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

53%

Enrollment

19.6K

Earnings

$59K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$7,938

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$19,242

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$38,500

Before aid

Average net price

$3,967

After aid

Cost Attendance · calstatela.edu College Scorecard

Training

Private lessons with experienced commercial music professionals, plus extensive coursework, live performance, and studio recording

Performance students cross-train in film scoring, songwriting, recording, mixing, and DAWs

Performance & Productions

Performers are encouraged to join the Commercial Music Ensemble and explore jazz, Afro-Latin, and choral ensembles

A one-year Studio Practicum brings performers, songwriters, composers, producers, engineers, and mixers together to create professional-level work

Location

Los Angeles proximity supports real-world experience and access to the commercial music industry

Updated Aug 9, 1:05 PM