California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
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Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
University App Required
Program Highlights
LEARN BY DOING
•Cal Poly's signature hands-on philosophy — perform, compose, and create from day one
•Private lessons included at no extra cost with experienced faculty mentors
•Senior capstone project tailored to individual interests
FOCUS AREAS
•Seven areas of focus: Composition, Jazz, Music Education, Music History, Ethnomusicology, Performance, and Music Technology
•Flexible elective system lets students concentrate in a particular area or combine music with other subjects
ENSEMBLES & PERFORMANCE
•Major ensembles: symphony orchestra, wind orchestra/ensemble, jazz big band, choir, electronic music ensemble, vocal jazz, and Arab music ensemble
•Annual solo competition for a chance to perform with the Cal Poly Symphony
•Student Opera Theatre production and annual Bach Week festival
•Faculty-coached chamber groups and student-formed ensembles
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Corrie Stallings ('09) — mezzo-soprano
•Kristen Choi ('09) — mezzo-soprano
•Anna Binneweg ('98) — conductor
•Mark Miller ('07) — trombonist and educator
•Mike Leopold ('96) — lute and theorbo
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Supplementary ApplicationJan 31, 2026
Auditions
On-Campus Audition Day 1Feb 21, 2026
On-Campus Audition Day 2Feb 22, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING PIECES, 8 min max total
•Prepare two pieces of a contrasting nature (e.g., one fast, one slow)
•Vocal and instrumental applicants perform on their primary instrument or voice
•If music is notated, submit scores as PDFs by the Jan 31 deadline
-Lead sheets and fake book charts acceptable for jazz pieces
COMPOSITION / MUSIC TECHNOLOGY APPLICANTS
•Two contrasting pieces, 8 min combined maximum
•Clearly indicate your role — composer, performer, or producer
•Piece One: original composition or performance of existing work on primary instrument/voice
•Piece Two: live performance of original composition or stereo audio file
•If creating notated scores is part of your practice, at least one submission should include a score
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Piano accompaniment available free of charge from department staff accompanist
-Upload PDF piano scores by the deadline
•Jazz pieces: bring your own rhythm-section recording, bring notated piano part, or play unaccompanied
•Virtual auditions: any accompaniment or backing ensemble acceptable
Additional Materials
SCORES
•Upload PDFs of notated music for all audition pieces by the Jan 31 deadline
-Lead sheets and fake book charts acceptable for jazz
-Piano accompaniment scores required if using department accompanist
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
•Strongly recommended but not required
•Upload directly via Application Status Portal, or send by mail/email to music@calpoly.edu
•Template available on the Music Department application page
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Two-step process: Cal State Apply first, then Music Department Supplementary Application
•Cal State Apply deadline: Dec 1, 2025
•Supplementary Application and all materials due Jan 31, 2026 via Application Status Portal
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
•Complete the Supplementary Application via Cal Poly Application Status Portal
•Indicate audition preference (in-person or video) in the audition survey
NOTIFICATIONS
•Conditional acceptance notification by April 1, 2026
•Check Application Status Portal and email frequently
ELIGIBILITY
•Fall enrollment only
•Transfer students take theory, musicianship, and piano placement exams prior to fall registration
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition strongly preferred — held on campus in San Luis Obispo
•Video audition accepted if unable to attend in person
•Note video preference in the Supplementary Application
IN-PERSON AUDITION DAY
•Plan to spend a few hours on campus
•Morning auditions: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
•Afternoon auditions: 12:00 - 4:00 PM
•Includes brief interview and musicianship assessment
•Opportunities to meet faculty, students, and explore campus
VIRTUAL AUDITION
•Upload video audition via Application Status Portal
•Includes short video musicianship assessment
MUSICIANSHIP PREPARATION
•Study fundamentals of music theory and notation before the assessment
•Recommended resources: teoria.com and musictheory.net
CONTACT
•Music Department: 805-756-2406 or music@calpoly.edu
Program info updated 2h ago
LEARN BY DOING
•Cal Poly's signature hands-on philosophy — perform, compose, and create from day one
•Private lessons included at no extra cost with experienced faculty mentors
•Senior capstone project tailored to individual interests
FOCUS AREAS
•Seven areas of focus: Composition, Jazz, Music Education, Music History, Ethnomusicology, Performance, and Music Technology
•Flexible elective system lets students concentrate in a particular area or combine music with other subjects
ENSEMBLES & PERFORMANCE
•Major ensembles: symphony orchestra, wind orchestra/ensemble, jazz big band, choir, electronic music ensemble, vocal jazz, and Arab music ensemble
•Annual solo competition for a chance to perform with the Cal Poly Symphony
•Student Opera Theatre production and annual Bach Week festival
•Faculty-coached chamber groups and student-formed ensembles
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Corrie Stallings ('09) — mezzo-soprano
•Kristen Choi ('09) — mezzo-soprano
•Anna Binneweg ('98) — conductor
•Mark Miller ('07) — trombonist and educator
•Mike Leopold ('96) — lute and theorbo
Updated 2h ago
Academic School Information
4.12
Avg GPA (W)
31%
Admit Rate
86%
Grad Rate
21,996
Enrollment
$90,768
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$13,596
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,665
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,665
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$7,529
Family Income $30k - $48k$7,253
Family Income $48k - $75k$9,896
Family Income $75k - $110k$15,786
Family Income $110k+$27,772
