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California State University - San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BM Music

Conducting Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Training

Rigorous academic and artistic standards for admission and continuation

Prepares students for careers as choral and instrumental conductors

Advanced Choral Conducting, Advanced Instrumental Conducting, Score Study & Analysis, and Professional Conducting & Literature coursework

Choral Methods, Symphonic Orchestral Methods, and Conducting Pedagogy training

Broad applied study across voice, keyboard, strings, winds, brass, and percussion plus class instrument methods

Performance & Productions

Senior recital required

Required participation each semester in a major performing ensemble

Emphasis on real-world conducting experience and service learning

Facilities

250-seat Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Building

Brand-new 478-seat Performing Arts Center opened late 2025

School Info

Snapshot

3.36

Avg GPA (W)

94%

Admit Rate

school-wide

55%

Grad Rate

15K

Enrollment

$60K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$9,046

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$20,350

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$26,674

Before aid

Average Net Price

$4,564

After aid

Cost Attendance · csusb.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 25, 7:18 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Rigorous academic and artistic standards for admission and continuation

Prepares students for careers as choral and instrumental conductors

Advanced Choral Conducting, Advanced Instrumental Conducting, Score Study & Analysis, and Professional Conducting & Literature coursework

Choral Methods, Symphonic Orchestral Methods, and Conducting Pedagogy training

Broad applied study across voice, keyboard, strings, winds, brass, and percussion plus class instrument methods

Performance & Productions

Senior recital required

Required participation each semester in a major performing ensemble

Emphasis on real-world conducting experience and service learning

Facilities

250-seat Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Building

Brand-new 478-seat Performing Arts Center opened late 2025

Program Highlights

Training

Rigorous academic and artistic standards for admission and continuation

Prepares students for careers as choral and instrumental conductors

Advanced Choral Conducting, Advanced Instrumental Conducting, Score Study & Analysis, and Professional Conducting & Literature coursework

Choral Methods, Symphonic Orchestral Methods, and Conducting Pedagogy training

Broad applied study across voice, keyboard, strings, winds, brass, and percussion plus class instrument methods

Performance & Productions

Senior recital required

Required participation each semester in a major performing ensemble

Emphasis on real-world conducting experience and service learning

Facilities

250-seat Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Building

Brand-new 478-seat Performing Arts Center opened late 2025

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Cal State Apply· Only option

Fee

$70

Official page · calstate.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Google Forms

Deadline

Fall Entrance - Cal State Apply for Music MajorsFall Entrance - Music Department ApplicationJan 31, 2027

Applications Auditions · csusb.edu

Post-Enrollment Audition Requirements

No audition is required for the initial application. The optional scholarship review (audition) is separate from the internal audition gate students complete after enrollment.Gateway source

Repertoire List

Two contrasting works of significant repertoire on your principal instrument or voice, following your area's published requirements

Vocalists include works in two different languages

Essay

400-750 words (approximately two pages)

Detail prior music experience and achievements

Demonstrate willingness to commit to rigor of a professional program

Describe future professional aspirations

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts from highest level of education

Applications Auditions · csusb.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Complete the BM Audition Form (Google Form linked on the Music Applications & Auditions page)

Due on the Friday of the last week of classes

Submit a personal essay, unofficial transcripts, and pass the diagnostic music theory test

Eligibility

Minimum C- in Music Theory I, Musicianship I, Theory II, and Musicianship II

Two semesters of lower-division applied (principal instrument or voice) applied lessons at the lower-division level

Transfer students wishing to enter directly should complete at least one year of music theory and musicianship with minimum C- grades and contact the area head to audition the semester before transfer

Program Requirements

Minimum 2.0 GPA in all CSUSB coursework and all music coursework

Maximum three semesters at each applied level — students unable to advance cannot continue in the BM

Admitted students take a diagnostic music theory and aural-skills exam for course placement only, not admission

Transfer Pathway

Transfer students who want first-semester BM entry may complete the BM Audition Form and audition with the relevant area in the semester before matriculation. CSUSB asks transfer applicants to provide the application, essay, unofficial transcripts, and prior music theory and musicianship coursework for faculty review.

Applications Auditions · csusb.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Freshmen typically enter as Pre-BM or BA students and audition for the BM after two semesters of CSUSB coursework

Transfer students may audition before their first semester by contacting the head of your principal-instrument area

Students not accepted may apply one additional time

Audition Expectations

Perform two contrasting works of significant repertoire on your principal instrument or voice for a faculty committee

Scales and sight-reading follow your principal-instrument area's audition requirements

Conducting skills are developed after entry through advanced choral and instrumental conducting coursework

Audition held as a live performance during area juries in Final Exam week (Fall or Spring), with video submission accepted

Audition reviewed by a committee of music faculty

Audition for the semester prior to intended BM entry (e.g., audition Spring 2025 for Fall 2025 entry)

Contact

Email: MusicAdmissions@csusb.edu

Department of Music, Performing Arts Room 111, (909) 537-5859

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Joseph K. Thomas Scholarship — incoming freshmen/transfers, 3.25+ GPA, audition required

Arthur A. Moorefield Memorial Scholarship — continuing/transfer/incoming, 3.3+ GPA

Josephine Lombardo Scholarship — new or returning majors, 3.0+ GPA, preference for Coachella Valley residents

Music Performance Awards — new or returning majors, 2.75+ GPA (new) / 3.0+ (returning)

Application

Apply via CSUSB Scholarship Manager Portal (through MyCoyote)

Video audition with three contrasting works (upload to Google Drive)

Letter of recommendation and unofficial transcripts required

Biographical summary addressing goals and financial need

School Info

Snapshot

3.36

Avg GPA (W)

94%

Admit Rate

school-wide

55%

Grad Rate

15K

Enrollment

$60K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$9,046

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$20,350

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$26,674

Before aid

Average Net Price

$4,564

After aid

Cost Attendance · csusb.edu College Scorecard

Training

Rigorous academic and artistic standards for admission and continuation

Prepares students for careers as choral and instrumental conductors

Advanced Choral Conducting, Advanced Instrumental Conducting, Score Study & Analysis, and Professional Conducting & Literature coursework

Choral Methods, Symphonic Orchestral Methods, and Conducting Pedagogy training

Broad applied study across voice, keyboard, strings, winds, brass, and percussion plus class instrument methods

Performance & Productions

Senior recital required

Required participation each semester in a major performing ensemble

Emphasis on real-world conducting experience and service learning

Facilities

250-seat Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Building

Brand-new 478-seat Performing Arts Center opened late 2025

Updated Aug 25, 7:18 PM