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California State University - Sacramento

Sacramento, CA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Theatre

Dance

Music performance

Composition & music studies

Quick links

BM Music

Instrumental

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

Part of the NASM-accredited School of Music at Sacramento State

Bachelor of Music curriculum centers performance as the foundation of each concentration

Instrumental Training

Weekly private lessons, studio classes, masterclasses with visiting artists, and chamber music at the core of the curriculum

Performance opportunities in the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Marching Band, and chamber ensembles

Annual concerto competition for a performance with the Sacramento State Symphony Orchestra

Festival of New American Music brings renowned guest artists and composers to campus each fall

Degree Requirements

120 total units including the instrumental concentration

Junior Recital and Senior Recital required

Eight semesters of large-ensemble participation

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.41

Admit rate

94%

school-wide

Grad rate

56%

Enrollment

28.4K

Earnings

$65K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,656

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$23,786

Before aid

Average net price

$9,338

After aid

Western Undergraduate Exchange · csus.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 9, 3:41 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Part of the NASM-accredited School of Music at Sacramento State

Bachelor of Music curriculum centers performance as the foundation of each concentration

Instrumental Training

Weekly private lessons, studio classes, masterclasses with visiting artists, and chamber music at the core of the curriculum

Performance opportunities in the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Marching Band, and chamber ensembles

Annual concerto competition for a performance with the Sacramento State Symphony Orchestra

Festival of New American Music brings renowned guest artists and composers to campus each fall

Degree Requirements

120 total units including the instrumental concentration

Junior Recital and Senior Recital required

Eight semesters of large-ensemble participation

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Part of the NASM-accredited School of Music at Sacramento State

Bachelor of Music curriculum centers performance as the foundation of each concentration

Instrumental Training

Weekly private lessons, studio classes, masterclasses with visiting artists, and chamber music at the core of the curriculum

Performance opportunities in the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Marching Band, and chamber ensembles

Annual concerto competition for a performance with the Sacramento State Symphony Orchestra

Festival of New American Music brings renowned guest artists and composers to campus each fall

Degree Requirements

120 total units including the instrumental concentration

Junior Recital and Senior Recital required

Eight semesters of large-ensemble participation

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Cal State Apply· Only option

Fee

$70

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Application DeadlineDec 15, 2026

Freshman Process · csus.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Admissions · csus.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire List

Two or more contrasting prepared selections at the Bachelor of Music (performance) level on your primary instrument

Strings: one Major scale and arpeggio plus one Minor scale and arpeggio (three octaves), one movement of unaccompanied Bach or an etude, and one movement of a sonata, concerto, or other work demonstrating current proficiency

Winds and brass: typically one etude plus two contrasting solo movements or pieces from the solo, sonata, or concerto repertoire

Percussion: prepared snare drum, timpani, and mallet-keyboard etudes

Major and minor scales and arpeggios as specified for your instrument

Faculty-published repertoire lists for every instrument are available on the School of Music admissions page

Admissions · csus.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply through Cal State Apply for university admission

After applying, submit the School of Music audition application for the correct semester of entrance

You may audition before acceptance to Sacramento State

Audition on or before the February audition date for scholarship consideration

University Scholarship Application opens October 1 and is due February 1

Eligibility

Admission to the Bachelor of Music degree requires a 3.0 GPA in music courses and applied-area approval after a successful audition

Program Requirements

All entering undergraduate music majors must take theory, musicianship, and piano placement exams before initial enrollment — for course placement only, not admission

Theory and musicianship placement exams may be taken only once

Transfer Pathway

The 2026–27 catalog publishes a two-year roadmap for the BM Instrumental concentration, providing a structured four-semester plan for transfer entrants. Applicants must still complete the instrumental entrance audition and applied-area placement.

Bachelor Of Music Instrumental · catalog.csus.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Entrance audition before the applied-area faculty on your primary instrument is required for admission

Applicants may audition before university acceptance

On-campus and recorded/video auditions are both accepted

Sight-reading is evaluated as part of the entrance audition

Contact the applied-area faculty in advance to discuss acceptable audition literature and accompaniment

Contact

Mark Allen, Music Admissions: mallen@csus.edu / (916) 278-6543

Submit the School of Music's Spring/Fall 2027 Audition Application for the correct semester of entrance; audition dates and any final make-up video option are announced inside that application

Scholarship Info

Scholarships awarded based on strength of entrance audition. Must audition on or before February audition date to qualify for scholarship consideration. University Scholarship Application required — available October 1, deadline February 1.

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.41

Admit rate

94%

school-wide

Grad rate

56%

Enrollment

28.4K

Earnings

$65K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,656

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$23,786

Before aid

Average net price

$9,338

After aid

Western Undergraduate Exchange · csus.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Part of the NASM-accredited School of Music at Sacramento State

Bachelor of Music curriculum centers performance as the foundation of each concentration

Instrumental Training

Weekly private lessons, studio classes, masterclasses with visiting artists, and chamber music at the core of the curriculum

Performance opportunities in the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Marching Band, and chamber ensembles

Annual concerto competition for a performance with the Sacramento State Symphony Orchestra

Festival of New American Music brings renowned guest artists and composers to campus each fall

Degree Requirements

120 total units including the instrumental concentration

Junior Recital and Senior Recital required

Eight semesters of large-ensemble participation

Updated Sep 9, 3:41 PM