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San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Theatre

Dance

Composition & music studies

Music performance

Music technology

Quick links

BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Training

Career-focused BM centered on private composition lessons with distinguished composition faculty

Students write for traditional ensembles as well as electro-acoustic mediums and study new music and its construction

Group composition classes complement one-on-one mentoring in the art of composing music

Performance & Productions

Frequent opportunities to hear original works performed by fellow students and faculty

Degree includes both junior and senior recitals alongside the core music curriculum

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.53

Admit rate

85%

school-wide

Grad rate

69%

Enrollment

27.6K

Earnings

$79K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,553

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$23,683

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$37,735

Before aid

Average net price

$13,760

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · sjsu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 5d ago

Program Highlights

Training

Career-focused BM centered on private composition lessons with distinguished composition faculty

Students write for traditional ensembles as well as electro-acoustic mediums and study new music and its construction

Group composition classes complement one-on-one mentoring in the art of composing music

Performance & Productions

Frequent opportunities to hear original works performed by fellow students and faculty

Degree includes both junior and senior recitals alongside the core music curriculum

Program Highlights

Training

Career-focused BM centered on private composition lessons with distinguished composition faculty

Students write for traditional ensembles as well as electro-acoustic mediums and study new music and its construction

Group composition classes complement one-on-one mentoring in the art of composing music

Performance & Productions

Frequent opportunities to hear original works performed by fellow students and faculty

Degree includes both junior and senior recitals alongside the core music curriculum

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Cal State Apply· Only option

Fee

$70

Opens

Fall 2027 Application Preparation OpensAug 1, 2026

Fall 2027 Application Submission OpensOct 1, 2026

Deadline

Fall 2027 Priority Application DeadlineNov 30, 2026

Application Dates Deadlines · calstate.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Opens later

Audition Portfolio Req · sjsu.edu

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Portfolio / Creative Sample

Submit a portfolio of two or three original compositions for any instrumental combination

Include a score for each work in your portfolio, posted in PDF format

Include a recording of each work in your portfolio, posted in mp3 format (not WAV or AIFF)

Sheet Music (Required)

Sheet music for each selection performed at the primary-instrument audition

Audition Portfolio Req · sjsu.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to SJSU through Cal State Apply before the university deadline

The School of Music contacts applicants in late December or early January about audition scheduling

Post the portfolio scores and recordings to Google Drive or Dropbox and email the shared link to the Composition Area Coordinator, Dr. Pablo Furman

Admitted music majors take an online music theory and aural-skills placement exam before classes begin — for course placement only, not admission

All music majors enroll in a primary performing ensemble each semester they take applied lessons; ensemble placement auditions are separate from entrance auditions

Transfer Pathway

Composition transfer students submit the portfolio and audition on their primary instrument or voice; the School of Music audition also places transfers into applied performance levels. Music theory and musicianship placement may depend on articulation plus the SJSU placement exam.

Index · sjsu.edu

What's The Process

Admission Process

Admission to the BM in Composition requires both a portfolio of original work and an audition on the applicant's primary instrument or voice

Submit the composition portfolio directly to the Composition Area Coordinator and complete the School of Music entrance audition

On-campus auditions are recommended when possible; video audition submissions are accepted when the next cycle opens

Other audition times may be arranged individually through musicrecruitment@sjsu.edu or 408-924-4673

Primary-Instrument Audition

Follow the published suggested repertoire for the applicable instrument or voice

A staff pianist is provided for instrumental and vocal auditions; bring sheet music for every selection

Ensemble placement auditions after admission are separate from the entrance audition

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Any student who auditions for the School of Music and Dance is automatically considered for a scholarship

The school provides more than $400,000 in scholarship assistance each year

Undergraduate awards range from small awards to full tuition

Recipients must demonstrate financial need, strong musical ability, high academic achievement, and maintain a 3.0 GPA

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.53

Admit rate

85%

school-wide

Grad rate

69%

Enrollment

27.6K

Earnings

$79K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,553

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$23,683

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$37,735

Before aid

Average net price

$13,760

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · sjsu.edu College Scorecard

Training

Career-focused BM centered on private composition lessons with distinguished composition faculty

Students write for traditional ensembles as well as electro-acoustic mediums and study new music and its construction

Group composition classes complement one-on-one mentoring in the art of composing music

Performance & Productions

Frequent opportunities to hear original works performed by fellow students and faculty

Degree includes both junior and senior recitals alongside the core music curriculum

Updated 5d ago