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Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, 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

Quick links

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

Quick links

BM Jazz Studies

Jazz Studies

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

NASM-accredited music program (National Association of Schools of Music)

Hispanic-Serving Institution within the California State University system

Training

Private instruction every semester plus jazz improvisation, jazz harmony, arranging, and jazz composition coursework

Junior Recital (about 30 min) and a Senior Project recital capstone

Prepares students as jazz performers, arrangers, composers, and teachers

Performance Opportunities

Jazz Orchestra, Concert Jazz Ensemble, and Latin Jazz Band

Annual SSU/Redwood Empire Jazz Festival

Venues & Facilities

Perform in the Green Music Center's Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall and Schroeder Recital Hall

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.40

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

58%

Enrollment

5.2K

Earnings

$66K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,062

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$22,382

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$30,062

Before aid

Average net price

$12,885

After aid

2025 26 Costs · financialaid.sonoma.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 1d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited music program (National Association of Schools of Music)

Hispanic-Serving Institution within the California State University system

Training

Private instruction every semester plus jazz improvisation, jazz harmony, arranging, and jazz composition coursework

Junior Recital (about 30 min) and a Senior Project recital capstone

Prepares students as jazz performers, arrangers, composers, and teachers

Performance Opportunities

Jazz Orchestra, Concert Jazz Ensemble, and Latin Jazz Band

Annual SSU/Redwood Empire Jazz Festival

Venues & Facilities

Perform in the Green Music Center's Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall and Schroeder Recital Hall

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited music program (National Association of Schools of Music)

Hispanic-Serving Institution within the California State University system

Training

Private instruction every semester plus jazz improvisation, jazz harmony, arranging, and jazz composition coursework

Junior Recital (about 30 min) and a Senior Project recital capstone

Prepares students as jazz performers, arrangers, composers, and teachers

Performance Opportunities

Jazz Orchestra, Concert Jazz Ensemble, and Latin Jazz Band

Annual SSU/Redwood Empire Jazz Festival

Venues & Facilities

Perform in the Green Music Center's Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall and Schroeder Recital Hall

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Cal State Apply· Only option

Deadline

Fall 2027 Application Period OpensAug 1, 2026

Fall 2027 Application Submission OpensOct 1, 2026

Fall 2027 Priority Undergraduate DeadlineNov 30, 2026

Fall 2027 International DeadlineApr 30, 2027

Fall Timeline · admissions.sonoma.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Google Forms

Auditions

Fall 2027 Admission & Scholarship Audition

Feb 27–28, 2027Mar 13, 2027

2026 2027 Audition Dates · music.sonoma.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire List

Scales: one major scale of your choice (2 octaves if possible)

Scales: one melodic minor scale of your choice (2 octaves if possible)

Scales: chromatic scale (2 octaves if possible, starting on any note)

Repertoire: two standard jazz tunes, improvising on each

Accompaniment option: perform with an Aebersold-style play-along or the provided live rhythm section

Suggested repertoire: So What, Blue Monk, Summertime, Blue Bossa, Maiden Voyage, Take the A Train, Song for My Father, All Blues, Footprints, and Cantaloupe Island

Repertoire for jazz drummers: in addition to two selections, demonstrate medium swing, fast swing, jazz waltz, bossa, samba, mambo, 12/8 Afro, funk, ballad with brushes, and an odd-meter groove

Jazz Studies · music.sonoma.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Process

Apply to Sonoma State University via Cal State Apply

Complete the SSU Music Department Audition Application Form separately

Placement (Post-Admission)

Admitted students may challenge preparatory theory and keyboard coursework by exam; placement does not affect admission

Transfer Pathway

For Jazz Studies, SSU publishes transfer advising and a sample two-year roadmap. Prior musicianship, history, and keyboard coursework may transfer, while jazz improvisation, ensemble, private lesson, and jazz forum requirements continue in residence.

Transfer Advising BM Jazz Studies · music.sonoma.edu

What's The Process

Audition Format

Live auditions held on campus at the Green Music Center

All live audition applicants automatically considered for music scholarships

A live rhythm section is provided for jazz applicants; you may also perform with an Aebersold-style play-along

Video Auditions

Students living more than 300 miles from campus may submit a video-recorded audition via YouTube link

Video applicants considered for admission but receive secondary scholarship consideration

Video applicants may be accepted on a provisional basis until a live audition is completed within the first semester

Audition Day

Bring three copies of your repertoire for the audition panel

Contact: brooke.tester@sonoma.edu or 707-664-2324

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year

All live on-campus audition applicants automatically considered

Awarded based on artistic talent and scholastic merit

Decisions typically announced in March

Four-year contracts for freshmen, two-year for transfers

Renewal Conditions

Full-time enrollment (minimum 12 units)

Active participation in assigned ensembles

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

No grade lower than C in any music course

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.40

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

58%

Enrollment

5.2K

Earnings

$66K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,062

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$22,382

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$30,062

Before aid

Average net price

$12,885

After aid

2025 26 Costs · financialaid.sonoma.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited music program (National Association of Schools of Music)

Hispanic-Serving Institution within the California State University system

Training

Private instruction every semester plus jazz improvisation, jazz harmony, arranging, and jazz composition coursework

Junior Recital (about 30 min) and a Senior Project recital capstone

Prepares students as jazz performers, arrangers, composers, and teachers

Performance Opportunities

Jazz Orchestra, Concert Jazz Ensemble, and Latin Jazz Band

Annual SSU/Redwood Empire Jazz Festival

Venues & Facilities

Perform in the Green Music Center's Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall and Schroeder Recital Hall

Updated 1d ago