THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC AT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
The School of Music at California State University, Sacramento offers a comprehensive musical education with opportunities for practical training in performance, pedagogy, new music, and musical entrepreneurship. In addition to private lessons, ensemble work, music theory and music history, undergraduate students receive a liberal arts education.
Undergraduates earn the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, or a minor in music, and may apply for the CSUS Honors programs. Graduate students earn the Master of Music degree or a Performer’s Certificate.
Violinists interested in contemporary music can work on projects with Anna Presler, artistic director of San Francisco’s nationally recognized Left Coast Chamber Ensemble.
The beautiful capital of California, Sacramento has been designated “City of Trees.” In addition to the Sacramento Symphony, Sacramento Opera, Crocker Art Museum and annual festivals of all kinds, including the Festival of New American Music and the Sacramento French Film, Festival, the city boasts a lively restaurant scene. It is located in California’s Central Valley, an hour and a half’s drive from many landmarks and cultural institutions. The San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park are all within easy reach.
APPLY/AUDITION
Undergraduate applications for Fall 2024 admission are due November 30, 2023. Use Cal State Apply.
Graduate applications for Spring Semester 2024 are due September 15, 2023. Graduate applications for Fall 2024 are due approximately January 15, 2024. Use Cal State Apply.
All applications for financial aid must be filed during the previous academic year, between October 1 and February 1, 2024, using the Blackbaud (University Scholarship Application) portal.
Go to the School of Music site for more information: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/music/admissions.html
Auditions are coming up in December and February, or you may audition by video. You'll need to sign up for an audition date about two weeks before the auditions. Sign up online on the admissions page.
Email me with any questions about audition repertoire..
FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
Because of California’s support for public education, tuition at CSUS is kept low, around $8000/year. Our students can avoid outsize debt. This is particularly advantageous for young professional musicians as they begin their careers.
(If you do have an extra $160,000 to spend, or want to borrow it, you could get a dream violin for that much money!)
FOR NON-RESIDENTS
Special Tuition Rates for Residents of Western States and Territories
Residents of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands pay reduced tuition under California's agreements with the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Click here for more info.
Residency
Tuition for California residents is significantly lower than out of state tuition. Graduate and undergraduate students over the age of 19 may be able to establish residency after living in the state for one year. For more information, visit our admissions page.