California State University Northridge - Music

APPLICATIONS for JANUARY 2026 Entry

• Applications are open Aug 1 to Sep 30 2025 for Junior Transfers and Graduate Students for Spring 2026 entry.
  • Jazz **pre-screen video due uploaded by 11:59 PM SUN SEP 21 2025. (No other program has a pre-screen.)
• In-person auditions: one live Saturday Audition Day. We hope to meet you in person, but video auditions are accepted in all areas - except Jazz. 
  • SAT OCT 11 - All areas except jazz
  • SAT OCT 25 - All jazz, and required in-person.

• Freshman may not apply for Spring entry (unless already a CSUN student).
• Applications (for Junior transfer students and graduate students) are due to CSU APPLY by SEP 30th 2025 with this completed Music Application in Acceptd (with video upload if elected, and all supplementary items) due no later than OCT 11th.
• International students and Graduate students may have additional time, but should apply as early as possible to have the best opportunity, including applying for any available scholarships. Scholarships are awarded in the Spring, for fall study.

APPLICATIONS for FALL 2026 Entry

• Applications are open Oct 1 2025 to Jan 31 2026 for FALL 2026 entry for all programs/levels, with three live Saturday Audition Days. We hope to meet you in person, but video auditions are accepted in all areas - except Jazz. 
  • ​​​​​​​Jazz **pre-screen video due uploaded to the music application site by 11:59 PM FRI JAN 9th 2026 (No other program has a pre-screen.)
• In-person auditions
  • SAT FEB 7 - All areas, and jazz final rounds
  • SAT FEB 18 - All areas, and jazz final rounds
  • SAT FEB 28 - All areas, and jazz final rounds.

• Applications (for undergraduates and transfer students) are due to CSU APPLY by JAN 31st 2026 with this completed Music Application in Acceptd (with video upload if elected, and supplementary items) due no later than 11:59 PM FEB 7th 2026.
• International students and Graduate students should apply as early as possible to have the best opportunity, including applying for any available scholarships. Note, scholarships are awarded in the Spring, for fall study.

All Jazz Students

• Jazz Pre-Screening Video Deadline: 11:59PM PST January 9, 2026 
  • Transfer students (and Master's students) can apply in AUG-SEP 2025 for JAN 2026.
• BM and MM Jazz Performance: If you pass the pre-screening, you will be notified by January 31, 2026 and asked to schedule a live audition, playing with a combo, on one of the on-campus audition dates.
• "BA Jazz" Options (Music Industry Studies, Music Therapy, and BM: Composition, BM: Commercial Media Writing): If you pass the pre-screening, you will be moved to next steps in the application process (review of your submitted documents or scheduling an interview). Therefore, no second round live audition will be required, and your second stage (if required) can be done either in person or remotely.
• "BA Jazz" Option (Music Education): If you pass the pre-screening, you will be notified by January 31, 2026 and asked to schedule a live audition, playing with a combo, on one of the on-campus audition dates.

WELCOME TO CSUN MUSIC DEPARTMENT!

Thank you for choosing CSUN for your college music studies. Below is important information. Please read carefully before starting your music audition application.

Before You Begin

• Make sure you’ve completed your application to CSUN through CSUN Apply and have received your CSUN ID#.
  • Applications without a CSUN ID# will not be considered. 

Getting Started

• Use the "Start an Application" panel on this page to select your intended degree, your major area and program/audition instrument. Review all options carefully before making your choice; detailed program information is on our website.
  • PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS and FAQs
  • PROGRAMS
  • AUDITION & PLACEMENT
• After selecting your program (which combines your major area and instrument), you’re ready to proceed!

Undergraduate Students
Performance (Classical)
Jazz Studies
Composition
Commercial / Media Composition
Music Education
Music Therapy 
Music Industry
Music Directed Studies *only by special arrangement

Graduate Students
Performance (Classical)
Collaborative Piano
Jazz Performance
Composition
Orchestral Conducting
Wind Conducting 
Choral Conducting

A LITTLE ABOUT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE

Located in the northwest corner of Los Angeles County, our campus sits in the heart of beautiful Southern California, surrounded by the arts and entertainment industry. With nearly 40,000 students and approximately 500 music majors across diverse disciplines, we are proud to be part of one of the most diverse campuses in the nation. This vibrant environment fosters a strong sense of community and connection among our students.

We are also honored to have received recognition from leading industry publications:

• Billboard Magazine has ranked our Music Industry programs among the best for three consecutive years.
• The Hollywood Reporter named us one of the Top 20 Music Schools in the World for 2024, highlighting our Composition and Commercial Media Writing programs, which prepare students to score for film, television, and video games.

CSUN is home to a distinguished roster of music alumni excelling across nearly every area of the profession. Our world-class faculty is dedicated to supporting your success, offering personalized guidance to help you achieve your goals in the music industry.

FREQUENTLY ASKED CSUN MUSIC QUESTIONS

MAJORS and DEGREES

• The CSUN Music Department does not offer a music minor or a double major in music.
• Students with an existing bachelor’s or master’s degree in music are not eligible to pursue a second degree of the same level at CSUN.
• Multiple Instruments: Music Performance majors receive lessons on one instrument; audition on the instrument you want lessons in.
  • After acceptance, you are welcome to audition for additional ensembles on your second instrument.

• Only JAZZ programs require a pre-screen video submission, due roughly two weeks prior to the regular deadline - check yearly deadlines. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

• New and Returning Students: You can apply for Music Department Scholarships each spring for the following academic year. Instructions will be sent through your AcceptD application shortly after audition outcomes are sent.
• For all other scholarships or financial aid, please contact the CSUN Financial Aid Office.

• Contact Admissions/Registrar for instructions on accessing your CSUN email to ensure you receive important updates.
  • Email Registrar@csun.edu with your name, date of birth, and CSUN ID number.

• Most programs do not request a letter of recommendation, and in those cases you will see a place to upload it.

• Financial Aid, Transcripts, International Requirements such as TOEFL and Visas, etc.

THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR CONSIDERING CSUN MUSIC!
If you have questions, visit our website or contact music@csun.edu 
Visit our Events and Media page for calendar and recent articles.
Follow us on Social Media to learn more about the department. All links are available at linktr.ee/csunmusic.