Advising FAQs

B.A. Major Advising
Question Answer
What are some of the highlights and features to know about this major? A liberal arts degree with a focus on music performance and scholarship.
When should I first meet with my major department? As early as possible, preferably at audition dates in the prior semester.
How will I be assigned to a major advisor and how do I contact them? Students are assigned to advisors by the chair. Students may contact advisors by email or phone.
Where can I find information about major advising? Please contact chair (cginwala@sfsu.edu).
Does this major require any pre-work from me before I attend orientation or register for classes? Students must take placement evaluations.Eevaluations are offered during all audition dates.
What should I do if my major core and/or perquisite courses are full? The School of Music reserves seats in core classes for majors.
Is there anything else I need to know about starting in this major? Students should be proactive in contacting chair of dept to introduce themselves and to make contact with their advisor early in the first semester. Students should complete a written semester-by-semester graduation plan when meeting with the advisor.

 

Transfer Student Info
Question Answer
What upper division courses should I take in my first semester as a transfer student for this major? All transfer students are placed into appropriate MUS core courses through dept placement evaluations in Music History, Keyboard and Music Theory administered to all incoming majors Additionally, students should register for ensembles (mostly MUS 37x) after attending ensemble auditions during first week of classes (audition schedule available in the music office).
Are there any registration blocks or holds in the system for this major, and if so, what do I do/who do I contact to clear them? Students whose major includes applied lessons must obtain the add permit from the instructor after classes begin. Students may not pre-register for applied lessons.
Does this major have an approved Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) roadmap? Yes.

 

Freshmen Student Info
Question Answer
Are there any courses I should take first as a Freshman to get started in this major and/or are there any lower division GE course requirements that I can take that will also count toward this major? GE: MUS 120
Non-GE: MUS 130
These courses may be completed before being admitted to the major. Students may also be placed into MUS 130, based on the results of the dept placement evaluations in Music History, Keyboard and Music Theory administered to all incoming majors.
Are there entry or prerequisite requirements for these Freshmen courses? None.
Can any of my AP or IB tests count toward requirements in this major? AP Music Exam is helpful, but does not replace the dept placement evaluations in Music History, keyboard and Music Theory administered to all incoming majors.

 

B.M. Major Advising
Question Answer
What are some of the highlights and features to know about this major? An intensive, professional preparation degree
When should I first meet with my major department? As early as possible, preferably at audition dates in the prior semester.
How will I be assigned to a major advisor and how do I contact them? Students are assigned to advisors by the chair. Students may contact advisors by email or phone.
Where can I find information about major advising? Please contact chair (cginwala@sfsu.edu).
Does this major require any pre-work from me before I attend orientation or register for classes? Students must take placement evaluations (referred to above). Evaluations are offered during all audition dates.
What should I do if my major core and/or perquisite courses are full? The School of Music reserves seats in core classes for majors
Is there anything else I need to know about starting in this major? Students should be proactive in contacting chair of the department to introduce themselves and to make contact with their advisor early in the first semester. Students should complete a written semester-by-semester graduation plan when meeting with the advisor.

 

Transfer Student Info
Question Answer
What upper division courses should I take in my first semester as a transfer student for this major? All transfer students are placed into appropriate MUS core courses through department placement evaluations in Music History, keyboard and Music Theory administered to all incoming majors Additionally, students should register for ensembles (mostly MUS 37x) after attending ensemble auditions during first week of classes (audition schedule available in the music office).
Are there any registration blocks or holds in the system for this major, and if so, what do I do/who do I contact to clear them? Students whose major includes applied lessons must obtain the add permit from the instructor after classes begin. Students may not pre-register for applied lessons.
Does this major have an approved Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) roadmap? Yes.

 

Freshmen Student Info
Question Answer
Are there any courses I should take first as a Freshman to get started in this major and/or are there any lower division GE course requirements that I can take that will also count toward this major? GE: MUS 120 Non-GE: MUS 130 These courses may be completed before being admitted to the major. Students may also be placed into MUS 130, based on the results of the dept placement evaluations in Music History, Keyboard and Music Theory administered to all incoming majors.
Are there entry or prerequisite requirements for these Freshmen courses? None.
Can any of my AP or IB tests count toward requirements in this major? AP Music Exam is helpful, but does not replace the dept placement exams in Music History, keyboard and Music Theory administered to all incoming majors.