As the University will not be holding face-to-face instruction or gatherings at this time, all auditions will be submitted online. Video Auditions are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants who submit video auditions are automatically considered for scholarship. Applicants for Fall 2021 admission must submit auditions before May 1st. Auditions submitted before March 1st are given primary consideration for scholarship.
Audition/Placement Exam Submission Form
Current available placement exam dates:
Friday, May 7th, 2021
Friday, August 20, 2021
If you have any factors limiting your ability to submit a video audition please contact music@sfsu.edu for further assistance.
After we receive your submission, our faculty will review your materials and reach out if they have any additional questions, and to follow up with you about your admission results. Please be patient and allow adequate time for the faculty to review the auditions as we may receive a large number of submissions. Faculty will review each application as promptly as possible. If you have any questions please contact music@sfsu.edu
Piano Placement Exam
All undergraduate music majors are required to take Class Piano Courses. The Piano Placement Exam is taken to pass out of one or more of these classes. Please upload a video (YouTube or Vimeo preferred) of no more than 10 minutes of you playing piano/keyboard in any style, demonstrating your level of keyboard proficiency.
Piano Placement Exam Submission
Who Needs to Audition?
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Auditions and placement exams are not required to enter the Bachelor of Arts program. However, we recommend that all entering B.A. students take the placement exams so you can be placed in a class appropriate to your skill level.
If you are a B.A. student and would like private lessons as part of your program you will need to submit an audition video (or portfolio if you want composition instruction).
Bachelor of Music
Students entering the Bachelor of Music program are required to submit an audition video or composition portfolio. Placement exams are not required, however, we recommend that all entering B.M. students take the placement exams so you can be placed in a class appropriate to your skill level.
Master of Arts in Music
Students entering the Master of Arts in Music program studying Music History and Music Education are not required to audition but are required to take the graduate level placement exams.
Master of Arts students studying Composition are required to submit a composition portfolio and take the graduate level placement exams.
Master of Music
Students entering the Master of Music Program are required to submit an audition video and take the graduate level placement exams.
What Do I Need to Know about Submitting an Audition?
The below links have some suggestions on what we are looking for based on area of study but the most important thing is to choose pieces that are best representative of your skill level.
Tips on Filming a Successful Video Audition