Music - Graduate

Graduate Application Process

Graduate performance auditions are required for performance programs and the Artist Diploma program. Graduate degrees in scholarly/academic fields require submission of written materials.

Faculty will be assessing musicianship, intonation, general technique, interpretive skills, and stylistic considerations compared to the standard expected of students entering a music program at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Performance auditions last approximately 15 minutes and the faculty will be assessing musicianship, intonation, general technique, interpretive skills, and stylistic considerations compared to the standard expected of students entering a music program at the undergraduate or graduate level.

On-campus audition dates for entry in Fall 2025 are February 1, 2, 8 and 9.

An on-campus performance audition is always preferable, but students who are unable to come to San Diego for a personal audition due to distance or schedule conflict may audition by uploading a video of a live performance onto the audition portal. While the faculty who will watch your video recording do not expect professional level production quality, it is important that your materials are of sufficient audio quality for faculty to be able to clearly hear and assess your performance level. Audio only submissions will not be accepted in lieu of a video recording. The deadline for submission of digital auditions and composition portfolios are due, via interfolio, no later than February 1.

Important:  Only students who have applied to San Diego State University will be scheduled for an entrance audition. One you have obtained a RED ID all requests for audition dates must be completed through the School of Music and Dance online audition and application portals.

New degree in Master’s of Music Education will start accepting applications starting Fall 2026. 

The Master’s of Music Education Degree (MM) at SDSU will be continuing education for K-12 music educators as well as a research based graduate degree for those wishing to pursue doctoral work. Public school music educators can increase pay scales and status based upon continuing education credits or advanced degrees, such as a Master’s degree. This program will support the K-12 population by offering graduate courses through summer and evening coursework, so the average K-12 teacher can complete a master’s degree while continuing to teach in their K-12 setting. 

For more information please contact:

If you are interested in applying for admittance to a graduate program in music, please submit the following materials to the appropriate location by the listed deadlines:

  1. California State University Application deadline is February 1 for completing the university online application

  2. San Diego State Graduate Admissions deadline is February 1 for submission of all supporting materials (2.a and 2.b are submitted directly to the Graduate Admissions Office)

    • a) Official transcripts
    • b) TOEFL test score (for applicants whose native language is not English)

    *The GRE is not required for admission to the MM and MA degrees or Artist Diploma.

  3. ALL MM GRADUATE and ARTIST DIPLOMA APPLICANTS: The School of Music and Dance deadline is February 1 for submission of all supporting materials listed in (a)-(c) below. The following must be submitted using the School of Music and Dance online audition and application portal: click here to go to the online application

    • a) Resume
    • b) Statement of objectives
    • c) Two letters of reference

  4. ALL MA GRADUATE APPLICANTS: The School of Music and Dance deadline is April 1 for submission of all supporting materials listed in (a)-(d) below. The following must be submitted using the School of Music and Dance online audition and application portal: click here to go to the online application.

    • a) Resume
    • b) Statement of objectives
    • c) Two letters of reference
    • d) MA Critical Studies in Music applicants: Research paper (10-12 pages)

Register for the Audition via Interfolio no later than February 1, 2025.

  1. California State University Application, deadline is February 1 for completing online application
  2. San Diego State Graduate Admissions, deadline is March 1 for submission of all supporting materials including official transcripts, and TOEFL scores. GRE is not needed for the MA Degree or Artist Diploma (but TOEFL is always required).
  3. School of Music and Dance, deadline is February 1 for submission of all supporting materials. Supporting materials must be submitted electronically using the School of Music and Dance online audition and application portal: click here to go to the online application.
  4. Resume
  5. Statement of objectives - Explain in one to two pages how you have been involved in music, why you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in musicology, and what topics in the field interest you.
  6. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are in a position to comment on your potential to succeed in graduate work
  7. Writing sample - You are required to submit a 10-12-page research paper. The paper should reflect exceptional skills in critical thinking, include references to appropriate literature (i.e., primary sources, or secondary sources written by recognized authorities), and demonstrate competence in basic writing skills (including spelling, grammar, organization, and citation formatting).

Students will be notified no later than April 1 of the results of their audition.

Contact graduate advisor Dr. Todd Rewoldt, or email/call Shirley Valencia, student services coordinator at 619.594.6032.

Music Audition Process


Application for Graduate Assistantship (GA) and Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) - Deadline February 1, 2025.

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