Graduate Application Process

Step 1

All incoming graduate students must first apply to the university through CSU Apply. The application for Fall admission is available starting in October of each application period. Information about the general application process and frequently asked questions can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies. 

Cal State Apply due dates are as follows. Please also note the audition/portfolio submission due dates in Step 3.

  • Spring 2026 admission: October 15, 2025
  • Fall 2026 admission: TBA

CSU Apply Application Fee: A $70.00 application fee must be submitted by the application deadline. 

Step 2

Acceptance into the MM at Cal State LA requires portfolio submission. A list of specific audition requirements for each focus area can be found at the bottom of this page. Read the requirements for your area carefully.

Due Dates

  • Spring 2026 Auditions:
    • Friday September 12, 11:59 PM: Deadline for Portfolio/Video Audition Submissions (Commercial Music applicants only.)
      • Commercial Music Applicants will be asked to provide your name, contact information, the program, and focus you intend to apply to. All materials must be submitted to the webform via a single Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud storage link. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Fall 2026 Auditions: More information will be provided at a later time. Please check back later.

Schedule an Audition / Submit your Portfolio

Spring 2026 Admission: Click here to schedule an audition or submit your portfolio using the online form.

Questions

Any questions about application materials or auditions may be sent to the area coordinators below.

In compliance with the National Association of Schools of Music, all those accepted to the MA in Music and MM programs are expected to have an undergraduate degree in music from a NASM accredited program or demonstrate competency in the core music curriculum through additional course work. This requirement can be satisfied through co-requisite participation in the Cal State LA undergraduate music curriculum.

Scholarships

Cal State LA offers many merit-based scholarship opportunities to Fall semester applicants, and continuing students. Click here to learn more about due dates and how to apply.

Graduate Audition Requirements

Select the area or instrument/voice which you wish to audition for below to view the graduate repertoire requirements.

Submit the following materials as your audition application to the Commercial Music program. Stylistically, the music should be in one or more Commercial Music styles, including rock, pop, folk, singer/songwriter, R&B, and related styles. Commercial Music application repertoire should not be drawn from classical or jazz styles. Applicants should choose work that demonstrates their level of achievement in both musical and technical areas. (Send us your best stuff!)

Applicants wishing to focus in commercial instrumental or vocal performance should submit:

  1. 5 to 7 examples of performances. Videos from actual concerts, studio or home-studio video recordings and professionally released tracks are all accepted. Every application must contain at least three videos.
  2. Three letters of recommendation from teachers or music ­professionals who are familiar with the applicant’s work.
  3. A one-page statement addressing the goals of the applicant.
  4. Transcripts (may be photocopies.)
  5. Applicants may be invited for an interview over Zoom with the Commercial Music area faculty if deemed necessary by the auditions committee.

All materials must be submitted to the audition form above via A SINGLE Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud storage link. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Graduate students accepted into the program will take placement tests in the areas of commercial harmony, technology, piano, and orchestration (if focusing on scoring) prior to the start of their first term. These tests do not affect the student’s acceptance status and are for placement only. They may result in remedial course-work above and beyond the 35 units of the graduate program.

Applicants who do not hold bachelors’ degrees in music must take remedial course-work in the areas of commercial harmony, technology and piano that will result in a total above and beyond the 35 units of the graduate program.

Submit the following materials as your audition application to the Commercial Music program. Stylistically, the music should be in one or more Commercial Music styles, including rock, pop, folk, singer/songwriter, R&B, and related styles. Commercial Music application repertoire should not be drawn from classical or jazz styles. Applicants should choose work that demonstrates their level of achievement in both musical and technical areas. (Send us your best stuff!)

Applicants interested in studying scoring for film, TV, and games should submit:

  1. 5 to 7 examples of work, which should be scores, recordings, or videos of music to video or cues, composed in cinematic styles. Applicants must include an explanation sheet describing their participation for each example.
  2. Three letters of recommendation from teachers or music ­professionals who are familiar with the applicant’s work.
  3. A one-page statement addressing the goals of the applicant.
  4. Transcripts (may be photocopies.)
  5. Applicants may be invited for an interview over Zoom with the Commercial Music area faculty if deemed necessary by the auditions committee.

All materials must be submitted to the audition form above via A SINGLE Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud storage link. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Graduate students accepted into the program will take placement tests in the areas of commercial harmony, technology, piano, and orchestration (if focusing on scoring) prior to the start of their first term. These tests do not affect the student’s acceptance status and are for placement only. They may result in remedial course-work above and beyond the 35 units of the graduate program.

Applicants who do not hold bachelors’ degrees in music must take remedial course-work in the areas of commercial harmony, technology and piano that will result in a total above and beyond the 35 units of the graduate program.

Submit the following materials as your audition application to the Commercial Music program. Stylistically, the music should be in one or more Commercial Music styles, including rock, pop, folk, singer/songwriter, R&B, and related styles. Commercial Music application repertoire should not be drawn from classical or jazz styles. Applicants should choose work that demonstrates their level of achievement in both musical and technical areas. (Send us your best stuff!)

Applicants who are songwriters or singer-songwriters should include:

  1. 5 to 7 examples of their original material. The examples can be recordings or videos of performances of the material. Lead sheets are also encouraged.
  2. Three letters of recommendation from teachers or music ­professionals who are familiar with the applicant’s work.
  3. A one-page statement addressing the goals of the applicant.
  4. Transcripts (may be photocopies.)
  5. Applicants may be invited for an interview over Zoom with the Commercial Music area faculty if deemed necessary by the auditions committee.

All materials must be submitted to the audition form above via A SINGLE Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud storage link. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Graduate students accepted into the program will take placement tests in the areas of commercial harmony, technology, piano, and orchestration (if focusing on scoring) prior to the start of their first term. These tests do not affect the student’s acceptance status and are for placement only. They may result in remedial course-work above and beyond the 35 units of the graduate program.

Applicants who do not hold bachelors’ degrees in music must take remedial course-work in the areas of commercial harmony, technology and piano that will result in a total above and beyond the 35 units of the graduate program.

Submit the following materials as your audition application to the Commercial Music program. Stylistically, the music should be in one or more Commercial Music styles, including rock, pop, folk, singer/songwriter, R&B, and related styles. Commercial Music application repertoire should not be drawn from classical or jazz styles. Applicants should choose work that demonstrates their level of achievement in both musical and technical areas. (Send us your best stuff!)

Applicants interested in focusing primarily on recording and mixing should include:

  1. 5 to 7 examples of projects they've recorded or mixed. Applicants must also include an explanation sheet describing their participation on each track.
  2. Three letters of recommendation from teachers or music ­professionals who are familiar with the applicant’s work.
  3. A one-page statement addressing the goals of the applicant.
  4. Transcripts (may be photocopies.)
  5. Applicants may be invited for an interview over Zoom with the Commercial Music area faculty if deemed necessary by the auditions committee.

All materials must be submitted to the audition form above via A SINGLE Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud storage link. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Graduate students accepted into the program will take placement tests in the areas of commercial harmony, technology, piano, and orchestration (if focusing on scoring) prior to the start of their first term. These tests do not affect the student’s acceptance status and are for placement only. They may result in remedial course-work above and beyond the 35 units of the graduate program.

Applicants who do not hold bachelors’ degrees in music must take remedial course-work in the areas of commercial harmony, technology and piano that will result in a total above and beyond the 35 units of the graduate program.