Admissons Procedures

The Music Department has established a supplementary application process, in addition to the CSU application, that is required for applicants to be considered for admission to the music program. This consists of a supplementary application form, an audition/interview and optional letters of recommendation.

Before beginning the Music Department supplementary application process, students must complete the CSU application. Domestic undergraduates must apply through the CSU Mentor website. Paper applications are required of international students. For more information, visit the website of the Admissions Office. If you have questions, you may contact them by phone at 805-756-2311 or email them.

The supplementary application process is as follows:

  1. Once a CSU application has been submitted to Cal Poly (by the Nov. 30 deadline), the Admissions Office will forward the student's name and other pertinent data to our department. All music applicants will receive an email from the Cal Poly Admissions Office confirming receipt of their application, and directing them to the Music Department website.
  2. In early January, applicants who meet the CSU and Cal Poly eligibility criteria will be invited to schedule an audition or submit an audition recording (YouTube video), and complete and submit our supplementary application materials, which will be posted on our website, along with our audition dates. A link to the supplementary application will be emailed to the applicant.
    Your performance at the audition or on a YouTube video recording should help indicate that you have the potential to successfully participate in one of the Music Department’s major ensembles (orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz big band, choir, and Arab Music Ensemble) on the instrument you play at the audition, or by singing if you audition as a vocalist. Applicants should choose either an in-person audition or a recorded (YouTube video) audition.
    • In-person auditions: An in-person audition is highly recommended and preferable to a recorded audition.  Preference for scholarships will be given to applicants doing a live audition.  A short piano placement assessment, a music theory and musicianship assessment, and an interview will also be conducted.
    • Recorded auditions (YouTube video):  Applicants may submit a link to a high quality YouTube video recording.  If a video link is submitted, the student may be asked to perform a live audition if the music faculty decides it is necessary. Preference for scholarships will be given to applicants doing a live, not recorded, audition.  A short piano placement assessment, a music theory and musicianship assessment, and an interview will also be administered via Skype and/or other means for applicants submitting a recording.
  3. Auditions are usually scheduled during February and March, and acceptance notifications go out before the end of March.
  4. All application materials must be received by our posted deadlines. Lack of any materials could affect consideration of an applicant’s acceptance.
  5. New students (first-time freshmen and upper-division transfer students) begin taking classes during Fall Quarter only.
  6. Students may apply as an Internal Transfer to the Music Department. This is an option for students already attending Cal Poly who wish to change majors or add a major. For guidelines, please go to the College of Liberal Arts Advising website (and see below for more details).

CHECK THE CAL POLY PORTAL AND YOUR CAL POLY EMAIL FREQUENTLY DURING THIS TIME PERIOD. YOU WILL BE RECEIVING IMPORTANT EMAILS AND REMINDERS ABOUT CRITICAL DEADLINES, ETC.

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