Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication - CSUN

Composition Audition Information

Prospective students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in composition should audition in one of the performance areas during one of the regularly scheduled audition sessions, submit a portfolio of compositions, as well as additional documents demonstrating their interest and qualifications in the area of music composition.

Prospective students interested in the Master of Music program are required to submit a portfolio of works as well as additional documents demonstrating their background and expertise in music composition. An instrumental audition is not required for the Master of Music in Composition degree.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN COMPOSITION PROGRAM 

• Performance audition with the appropriate applied area (keyboard, woodwinds, voice, etc.)
• On-campus interview with the composition faculty, to be scheduled during the same day the instrumental audition takes place; no previous appointment required.
• Portfolio of 1-2 works (freshmen) or 2-3 works (transfer students), written in different styles and for various combinations of instruments/voices and accompanied by recordings, if available.
• Brief biography and a list of references familiar with your work as a student or composer.

The portfolio of scores and recordings should be submitted during the on-campus interview with the composition faculty, or before. Most scholarships will be awarded by late Spring, only after all the above four requirements have been met. For more information regarding the Bachelor of Music in Composition program and the sequence of required courses, please contact Dr. Liviu Marinescu or visit the composition area page.

Prospective students interested in pursuing a career in film scoring, song writing, or any other similar commercial media, should visit the Commercial and Media Writing Option page, or contact Prof. Elizabeth Sellers at (818) 677-4752 or elizabeth.a.sellers@csun.edu .

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF MUSIC IN COMPOSITION PROGRAM

This program is designed for students interested in studying contemporary art music styles and compositional techniques, and writing chamber, symphonic, or experimental electronic music. The Master of Music in Composition degree is particularly useful for students interested in pursuing further graduate studies in a doctoral program, ultimately leading to a career in the fields of concert music composition, teaching or academic research.

Prospective students should submit the following documents:

1. Portfolio of 3-4 works written in contemporary styles, for various combinations of instruments/voices. Professional recordings, reading sessions, piano reductions, or MIDI versions of the scores submitted are strongly recommended.
2. Transcripts from all previously attended academic institutions.
3. One-page statement discussing previous musical background as well as current interests and goals as a composer.
4. Brief biography and list of performances, as well as contact information concerning recommenders.

In certain cases, a phone or on-campus interview with at least one composition faculty may be scheduled after a complete portfolio has been submitted. Please mail all materials required for the Master of Music degree to:

Dr. Liviu Marinescu
Coordinator of Music Composition and Theory
Department of Music
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Str.
Northridge, CA 91330-8314
U.S.A.

Scholarships may be awarded only after all the above four requirements have been met. Most scholarships will be awarded by late Spring. Please note that you will need to submit a complete application to the Office for Admissions & Records as well. For more information regarding the Master of Music program and the sequence of required courses, please contact Dr. Liviu Marinescu, or visit the composition area page.

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Updated on 08/20/2018