Can Non-Majors Participate in Music and Dance at SDSU?

Yes. The School of Music and Dance at San Diego State University states that it offers numerous performance opportunities for both majors and non-majors, and that dance opportunities exist for non-majors as well. Ensembles include both auditioned and non-auditioned groups, so participation is not limited to students who have already reached a performance-major level. The main conditions to check are whether a specific ensemble requires an audition and whether a dance option is being taken for academic credit, such as a GE requirement.

Music: ensembles open to non-majors

The school describes performing as "at the heart" of its program and lists a wide range of ensembles: multiple orchestras, concert bands, choirs, jazz ensembles, athletic bands, global music, and chamber music groups. It explicitly says there is "an ensemble for everyone at SDSU."

Two features matter most for non-majors:

• Auditioned and non-auditioned options. Because both types exist, students at different levels can find a fit. If you are not ready to audition, look for the non-auditioned groups first.
• All levels are addressed. The school states that the non-auditioned ensembles exist "so that all levels of musicians can find a musical outlet."

Examples of interests the school names include a clarinetist seeking symphonic experience, a singer interested in choir or opera, and a mariachi violinist. That range suggests you should match your instrument or voice type to the ensemble list rather than assume only one path exists.

There is also a Music Minor degree, which is a structured way for a non-music major to keep music in their academic plan. If your goal is regular participation with credit rather than occasional playing, the minor is worth comparing against simply joining an ensemble.

How to start

1. Identify the ensemble type that matches your instrument, voice, or interest (orchestra, concert band, choir, jazz, athletic band, global music, chamber music).
2. Check whether that ensemble is auditioned or non-auditioned.
3. If it is auditioned, prepare for the audition; if not, follow the enrollment or participation steps for that group.
4. Confirm the practical details — rehearsal expectations and whether credit applies — with the school or the ensemble director, since the source page does not list them.

The school provides a "Learn More About Performing Groups" path and a "Performance Opportunities" section for these details.

Dance: open to non-majors, including GE credit

The dance side states plainly: "We believe that dance is for everyone." It asks whether you have danced your whole life or always wanted to but something got in the way, and concludes there are opportunities for every body at SDSU.

For non-majors, the school lists these routes:

• Dance auditions — for placement or participation in audition-based opportunities.
• Dance opportunities for non-majors — the general entry point.
• Chances to dance — participation options.
• Fulfill a GE requirement — dance can count toward general education.
• See a show — attend performances if you are not ready to participate.

If your main goal is to satisfy a GE requirement while dancing, the GE route is the most direct. If your goal is performance, start with the non-major opportunities and audition information.

What the school offers overall

The page provides scale and context that help you judge whether the program fits you:

These numbers describe the program as a whole, not non-major access specifically. The relevant point for non-majors is that the school runs many ensembles and classes each semester, which is consistent with its claim that multiple entry points exist.

Practical checks before you commit

The source page does not specify audition dates, repertoire, fees, or registration mechanics. Before deciding, confirm:

• Whether your target ensemble is auditioned or non-auditioned.
• Audition timing and requirements, if applicable.
• Whether participation carries credit and how it counts (including the GE option in dance).
• Rehearsal and performance commitments, since the school emphasizes "high-quality performance experiences" and professional engagement.

Bottom line

Non-majors can participate in both music and dance at SDSU. In music, choose between auditioned and non-auditioned ensembles, or consider the Music Minor. In dance, use the non-major opportunities or the GE route. The deciding factors are your instrument or dance background, whether an audition is required for your chosen group, and whether you want credit or GE fulfillment.