How Auditions and Admission Work for SDSU Music and Dance Programs

SDSU's School of Music and Dance does not use a single gateway into its programs. Music and dance have separate paths, and within each area there are both auditioned and non-auditioned options. The school's own framing is that there are "many ways into our program," and the page evidence supports that: it lists dance auditions, opportunities for non-majors, a music minor degree, and performance ensembles open to different levels of musicians. What follows separates what the site states from what you will need to confirm directly, since specific audition dates, repertoire requirements, and application deadlines are not included in the available page content.

The two main tracks: music and dance

The School of Music and Dance at San Diego State University describes itself as providing specialized instruction, career development, and applied practical training, with 16 graduate and undergraduate degrees and emphases and 45+ performance classes and ensembles each semester. Admission into a degree program and participation in performance activities are related but not identical questions.

Music: degrees, minors, and ensembles

The site lists 16 graduate and undergraduate degrees and emphases across the school, and describes performance as "at the heart" of the school. For music specifically, the page notes multiple orchestras, concert bands, choirs, jazz ensembles, athletic bands, global music, and chamber music groups.

A key distinction the site makes explicit: ensembles are both auditioned and non-auditioned, so "all levels of musicians can find a musical outlet." That means a non-major or a student with less formal training is not automatically excluded from performing.

• If you want a music degree, treat the degree admission question and the ensemble placement question as two separate steps.
• If you want to keep playing without majoring, the Music Minor degree and the non-auditioned ensembles are the relevant entry points.
• If you play something specific — the site gives examples of a clarinetist seeking symphonic experience, a singer interested in choir or opera, and a mariachi violinist — the range of ensembles is described as broad enough to match varied interests.

Dance: auditions and non-major options

The dance side is framed around inclusion: "We believe that dance is for everyone." The page poses two reader situations — someone who has danced their whole life, and someone who always wanted to dance but something got in the way — and states there are opportunities "for every body."

For dance, the site points to three concrete routes:

1. Dance auditions — listed as a distinct path, relevant if you are pursuing a dance degree.
2. Dance opportunities for non-majors — participation without majoring.
3. Fulfilling a GE requirement — dance coursework can count toward general education.

If you are not seeking a dance degree, the audition path is likely not your route; the non-major and GE options are.

How to get the actual audition and application details

The page evidence does not include audition dates, required pieces, application deadlines, or contact information for either area. Those are the details that determine whether you can actually complete the process, so they need to come from the school directly.

Use these entry points, all referenced on the site:

• "Learn More About Performing Groups" — for ensemble and performance participation.
• "Dance Auditions" and "Audition Chances to Dance" — for dance-specific audition information.
• "Music Minor Degree" — for the minor path.
• "View Full Calendar" — for upcoming performances and concerts, useful if you want to see the program before committing.

A practical sequence: decide whether you are asking about a degree, a minor, or just participation; then use the matching link above; then confirm dates and requirements with the school, since the site content available here does not specify them.

Seeing the program before you commit

The school reports 250+ annual events, and the page lists upcoming performances such as Brass Divisionals I and II and "We Are The Lucky Ones," with a full calendar available. Attending a recital, concert, or festival is a low-commitment way to judge fit before an audition or application — and the site explicitly invites visitors to "Buy Tickets to our Music and Dance Events."

What is not answered here

Specific audition requirements, deadlines, degree-specific admission criteria, and contact details are not present in the available page content. Treat the pathways above as the map, and the school's own linked pages as the source for the dates and requirements that will actually govern your application.