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Department of Music • Fresno, California
Quick Take
CSU Fresno serves Central Valley students with performance, music education, jazz, and choral programs that draw from the region's rich Latino and Southeast Asian musical communities. The department offers diverse ensemble opportunities, accessible admissions, and an affordable public education that reflects the cultural plurality of the San Joaquin Valley and prepares students for regional teaching and performance careers.
CSU Fresno at a Glance
| Program | |
| School / Division | California State University Fresno Department of Music |
| Setting | public |
| Program Size | medium |
| Genres / Styles | choral, classical, jazz, world |
| Primary Instrument | bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, horn, oboe, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice |
| Areas of Study | composition, conducting, jazz, music education, performance |
| Musical Selectivity | moderately selective |
| Admissions | |
| Academic Selectivity | moderately selective |
| Average GPA | 3.2 |
| Application Deadline | 2026-11-30 00:00:00 |
| Auditions | |
| Audition | is required |
| Audition Competitiveness | moderately competitive |
| Audition Window | Jan–Mar |
| Prescreening | is not required |
| Location | |
| City / State | Fresno, California |
Always confirm deadlines and requirements directly with the CSU Fresno website
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Program Overview
The music program at CSU Fresno is medium in size and a .
Music Genre/Style Strengths
CSU Fresno supports the following musical genres/styles: choral, classical, jazz, world. At some schools, students can explore multiple styles while developing strong technical and artistic foundations within their primary genre.
Visit the CSU Fresno website for more specific information on the music genres/styles it supports.
Primary Instruments
Students at CSU Fresno can pursue study across a range of instruments, including bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, horn, oboe, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice. Students study privately with faculty on their primary instrument while participating in ensembles and collaborative performances.
Visit the CSU Fresno website for more specific information about their support for studies on specific instruments.
Music Studies Offered at CSU Fresno
Students at CSU Fresno can pursue degrees focused on composition, conducting, jazz, music education, performance. Music degree programs typically combine private instruction, ensemble participation, music theory coursework, and performance opportunities designed to prepare students for careers in music.
Visit the CSU Fresno website for more specific information on the programs of study it offers.
Acceptance
Musical acceptance at CSU Fresno is moderately selective. Academically, it is moderately selective, with accepted students having an average GPA of 3.2. (Unlike academic programs, music admissions typically emphasize performance and artistic potential.) The application deadline for CSU Fresno is 2026-11-30 00:00:00 of each year.
Visit the CSU Fresno website to confirm acceptance information and deadlines.
Auditions
An audition is required at CSU Fresno, and the school's auditions are considered to be moderately competitive. The audition window is Jan–Mar of each year. A pre-screening video or portfolio is not required.
Visit the CSU Fresno website for more specific information on auditions.
Location and Music Scene
CSU Fresno is in the heart of the Central Valley, a working-class agricultural region whose music community draws from rich Latino and Southeast Asian cultural traditions alongside classical performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CSU Fresno hard to get into?
Admission to CSU Fresno is considered moderately selective for music and moderately selective academically. At most schools, the audition carries significant weight. Admitted students need to demonstrate performance ability and artistic potential in addition to meeting academic requirements.
Do I need a prescreening video to audition at CSU Fresno?
A prescreening video or portfolio submission at CSU Fresno.
Prescreening requirements vary significantly from school to school, and sometimes by instrument or area of study, so it's worth checking directly with the admissions office to confirm what's expected for your specific application.
What instruments can I study at CSU Fresno?
supports study across a wide range of instruments, including bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, horn, oboe, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice. Students typically study privately with a faculty member on their primary instrument while also participating in ensembles and collaborative performance opportunities.
Instrument availability and faculty depth can vary. If you play something less common, it's worth reaching out to the department directly to confirm faculty availability before you apply.
What GPA do I need for CSU Fresno?
Admitted students at CSU Fresno have an average GPA of 3.2. Keep in mind that this is an average. Some admitted students come in above it, some below, depending on the strength of the overall application and, especially, the audition.
Music programs tend to weigh audition performance heavily, which means a particularly strong musical candidate may be admitted even if their GPA is below the typical range. The reverse is also true. Academic strength alone won't compensate for a weak audition.
What is the application deadline for CSU Fresno?
The application deadline for CSU Fresno is 2026-11-30 00:00:00, with live auditions typically held Jan–Mar. These dates can shift year to year, so it's important to verify directly with the admissions office well in advance.
Music school deadlines often arrive earlier than general college application deadlines, and audition slots can fill up quickly, especially at competitive programs. Getting your application in early is rarely a bad idea.
Information on this page is updated periodically. Always confirm details directly with the school's admissions office.
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