Music Emphasis

As a student in CI's Performing Arts Program, you will receive a broad, integrated undergraduate experience in music, theatre, and dance that will provide a strong base for a rewarding educational and professional career in the performing arts.  You'll work with fellow students, renowned faculty and special guest artists to create original works and reinvent classic masterpieces.  You'll gain exposure, expertise and experience connecting various disciplines and art forms to emerge a better artist and a more confident performer.

Your future

You'll be well-prepared for further study and for entry into a variety of performing arts professions.

Top careers include:

Actor

Choreographer

Dancer

Director

Musician

Playwright

Professor/teacher

Singer

Songwriter

Theatre critic

Music Emphasis - 27 units
PAMU 161 Music Fundamentals 3
PAMU 261 Music Theory 3
PAMU 330 Jazz in America 3
PAMU 332 World Music 3
PAMU 337 Music in History 3
Select two courses from the following:
PAMU 335 The Physics of Music 3
PAMU 385 Audio Design and Recording 3 
PAMU 435 The Music Museum 3
Select three units from the following repeatable courses, in consultation with advisor:
PAMU 109 Private Lessons 1
PAMU 202 Group Guitar Lessons 2
PAMU 203 Group Voice Lessons 2
PAMU 307 University Chorus 1 
PAMU 308 University Orchestra 1
PAMU 309 Private Lessons 1
and 
Select a Performing Arts Elective 3 units 

Performing Arts elective courses:

Note: Some courses listed as electives are required in one of the emphases but remain electives for the other two emphases.)
PA 101 Introduction to the Performing Arts 3
PA 202 Integrating Dance, Music and Theatre 3
PA 335 Business and the Performing Arts 3
PA 350 Audience and Performance Studies 3
PA 360 Musical Theatre 3
PA 383 Scenic Design 3
PA 384 Costume Design 3
PA 391 Production 3 (Repeatable for up to 12 units) 
PA 436 Physics of Performing Arts 3
PA 490 Special Topics 3 (Repeatable for up to 6 units)
PA 492 Internship in Performing Arts 1-3 (Repeatable for up to 6 units)
PA 494 Independent Study 1-3 (Repeatable for up to 6 units)
PADA 151 Conditioning for Dancers 2
PADA 253 Jazz Dance I 2
PADA 254 Modern Dance I 2
PADA 255 Dance Composition and Improvisation 3
PADA 332 Dance in History 3
PADA 353 Jazz Dance II 3
PADA 354 Modern Dance II 3
PADA 455 Advanced Technique of Contemporary Dance Forms 3
PADA 458 Dance Ensemble 3
PAMU 100 Music Appreciation 3 
PAMU 109 Private Lessons 1
PAMU 161 Music Fundamentals 3
PAMU 200 History of Rock 3
PAMU 202 Group Guitar Lessons 2
PAMU 203 Group Voice Lessons 2
PAMU 231 The Beatles: Music, Fashion and Culture 3 
PAMU 243 Teaching Music to Children 3 
PAMU 261 Music Theory 3 
PAMU 307 University Chorus 1 
PAMU 308 University Orchestra 1
PAMU 309 Private Lessons 1 
PAMU 330 Jazz in America 3 
PAMU 332 World Music 3
PAMU 333 The Varieties of Musical Experience 3 
PAMU 335 The Physics of Music 3 
PAMU 336 Art and Music: Dissonance, Diversity and Continuity 3 
PAMU 337 Music in History 3
PAMU 432 Arts of the Harlem Renaissance 3 
PAMU 435 The Music Museum 3 
PATH 280 Acting I 3
PATH 281 Play Analysis 3
PATH 332 Teaching Dramatic Literature 3 
PATH 333 Multicultural Drama in Performance/ Production 3 
PATH 334 Spanish Language Drama and Theatre 3
PATH 338 Theatre in History 3
PATH 341 Modern American Drama and Theatre 3
PATH 342 Modern British and European Drama and Theatre 3 
PATH 343 Teaching Drama to Children 3
PATH 344 World Drama and Theatre 3 
PATH 380 Acting II 3
PATH 382 Directing 3
PATH 410 Shakespeare’s Plays 3
PATH 412 Drama of Ancient Greece 3
PATH 444 Original Practice in Renaissance Drama 3
PATH 463 Writing for the Stage and Screen 3

 International Freshmen Checklist  

International Transfer Checklist 

Financial Affidavit for Undergraduate applicants 

Submit all application documents to the Center for International Affairs. 

*Transfer Students: We are currently accepting applications from all community colleges in the U.S.  Please make sure that you have at least 60 units and have completed “Oral communication”, “Written communication”, “Critical thinking” and “College level mathematics/quantitative reasoning” with “C” or better.  Please note that the Nursing programs are closed for international students.  

English Score

Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other acceptable test (see below for list of tests).  Scores must be sent directly to CSUCI from testing agency.

Acceptable English Placement Exams

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum Paper-Based score of 500, a minimum Computer Based score of 173 or a minimum Internet Based score of 61.

IELTS – International English Language Test System with an overall band score of 6.0.

*Transfer students: It’s not necessary to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score if you have completed the required Freshman Composition Class at your community college.

The California State University offers a variety of financial aid options for students pursuing a degree with a Music Emphasis. Undergraduate students can apply for federal and state grants such as the FAFSA, which provides need-based financial assistance, and CAL Grants, which are awarded to eligible California residents. Additionally, students may qualify for institutional scholarships offered directly through the university, based on academic achievement, talent, or financial need. Merit-based scholarships often recognize outstanding musical talent and may be awarded through auditions or portfolio reviews conducted by the music department. Work-study programs are also available, allowing students to work part-time on campus in various roles related to their field of study, thereby reducing overall educational expenses. For graduate students, assistantships may be available, offering stipends and tuition reductions in exchange for teaching or research duties within the department. External funding sources can include private foundations, donor-sponsored scholarships, and music-specific grants that support students pursuing advanced studies in music. Financial planning for students should include exploring all available options early in their academic career, as application deadlines and eligibility criteria vary. The university's Financial Aid Office offers personalized counseling to help students navigate the complex array of funding opportunities and optimize their financial resources. It is important for students to submit their financial aid applications promptly and to maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for continuing aid programs. Many students also consider taking out student loans, which should be carefully managed to avoid excessive debt upon graduation. Overall, the university aims to make music education accessible through comprehensive financial support strategies, fostering diversity and enabling talented individuals to pursue their academic and career aspirations in music without undue financial burden.

The California State University offers a comprehensive Music Emphasis program designed to cultivate students' musical talents and prepare them for diverse careers in the music industry. The program provides a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses music theory, history, performance, and technology, enabling students to develop both their technical skills and artistic understanding. Students have the opportunity to engage in ensemble performances, individual lessons, and internships that foster practical experience and professional growth. The faculty consists of experienced musicians and educators who provide personalized instruction and mentorship, helping students achieve their artistic potential. The program also emphasizes the importance of music as a cultural and social phenomenon, encouraging students to explore various genres, styles, and historical contexts. Facilities include state-of-the-art practice rooms, recording studios, and performance venues that support a vibrant musical community. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in performance, education, composition, music production, and other related fields. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. Overall, the Music Emphasis at California State University aims to produce versatile and skilled musicians who can succeed in a dynamic and evolving industry.