Find The Right Program For You

Bachelor of Arts in Music

The B.A. in Music curriculum is designed to serve the needs of students who have career goals in performance, composition, music technology, jazz, public school or private teaching, and graduate study. The Department of Music integrates rigorous academic training with a driving passion for the making of great music: the classics from the European-American tradition, jazz, the new ‘classics’ of our own time, world music, experimental music, music technology, sound design, and more.

Applied Areas

  • Music Composition/Music Production
  • Instrumental Performance: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon; Saxophone(s); French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba; Harp, Violin/Viola, Cello; Piano, Guitar (Acoustic, Electric), Bass (Acoustic, Electric); Percussion; Jazz Drums.
  • Vocal Performance

Vocal/Instrumental Showcase

tian.jpg

These recordings are from student recitals in classical instrumental, vocal, and jazz performance. Music majors take one-on-one lessons with our outstanding faculty and also perform in ensembles of all shapes and sizes.

Composition / Music Production Showcase

Studio

CSU East Bay is one of the most diverse university campuses in the United States, and the music department is no exception. We acknowledge that music of all genres and from all cultures are valid modes of artistic expression and are worthy of academic study. As such, the CSUEB Composition Studio has no stylistic or genre-based requirements or preferences when it comes to the music that our students write.


Will My Courses Transfer?

Dedicated information for transfers can be found in the Transfer Requirement portion of the admissions website.

To determine if your courses will transfer and/or satisfy the above requirements (A1, A2, A3, B4) you can use the following resources:

  • California Community College Courses: Search for courses in .
  • Private or out-of-state colleges: CSUEB maintains the TES database of pre-approved transfer courses from private and out-of-state colleges. If you do not see your course listed, it does not necessarily mean it will not be transferable since it only contains courses already reviewed by our staff. You can .

Master of Arts in Music

The new Master of Arts in Music program is a dynamic and innovative initiative designed to empower students with advanced knowledge, skills, and insights, enabling them to excel in diverse facets of the musical landscape. Our mission is to cultivate a community of musicians and scholars who are well-versed in the rich traditions of music theory and history while being equipped to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities in today's multifaceted music industry. Through a rigorous and dynamic curriculum, we foster a community that not only embraces the historical roots of music but also empowers graduates to contribute, innovate, and lead in the ever-evolving world of music, making meaningful contributions to the cultural and artistic fabric of society.

Students will be able to declare an Area of Emphasis from the following:

  • Performance (Classical / Jazz)
  • Choral Conducting
  • Composition

FAST (4+1) BA/MA Program

The FAST 4+1 Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts (BA/MA) Program in Music at 草莓社区 East Bay offers students an accelerated pathway to earn both degrees in five years. This innovative program is designed for dedicated music students who wish to deepen their knowledge, refine their skills, and expand their career opportunities in the dynamic field of music.

Building on the strengths of our diverse and inclusive undergraduate program, the blended program integrates rigorous academic training with advanced studies in music theory, history, performance, composition, and contemporary issues such as social justice and ecological sustainability. Students declare an area of emphasis—Performance (Classical or Jazz), Choral Conducting, or Composition—and engage in specialized coursework, applied lessons, ensemble participation, and collaborative projects.

Music Education

Music Education at CSUEB prepares students to become inspiring K–12 music teachers and leaders in their communities. Students gain practical training in conducting, instrumental, choral, and general music teaching while double-counting their coursework toward the B.A. in Music. Graduates are well prepared to pursue a California teaching credential and to join the thriving community of CSUEB alumni teaching across the state and beyond.

Our graduates work as:
  • Middle and high school ensemble directors
  • Elementary general music teachers
  • Private studio instructors and community arts educator
  • Many also pursue careers as performers, composers, and conductors
Pathways to Music Education:

At 草莓社区, you can study Music Education in two ways:
  1. Undergraduate Pathway — As part of the B.A. in Music, students take music education courses that double-count toward degree requirements while preparing to earn the California Teaching Credential.
  2. Graduate Certificate Pathway — For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree, the same sequence of courses is available as a Graduate Certificate in Music Education (see catalog).

Music Education Showcase

Take a look at what our Music Education alumni are doing. Teaching in diverse communities across California, these graduates are building meaningful music programs, inspiring young musicians, and creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and empowered through music.

The Music Minor

A music minor is a great option for a student who is passionate about music, performance or conducting, but who chooses to major in another field. Our program aims to broaden, as well as deepen, students' understanding of the art of music and offers a good deal of flexibility!