San Diego Mesa College provides musicians a place to begin studying music in preparation for earning a two-year certification from the college or transferring to an undergraduate school. Foundational music studies are the training focus and include music theory, ear training, instrumental and vocal ensembles, and practical music courses in piano, guitar, voice, recording and composition. The college also offers less focused courses, such as world music and music history, for students transferring to non-music majors.
No auditions are necessary to be admitted to San Diego Mesa College's music department, but proficiency tests in basic skills might be required.
San Diego Mesa College
7250 Mesa College Drive
San Diego, California 92111-4998
619-388-2682
sdmesa.edu
College of Arts and Sciences in San Diego takes a more classical approach to music training. With emphasis on performance, history, literature, theory and composition, in addition to classes geared toward mastering individual instruments, students graduate with a firm foundation of music knowledge that can be applied to many aspects of the music business and to various music styles.
Individual music and voice lessons are also available at the college. Students must own their own instrument and have a few years of practice under their belts before signing up for private lessons. Auditions are not required for achieving a minor in music, and auditions for achieving a music major are required solely for the purpose of determining the direction the student should take with school courses.
College of Arts and Sciences
University of San Diego
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
619-260-4600
sandiego.edu
Break out of the academic mold when earning your degree through San Diego School of Music and Dance at San Diego State University. Choose from diverse and focused four-year degrees with eclectic majors, such as electro-acoustic composition in contemporary cultures, or earn a more all-encompassing degree, such as professional studies in music with emphasis on music theory, history, and technology and keyboard skills.
Musicians must submit an audition DVD to the school or schedule an audition with the faculty before applying. During auditions, students must outline their music education backgrounds and perform pieces from their repertoires displaying their talent. Application forms are available online.
San Diego State University
School of Music & Dance
San Diego, CA 92182-7902
619-594-6031
music.sdsu.edu