Updated June 11, 2026.
The Bob Cole Conservatory of Music offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees with concentrations in Performance, Composition, and Music Education. Options in performance include Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Piano, Strings Voice, Opera, and Jazz. Options in Music Education include Instrumental and Choral.
Auditions for the Fall semester occur in February of the same year. Auditions for the Spring semester occur in October of the previous year.
*Instrumental Jazz and Vocal Jazz do not accept students in the Spring semester. Refer to Fall Audition Dates if you are interested in Jazz.
To be considered for admission, prospective students must submit their Cal State Apply application and requisite fee during the following dates:
Scheduling an audition or submitting a prescreen application is not the same thing as applying to the university. Applying to the university and selecting "Music" does not guarantee admission as a music major.
Some undergraduate applicants may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please visit the fee waiver site for more information.
All prospective students are required to submit prescreening materials. The required repertoire for your prescreening is listed below. After reviewing your prescreen submission, we will notify you if you are selected to move on to the next stage, which is an in-person audition.
Please select your area for specific repertoire and requirements:
Applicants for admission on brass instruments should be prepared to play one or more selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency, selected major scales, and a chromatic scale that demonstrates your range on the instrument.
Instrumental Jazz does not accept incoming students for Spring matriculation.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the melody of the tune and improvise to the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you.
Saxophonists should be prepared to demonstrate woodwind-doubling skills on a jazz or classical étude or excerpt. Alto saxophonists should be prepared to play soprano sax and flute. Tenor saxophonists should be prepared to play clarinet and flute. Baritone saxophonists should be prepared to play bass clarinet and flute.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the melody of the tune, perform a chord melody (guitar only), "comp" the chord changes, and improvise on the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. Guitarists will be asked to play the written melody line; Pianists will be asked to play the written melody while comping the chord changes in the left hand.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the melody of the tune, provide a bass line (comp), and improvise to the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you.
The Jazz Studies area does not admit candidates who play electric bass only.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the tunes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. Candidates who advance to the second part of the audition will be asked to sight read a portion of a big band chart to demonstrate your ability to play a consistent groove in the style, play set-up figures, and accurately play notated ensemble cues.
**All drum candidates are required to bring your own cymbals to the in-person audition.
Undergraduate and Graduate jazz studies degree programs are designed to put the finishing touches on your previously acquired jazz skills. Collegiate jazz programs are not designed to accommodate those with little or no jazz background and/or those with undeveloped music notation reading skills. Here are some general guidelines and prerequisite skills that indicate whether the Jazz Studies degree programs at "Jazz At The Beach" are a good fit for you:
Successful candidates have a history of excellence in high school and/or community college academics, have 4-6 years of experience as leading players in their secondary school and/or community college jazz ensembles, listen to jazz regularly, are building a repertoire of jazz standards, and are able to sight read musical notation at a collegiate level.
The Jazz Studies Handbook is now available on Canvas using your SSO login. The handbook is updated annually to publicize jazz area policies, offer helpful advice, and answer frequently asked questions from prospective and current Bob Cole Conservatory jazz majors. If you have any further questions specific to the Jazz Studies area that are not covered in this handbook, please e-mail the area director at jeff.jarvis@csulb.edu.
All of us at "Jazz At The Beach" are eager to help you realize your goals.
Vocal Jazz does not accept incoming students for Spring matriculation.
Your Audition Video must include two jazz standards in contrasting styles. One must be a medium or up-tempo swing. On of the pieces must include vocal improvisation.
Based on your prescreen video, you will be notified if you have been selected to advance to the next step—an in-person audition.
First-Year students must complete one year of classical voice lessons, and complete a "Sophomore Hearing" in classical voice at the end of your first year. Once the Sophomore Hearing has been passed, private jazz lessons will begin. Jazz lessons usually begin at the start of sophomore year.
Transfer Students begin jazz lessons right away.
Keyboard Studies requires you to submit a prescreen application form in addition to a prescreen audition video to be considered for the program.
Three (3) works in contrasting styles demonstrating lyrical and technical accomplishment appropriate for Conservatory admission. At least one of the works must be from the Baroque or Classical era. For the performance option, the total duration must be at least twelve (12) minutes. Work(s) performed on the prescreen recording may be repeated for the audition.
Applicants for admission on organ should be prepared to perform a work demonstrating both musical registration and technique. This may be done with one composition or with two contrasting works. Playing from memory will be considered as denoting serious preparation.
Following each semester of required private study the student must pass a performance examination before a jury composed of the studio instructor and Conservatory of Music faculty members.
All or portions of a work from each of the periods in music history studied during the semester. Registration, pedal dexterity, finger legato, manual changes and use of the expression pedals are essential achievements.
Pieces or études should be chosen from the following categories and need not be memorized:
Applicants for admission should bring to the audition sticks, mallets, music, and any instruments beyond a marimba, vibraphone, snare drum, timpani and drum set.
Please note: if you wish to audition with a different set of pieces, please email the Area Director.
Applicants for admission on violin should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on viola should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on cello should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on bass should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on harp should be prepared to perform the following:
Please note: if you wish to audition with a different set of pieces, please email the Area Director.
Applicants for admission on violin should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on viola should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on cello should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on bass should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on harp should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission should meet the following requirements:
Applicants for admission should meet the following requirements:
Applicants for admission on bassoon should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on clarinet should be prepared to perform one or more selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list.
Representative material: the student should perform works at least the equivalent of material found in Lazarus (Parts II and III), Klose, Baermann (Parts I and II), and Magnani (Parts I and II).
Applicants for admission on flute should be prepared to play one or more selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency and are approximately a total of 10 minutes of music. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list.
Applicants for admission on oboe should be prepared to play two contrasting selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list.
Applicants for admission on saxophone should prepare two contrasting selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency and are approximately a total of 10 minutes of music. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list. Etudes are not appropriate for this audition.
Selections marked with * are appropriate for transfer students.
All prospective students are required to submit prescreening materials. The required portfolio for your prescreening is listed below. After reviewing your prescreen submission, we will notify you if you are selected to move on to the next stage, which is an in-person audition.
Your portfolio should contain two to three recent original compositions. At least one of the compositions should be notated. The notation could be by hand or using a notation software. Other compositions could be realized by means of a digital audio workstation (DAW).
If your portfolio is not ready at this time, we will send you reminders before the deadline.
The portfolio should contain three to five recent original notated works that show your awareness of 20th-21st century practices in composition. The notation could be by hand or using a notation software. Other compositions could be realized by means of a digital audio workstation (DAW).
If your portfolio is not ready at this time, we will send you reminders before the deadline.
Students wishing to become teachers in K-12 public schools should audition and interview as Music Education majors. To be considered for Music Education you must pass a performance audition on your instrument.
Direct all performance audition-related questions to the area director of your specific instrument or voice. Do not contact the area director(s) of Music Education for questions about your audition.
Students who wish to be studio teachers or who plan to go directly to graduate school after their undergraduate studies would be better served with a performance degree.
All prospective students are required to submit prescreening materials. The required repertoire for your prescreening is listed below. After reviewing your prescreen submission, we will notify you if you are selected to move on to the next stage, which is an in-person audition.
At your in-person audition, you will also complete your Music Education interview.
Please select your area for specific repertoire and requirements:
Applicants for admission on brass instruments should be prepared to play one or more selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency, selected major scales, and a chromatic scale that demonstrates your range on the instrument.
Instrumental Jazz does not accept incoming students for Spring matriculation.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the melody of the tune and improvise to the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you.
Saxophonists should be prepared to demonstrate woodwind-doubling skills on a jazz or classical étude or excerpt. Alto saxophonists should be prepared to play soprano sax and flute. Tenor saxophonists should be prepared to play clarinet and flute. Baritone saxophonists should be prepared to play bass clarinet and flute.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the melody of the tune, perform a chord melody (guitar only), "comp" the chord changes, and improvise on the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. Guitarists will be asked to play the written melody line; Pianists will be asked to play the written melody while comping the chord changes in the left hand.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the melody of the tune, provide a bass line (comp), and improvise to the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you.
The Jazz Studies area does not admit candidates who play electric bass only.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the tunes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. Candidates who advance to the second part of the audition will be asked to sight read a portion of a big band chart to demonstrate your ability to play a consistent groove in the style, play set-up figures, and accurately play notated ensemble cues.
**All drum candidates are required to bring your own cymbals to the in-person audition.
Undergraduate and Graduate jazz studies degree programs are designed to put the finishing touches on your previously acquired jazz skills. Collegiate jazz programs are not designed to accommodate those with little or no jazz background and/or those with undeveloped music notation reading skills. Here are some general guidelines and prerequisite skills that indicate whether the Jazz Studies degree programs at "Jazz At The Beach" are a good fit for you:
Successful candidates have a history of excellence in high school and/or community college academics, have 4-6 years of experience as leading players in their secondary school and/or community college jazz ensembles, listen to jazz regularly, are building a repertoire of jazz standards, and are able to sight read musical notation at a collegiate level.
The Jazz Studies Handbook is now available on Canvas using your SSO login. The handbook is updated annually to publicize jazz area policies, offer helpful advice, and answer frequently asked questions from prospective and current Bob Cole Conservatory jazz majors. If you have any further questions specific to the Jazz Studies area that are not covered in this handbook, please e-mail the area director at jeff.jarvis@csulb.edu.
All of us at "Jazz At The Beach" are eager to help you realize your goals.
Vocal Jazz does not accept incoming students for Spring matriculation.
Your Audition Video must include two jazz standards in contrasting styles. One must be a medium or up-tempo swing. On of the pieces must include vocal improvisation.
Based on your prescreen video, you will be notified if you have been selected to advance to the next step—an in-person audition.
First-Year students must complete one year of classical voice lessons, and complete a "Sophomore Hearing" in classical voice at the end of your first year. Once the Sophomore Hearing has been passed, private jazz lessons will begin. Jazz lessons usually begin at the start of sophomore year.
Transfer Students begin jazz lessons right away.
Keyboard Studies requires you to submit a prescreen application form in addition to a prescreen audition video to be considered for the program.
Three (3) works in contrasting styles demonstrating lyrical and technical accomplishment appropriate for Conservatory admission. At least one of the works must be from the Baroque or Classical era. For the performance option, the total duration must be at least twelve (12) minutes. Work(s) performed on the prescreen recording may be repeated for the audition.
Applicants for admission on organ should be prepared to perform a work demonstrating both musical registration and technique. This may be done with one composition or with two contrasting works. Playing from memory will be considered as denoting serious preparation.
Following each semester of required private study the student must pass a performance examination before a jury composed of the studio instructor and Conservatory of Music faculty members.
All or portions of a work from each of the periods in music history studied during the semester. Registration, pedal dexterity, finger legato, manual changes and use of the expression pedals are essential achievements.
Pieces or études should be chosen from the following categories and need not be memorized:
Applicants for admission should bring to the audition sticks, mallets, music, and any instruments beyond a marimba, vibraphone, snare drum, timpani and drum set.
Please note: if you wish to audition with a different set of pieces, please email the Area Director.
Applicants for admission on violin should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on viola should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on cello should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on bass should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on harp should be prepared to perform the following:
Please note: if you wish to audition with a different set of pieces, please email the Area Director.
Applicants for admission on violin should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on viola should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on cello should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on bass should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on harp should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission should meet the following requirements:
Applicants for admission should meet the following requirements:
Applicants for admission on bassoon should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on clarinet should be prepared to perform one or more selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list.
Representative material: the student should perform works at least the equivalent of material found in Lazarus (Parts II and III), Klose, Baermann (Parts I and II), and Magnani (Parts I and II).
Applicants for admission on flute should be prepared to play one or more selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency and are approximately a total of 10 minutes of music. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list.
Applicants for admission on oboe should be prepared to play two contrasting selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list.
Applicants for admission on saxophone should prepare two contrasting selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency and are approximately a total of 10 minutes of music. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list. Etudes are not appropriate for this audition.
Selections marked with * are appropriate for transfer students.
All prospective students are required to submit prescreening materials. You are required to submit your 500-word essay by the prescreening deadline.
The required repertoire for your prescreening is listed below. After reviewing your prescreen submission, we will notify you if you are selected to move on to the next stage, which is an in-person audition.
Please select your area for specific repertoire and requirements:
Applicants for admission on brass instruments should be prepared to play one or more selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency, selected major scales, and a chromatic scale that demonstrates your range on the instrument.
Instrumental Jazz does not accept incoming students for Spring matriculation.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the melody of the tune and improvise to the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you.
Saxophonists should be prepared to demonstrate woodwind-doubling skills on a jazz or classical étude or excerpt. Alto saxophonists should be prepared to play soprano sax and flute. Tenor saxophonists should be prepared to play clarinet and flute. Baritone saxophonists should be prepared to play bass clarinet and flute.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the melody of the tune, perform a chord melody (guitar only), "comp" the chord changes, and improvise on the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. Guitarists will be asked to play the written melody line; Pianists will be asked to play the written melody while comping the chord changes in the left hand.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the melody of the tune, provide a bass line (comp), and improvise to the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you.
The Jazz Studies area does not admit candidates who play electric bass only.
Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards/études in contrasting styles. Be prepared to perform the tunes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. Candidates who advance to the second part of the audition will be asked to sight read a portion of a big band chart to demonstrate your ability to play a consistent groove in the style, play set-up figures, and accurately play notated ensemble cues.
**All drum candidates are required to bring your own cymbals to the in-person audition.
Undergraduate and Graduate jazz studies degree programs are designed to put the finishing touches on your previously acquired jazz skills. Collegiate jazz programs are not designed to accommodate those with little or no jazz background and/or those with undeveloped music notation reading skills. Here are some general guidelines and prerequisite skills that indicate whether the Jazz Studies degree programs at "Jazz At The Beach" are a good fit for you:
Successful candidates have a history of excellence in high school and/or community college academics, have 4-6 years of experience as leading players in their secondary school and/or community college jazz ensembles, listen to jazz regularly, are building a repertoire of jazz standards, and are able to sight read musical notation at a collegiate level.
The Jazz Studies Handbook is now available on Canvas using your SSO login. The handbook is updated annually to publicize jazz area policies, offer helpful advice, and answer frequently asked questions from prospective and current Bob Cole Conservatory jazz majors. If you have any further questions specific to the Jazz Studies area that are not covered in this handbook, please e-mail the area director at jeff.jarvis@csulb.edu.
All of us at "Jazz At The Beach" are eager to help you realize your goals.
Vocal Jazz does not accept incoming students for Spring matriculation.
Your Audition Video must include two jazz standards in contrasting styles. One must be a medium or up-tempo swing. On of the pieces must include vocal improvisation.
Based on your prescreen video, you will be notified if you have been selected to advance to the next step—an in-person audition.
First-Year students must complete one year of classical voice lessons, and complete a "Sophomore Hearing" in classical voice at the end of your first year. Once the Sophomore Hearing has been passed, private jazz lessons will begin. Jazz lessons usually begin at the start of sophomore year.
Transfer Students begin jazz lessons right away.
Keyboard Studies requires you to submit a prescreen application form in addition to a prescreen audition video to be considered for the program.
Three (3) works in contrasting styles demonstrating lyrical and technical accomplishment appropriate for Conservatory admission. At least one of the works must be from the Baroque or Classical era. For the performance option, the total duration must be at least twelve (12) minutes. Work(s) performed on the prescreen recording may be repeated for the audition.
Applicants for admission on organ should be prepared to perform a work demonstrating both musical registration and technique. This may be done with one composition or with two contrasting works. Playing from memory will be considered as denoting serious preparation.
Following each semester of required private study the student must pass a performance examination before a jury composed of the studio instructor and Conservatory of Music faculty members.
All or portions of a work from each of the periods in music history studied during the semester. Registration, pedal dexterity, finger legato, manual changes and use of the expression pedals are essential achievements.
Pieces or études should be chosen from the following categories and need not be memorized:
Applicants for admission should bring to the audition sticks, mallets, music, and any instruments beyond a marimba, vibraphone, snare drum, timpani and drum set.
Please note: if you wish to audition with a different set of pieces, please email the Area Director.
Applicants for admission on violin should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on viola should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on cello should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on bass should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on harp should be prepared to perform the following:
Please note: if you wish to audition with a different set of pieces, please email the Area Director.
Applicants for admission on violin should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on viola should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on cello should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on bass should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on harp should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission should meet the following requirements:
Applicants for admission should meet the following requirements:
Applicants for admission on bassoon should be prepared to perform the following:
Applicants for admission on clarinet should be prepared to perform one or more selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list.
Representative material: the student should perform works at least the equivalent of material found in Lazarus (Parts II and III), Klose, Baermann (Parts I and II), and Magnani (Parts I and II).
Applicants for admission on flute should be prepared to play one or more selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency and are approximately a total of 10 minutes of music. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list.
Applicants for admission on oboe should be prepared to play two contrasting selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list.
Applicants for admission on saxophone should prepare two contrasting selections that best represent the applicant’s level of lyrical and technical proficiency and are approximately a total of 10 minutes of music. Please use the list below to help you select a work that best showcases your abilities. These are only suggestions, feel free to choose a work not on this list. Etudes are not appropriate for this audition.
Selections marked with * are appropriate for transfer students.
Use this link to apply to the Conservatory. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email.
For information on international student applications, please visit the Center for International Education website: