The fundamental purpose of the Sacramento State music curriculum is threefold:

  • to promote excellence in all aspects of music performance and academic coursework,
  • to provide basic preparation for careers in music, and
  • to promote interest in all musical and artistic endeavors at the University and in the Sacramento community.

    • Special Features

    • With all of its degree programs fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Sacramento State School of Music has developed a regional and national reputation for the high quality of its faculty and the superior achievements of its students and performing ensembles.
    • Each year the School of Music presents a large number of performances to the campus and the greater Sacramento area. These include concerts by the bands, orchestra, jazz ensembles, concert choir, chorus, and opera workshop. For nearly 40 years, the Festival of New American Music has been an important part of the musical scene in the United States.? Other concerts are part of the Piano Series, the New Millennium Series and the World Music Series.
    • In addition, the Department has brought to the campus such notable personalities as composers George Crumb, Bernard Rands, and Philip Glass; pianists Gilbert Kalish and Jon Nakamatsu; the Juilliard Quartet; the Kronos String Quartet; The Apple Hill Chamber Players; opera star Denyce Graves; and jazz greats Bobby Hutcherson and Bob Mintzer.
    • Several music faculty have written textbooks; a number of them are composers with numerous performances to their credit; others perform quite frequently.