Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), the school is a recognized leader within the arts community. Our curriculum includes courses in performance, music systems (theory), choreography (for dancers), technology and improvisation. Student-performing organizations include, among others, the Wind Ensemble, the Opera Theatre and the Spartan Marching Band. Our dance program sponsors two performing companies, the University Dance Theatre and Company One. Our choral ensembles consistently win top honors at national and international music festivals. Graduates enjoy careers in performance, composition, jazz studies, and music education. Our certified music teacher graduates are in particularly high demand.

The graduate program in the School of Music and Dance offers training for careers in performance, conducting, composition, research, and teaching. We also provide preparation for further advanced study in ten distinct areas:

  • Composition
  • Choral conducting
  • Instrumental conducting
  • Instrumental performance
  • Jazz studies
  • Keyboard studies
  • Music education
  • Music history
  • Music systems/theory
  • Vocal performance