SDSU School of Music and Dance

Welcome to the SDSU School of Music and Dance, a distinguished academic and artistic hub nestled within the vibrant campus of San Diego State University. For aspiring musicians, talented dancers, and arts enthusiasts across California, this institution stands as a beacon of excellence in performing arts education. Here, students not only receive specialized instruction and career development opportunities but also immerse themselves in a dynamic artistic environment shaped by the unique strengths and knowledge of an accomplished faculty. The School of Music and Dance is dedicated to emphasizing high-quality performance experiences, professional engagement, and applied practical training in both music and dance, making it an ideal destination for those committed to a career in the arts or simply seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation.

At the SDSU School of Music and Dance, we believe in fostering individual career aspirations under the supervision of a supportive and skilled faculty. Our commitment to a rigorous yet nurturing educational approach ensures that every student can reach their fullest potential. Whether you dream of performing on a professional stage, composing groundbreaking new works, teaching the next generation of artists, or contributing to the arts in a myriad of other ways, our programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed. The consistent praise from alumni, one noting it as "A top notch place," underscores the enduring quality and positive impact of an education received here.

Located in the heart of San Diego, the School of Music and Dance contributes significantly to the city's rich cultural landscape, offering numerous public performances and engaging with the broader community. It serves as a vital resource for artistic development and appreciation for residents throughout San Diego County.

The SDSU School of Music and Dance is centrally located on the campus of San Diego State University at 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA. Campanile Drive is a primary artery within the university, making the School of Music and Dance easily identifiable and accessible once on campus. As part of a major university, the location benefits from well-established infrastructure and transportation networks.

Accessing SDSU is generally convenient for residents across San Diego County. The campus is well-served by public transportation, including the San Diego Trolley (Green Line), with a dedicated SDSU Transit Center that connects directly to the university. This makes it a highly accessible option for students and visitors relying on public transit from various neighborhoods, from Downtown San Diego to El Cajon. For those driving, SDSU's campus is easily reachable via major freeways such as I-8. While parking on a university campus can sometimes require planning, SDSU offers various parking structures and lots for students, faculty, and visitors. Detailed parking information and campus maps are readily available through the university's official website, helping to ensure a smooth arrival. The campus environment itself provides a vibrant and stimulating backdrop for artistic study, making the School of Music and Dance an integral part of the local community.

The SDSU School of Music and Dance offers a comprehensive array of academic programs and experiential learning opportunities designed for both majors and non-majors.

• Undergraduate Degrees in Music:
  • Bachelor of Music (BM) with specializations in areas like Music Education (leading to California Single Subject Teaching Credential), Performance, Composition, Jazz Studies, Music Generalist, Music Recording Technology and Audio Design, and Music Entrepreneurship and Business.
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music, a liberal arts degree for broader understanding.
• Undergraduate Degrees in Dance:
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance, a professional training program (one of only three in the CSU system).
  • BFA in Dance with a concentration in Dance Education (prepares for K-12 teaching).
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance, a liberal arts degree often ideal for double majors.
• Graduate Degrees:
  • Master of Arts (MA) in Music (e.g., Musicology, Theory, Ethnomusicology, Piano Pedagogy).
  • Master of Music (MM) with specializations in Composition, Conducting, Jazz Studies, or Performance.
• Minors and Credential Programs: Dance Minor, various Music Minors (e.g., Classical, Jazz, Electro-Acoustic), and the K-12 Single-Subject Credential in Dance.
• Performing Ensembles: Over 150 annual performances with numerous opportunities for both majors and non-majors in orchestras, concert bands, jazz ensembles, athletic bands, chamber groups, choirs, opera, and mariachi.
• Community Music School (CMS): Provides high-quality, accessible, and diverse music and dance instruction for all ages, abilities, and income levels within the greater San Diego community, including individual instruction for instruments, voice, theory, and composition.
• Guest Artist Experiences: Opportunities to work with internationally recognized guest artists.

The SDSU School of Music and Dance is distinguished by its commitment to high-caliber instruction, diverse opportunities, and significant impact on its students and the broader artistic community.

• Brilliant and Dedicated Faculty: As one alumnus stated, "Brilliant, dedicated professors." This underscores the high quality of instruction and mentorship students receive, emphasizing the expertise and commitment of the teaching staff.
• Top-Notch Institution: The sentiment "A top notch place" from a multiple-degree recipient highlights the consistent academic and artistic excellence recognized by its graduates.
• Extensive Performance Opportunities: With over 150 annual performances, students have abundant chances to hone their skills in a variety of ensembles and public settings, from large orchestral concerts to intimate dance showcases.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The School offers a wide array of specialized instruction across numerous music and dance disciplines, preparing students for diverse career paths and fostering well-rounded artists.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Despite one reviewer mentioning the building "getting a little dated," the School boasts specialized facilities including Smith Recital Hall (300 seats, Steinways, recording systems), Rhapsody Hall (200 seats), Dance Studio Theatre (95 seats, sprung floor, theatrical lighting), state-of-the-art digital keyboard labs, a Gamelan Room, a Global Performance Lab for online masterclasses, and specialized music education classrooms, ensuring a rich learning environment.
• Professional Engagement: The curriculum emphasizes applied practical training and professional engagement, preparing students for real-world careers in music and dance.
• Community Engagement: Through its Community Music School and various outreach performances, SDSU's School of Music and Dance actively serves and enriches the cultural life of the wider San Diego community, offering accessible arts education to all ages.
• Diverse Dance Techniques: The Dance program offers a rich variety of techniques including Hip Hop, Release-Based Contemporary, Ballet, Contact Improvisation, Capoeira, Musical Theater, Horton, and West African, providing a broad and inclusive dance education.

For inquiries about admissions, programs, performances, or general information, please contact the SDSU School of Music and Dance using the details below:

Address: 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA

Phone: (619) 594-6031

Mobile Phone: +1 619-594-6031

General Email: musicdan@sdsu.edu (as listed on their contact page)

For residents of San Diego and aspiring artists throughout Southern California, the SDSU School of Music and Dance stands as an indispensable local asset. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, stemming from its unwavering commitment to academic rigor, artistic excellence, and community engagement. The testimonials from alumni, praising "Brilliant, dedicated professors" and describing it as "A top notch place," underscore the caliber of education and the profound impact it has on its students' lives and careers. This means local students don't need to leave San Diego to receive world-class training in music and dance.

Beyond the formal degree programs, the School's dedication to providing extensive performance opportunities ensures that the San Diego community benefits directly from the vibrant artistic output of its students and faculty. The presence of the Community Music School further extends its reach, offering accessible music and dance instruction to individuals of all ages and abilities within the local area, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts from childhood through adulthood. While the building might be "getting a little dated," as one review noted, this minor point is clearly outweighed by the exceptional quality of instruction and the wealth of resources available. Its strategic location on the SDSU campus, with excellent public transit access, makes it a convenient and practical choice for students and community members alike. In essence, the SDSU School of Music and Dance is not just an academic institution; it's a vital cultural cornerstone that enriches the lives of San Diegans through education, performance, and community artistic development.

SDSU School of Music and Dance

5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA