Music Student FAQs

If you do not find your question on this list, contact the main office at (408) 924-4673.

• How often should I check MySJSU?

  • Check your MySJSU account every day during the first two weeks of class. Make sure your fees are paid to avoid disenrollment. Be certain that the correct applied studio has been added to your program.

• Am I required to be in a major performing ensemble every semester?

  • Yes, each semester you are enrolled in applied lessons, you also must be enrolled in the appropriate major performing ensemble. Consult your area coordinator if you have specific questions.

• What happens if I am disenrolled after the start of the semester?

  • If you are disenrolled, you must immediately initiate action to pay your fees and re-enroll. You usually have only one day between disenrollment and University Census day. If you do not re-enroll in your classes prior to University Census day, the school will not approve your enrollment.

• Where do I find answers to questions about facilities use, juries, and recitals?

  • All of the basic information relating to undergraduate and graduate student questions can be found in either the Music Major Undergraduate Handbook [pdf] [pdf] or Graduate Handbook. Please be certain you have a handbook and review it frequently.

• How do I gain access to the building to practice after hours?

  • To practice in the music building after normal business hours, you must visit the Music and Dance office (MUS 179) and request that the director stamp and sign the back of your Music Use Fee card.

• How do I obtain a key to a specific classroom or piano?

  • If you have been approved to work in a locked classroom or have been approved to use a normally locked piano, see the Music and Dance office (MUS 179) to obtain a key. This key must be returned immediately to the office.

• Whom do I see about questions concerning my scholarship?

  • Questions concerning scholarship awards awards should be directed to Mrs. Lucy Yamakawa-Cox in Music 165. Questions concerning scholarship requirements should be directed to Dr. Fred Cohen, Director of the School of Music & Dance.

• I have a concern about a grade or a specific classroom occurrence. With whom should I speak?

  • First, address your problem or concern to the instructor of record. If you feel the concern has not been addressed adequately, make an appointment to speak with Dr. Fred Cohen, Director of the School of Music and Dance for further review of the problem.

• If I am feeling uncomfortable, harassed, or threatened by other students, staff, or faculty, what should I do?

  • If you are feeling harassed or threatened by any person or group of people, report it immediately to Dr. Fred Cohen, Director of the School of Music and Dance. SJSU maintains a zero tolerance for any form of harassment on campus.

• What resources are available for students with learning disabilities?

  • SJSU has an excellent educational center on campus for people with learning disabilities. We are committed to helping all students diagnosed with a learning disability succeed at SJSU.

    Your responsibilities as a student with a learning disability include:

    1. Working with the Disability Resource Center to find ways to help you succeed.
    2. Informing all of your instructors at the beginning of each class of your learning disability so that you can agree on a work plan for the semester that may include any special accommodations.

     

    Additional information can found at the Disability Resource Center or by calling the Center's main office at (408) 924-6000.

• What is required for admission to the master’s degree program at the School of Music and Dance?

  • The application is a three-step process:

    1. An online application to the university, which includes all academic transcripts;
    2. A paper application to the School of Music and Dance, which includes three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose;
    3. An audition and/or portfolio of work for your major area.

     

    For more information, visit the Graduate Music Students Admission page on this website.

• What educational and living expenses can be expected in San José?

  • HereTuition at SJSU is relatively low (please see Registration Fees) while apartment and house rentals in the South Bay are relatively high. Graduate students often live on campus or share apartments or houses. The university is especially proud of the new Campus Village, a three-building state of the art student, faculty, and staff apartment complex that opened in the fall of 2005. Students should contact University Housing, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. PST at (408) 795-5600 and info@housing.sjsu.edu for further information.

• Are there opportunities for part-time work, either on campus or in the community?

  • In addition to the part-time positions mentioned above, graduate students also find music and non-music related employment in a wide variety of Bay Area businesses. Choral conducting students often work in local churches or with community choruses directing adult and children's choirs. Pianists frequently teach in local music schools or set up their own private studios. Some students work part-time in computer businesses in Silicon Valley, often in music-related jobs. In addition, many area public schools hire SJSU graduate students to work with their students and performing ensembles throughout the year. Highly qualified students in music education may participate in the SJSU String Project.

• Must I be continuously enrolled once I begin?

  • Yes, even after you have finished your basic coursework and are working on your final project, you must be enrolled each semester.

• Is it possible to complete a California Teaching Credential and a master's degree at the same time?

  • It is possible to work on a combined music education master's degree and a single subject music teaching credential. The combined coursework is 60 units.