Single Subject Credential

Earning a California Single Subject Credential in Music indicates that you have sufficient training to successfully teach K-12 students in any music area including (but not limited to) elementary music, general music, choir, orchestra, band, mariachi, piano, guitar, music composition, and/or music theory. As a result, a broad range of musical training is required to be
admitted to the SSC program.

The best way to prepare for the credential requirements and a successful career in music teaching is through a music teacher training program, typically a BM in Music Education, which is regarded as one of the most rigorous undergraduate degrees. However, individuals may pursue
different paths toward their music credential application depending on their prior training.

In order to enter SJSU’s single subject credential, you should have prior coursework or other high-level training in the following areas:

  • Music Theory
  • Ear Training and Sight Singing
  • Piano Fundamentals
  • Instrumental Methods, including proficiency in at least one instrument in each of the following families:
    -Strings, Brass, Woodwinds, and Percussion
    -Vocal Methods and Singing
    -Conducting
    -Primary Vocal or Instrumental Training (Applied Instruction/Lessons)
    -Music Teacher Training Courses
    -Instruction in sequencing, assessment, delivery of feedback, differentiation, repertoire selection, curriculum design, and inclusive practice in music teaching

Prospective credential students with prior training in other music areas (performance or BA degrees) or other content areas outside of music will likely need to take coursework through SJSU’s Open University program in order to prepare themselves to apply for the SSC. While students currently enrolled in the BM in Music Teacher Preparation have priority enrollment in
SJSU music courses, community members are permitted to enroll in courses which have open seats.

In order to apply for the Single Subject Credential in Music, you should follow two primary steps:


1) Apply through the Cal State Apply site.

  • Deadline for Spring Admission: October 1 st ; Deadline for Summer Admission: March 15 th; Deadline for Fall Admission: April 1 st .

2) Schedule an audition with the Music Education area by emailing Dr. Laura Bock. You must pass this audition in order to be admitted to the SSC program in Music.

Fall 2026 Audition Requirements:

  1. Sing while accompanying yourself on a harmonic instrument such as piano, guitar, or ukulele (1-2 minutes)
  2. Sing or play a short solo on your primary instrument (1-2 minutes)
  3. Demonstrate performance proficiency (characteristic tone and basic technique) in three instrument families:
    1) One orchestral string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass)
    2) One brass instrument (trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba)
    3) One woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone)
    4) Sight-sing a short excerpt
    5) Sight-conduct a short excerpt
    6) Complete a timed written prompt
    7) Complete an interview with the music education faculty

Note: You will pre-record requirements 1-3 and upload videos to YouTube approximately one week prior to your in-person audition.

To apply for the SSC program in music, please contact Dr. Bock to
schedule an audition by the following dates:

For Spring Admission: September 14th
For Summer Admission: March 1st
For Fall Admission: March 15th

The SJSU College of Education also offers an opportunity to complete the Master’s of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program concurrently with the Single Subject Credential. For more

information, please send an email to: luriecollegeteacheradmissions@sjsu.edu