Department of Music | Case Western Reserve University

String students rehearsing with CWRU sweaters

Perfectly Attuned

Case Western Reserve's strategic partnership with the Cleveland Institute of Music offers world-class training in music performance, leveraging the resources of a major research university and a leading conservatory. Students study music in University Circle, a vibrant community recognized as one of the best arts districts in America (USA Today)!

Joint Music Program

MuEd faculty and students at Midwest 2022

Undergraduate Degree Programs

The Music (BA) degree provides students the flexibility and academic freedom to combine musical study with another discipline through a double major, dual degree, or secondary major. The Music Education (BS) degree is tailored to the needs of outstanding musicians preparing for a professional career as a school music educator, leading to an initial teaching license.

Undergraduate Studies

Prof Daniel Goldmark meeting with students in class

Graduate Degree Programs

Our graduate programs encompass degrees in historical performance practice (MA/DMA), music education (MA/MAL/PhD), and musicology (PhD), offering a holistic learning experience in a diverse and supportive environment. Students generate knowledge through research guided by leading scholars.

Graduate Studies

Ensembles and Lessons

Performing in music ensembles or taking applied music lessons offers a rewarding educational and artistic experience to students across all majors. Students develop new skills, pursue personal passions, and build community.

Participation Information

Photo inside Maltz Performing Arts Center

Performing Arts in University Circle

Cleveland's artistic community is vast, celebrated, and collaborative! Find yourself on a vibrant campus in the heart of University Circle, a culturally robust and energetic neighborhood. The Silver Hall Concert Series at the Maltz Performing Arts Center (pictured here) showcases performances by Department of Music ensembles and local musicians.

Creating the Center >>

Haven Hour Cover Photo: female playing guitar, singing, sitting on red sofa

Jam with CWRU Music at Haven Hour: Live Music & Community

Join us for a series that celebrates live music, spontaneity, and the campus community—right in the heart of Haydn Hall.

Nate Kruse named Associate Editor of Visions of Research in Music Education

Founded in 2001, VRME is a leading open-access, peer-reviewed journal publishing quarterly research on music teaching and learning.

Faculty News

Laina Dawes wearing a black, heavy metal t-shirt and she's gazing out a window

Laina Dawes Concludes Postdoctoral Fellowship in Music and Identity

With her two-year fellowship ending in July, Dawes reflects on her time at the university and what lies ahead for her.

Postdoc Spotlight

Finding His Rhythm: Jesse Silverberg’s Jazz Journey at CWRU

Featured in The Daily, this Spartan Showcase highlights Jesse Silverberg—a graduating senior double major in computer science and music—who found his creative outlet in the CWRU Jazz Ensemble.

Spartan Showcase

Exploring How Culture Shapes Musical Teaching and Learning

Benjamin Helton explores how culture shapes the way people teach, learn, and experience music—aiming to make music education more inclusive and responsive.

Research Brief

Krista Mitchell Appointed Librarian for Learning and Access Services at Oberlin Conservatory Library

Mitchell brings degrees in voice, musicology, and library science, along with experience from major archives. She will focus on research instruction, reference services, and public musicology.

Learn More