Policies and Operating Procedures

The Case Western Reserve University Department of Music strives to maintain a safe, secure and productive environment for musical creation by university groups and individuals. The following policies and procedures describe which spaces are accessible and for what purpose. Every effort is made to meet the needs of all parties as equitably as possible while preserving the integrity of our facilities.

Find detailed building and room descriptions on our Facilities page.

Questions/Reporting

Routine Requests:
For Department of Music Facilities, service requests, building access (card swipe), room reservations, instrumental lockers, practice rooms, secure rooms or storage areas (lockbox access), and event logistics. Email music+facilities@case.edu or call 216.368.2297. Include photos when possible.

Report piano maintenance issues with the Piano Maintenance Request.

In the event of an emergency:
Call the Campus Security emergency line at 216.368.3333 and report to music+facilities@case.edu or call 216.368.2297.

Building or Classroom locked:
Call the Campus Security non-emergency line at 216.368.3300 and present your reservation ID or course details. CWRU affiliates must also provide their Network ID. For rooms in Denison Hall or special events in Harkness Chapel call 216.368.2297.

After-hours facilities and emergency maintenance:
Call Customer Service at 216.368.2580 (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, custodial) and report to music+facilities@case.edu or call 216.368.2297.

Operational Plans

Please review the operational plans outlined in our Resources for Current Students.

Room Schedules and Reservations

Reservations are granted on a first come first served basis as often as needed and upon confirmation. Priority is given to music faculty and music majors. Every effort is made to match the first choice, but the Department of Music reserves the right to adjust space to accommodate as many requests as possible. We can provide space for activities to the extent that space is available. Find more information on our Rooms and Reservations page.

Rooms and Reservations

General 

• Fall calendars are open from July 10 - December 15. 
• Spring/Summer calendars are open from December 10 - June 15.
• QR Codes to the online Room Schedules are provided on each door.
• The start/end times should be on the quarter hour (:15 or :45), half-hour (:30), full hour (:00), and include setup/teardown time. 
• Make sure to cancel any booking(s) that you do not intend to use.
• Quiet Hours begin at 11:00 PM and no activities will be booked in classrooms past 10:00 PM.
• Rooms are generally not available to reserve during university holidays or breaks.

Classrooms and Rehearsal Rooms

Haydn Hall classrooms, Harkness Chapel/Classroom, and rehearsal rooms in Denison Hall are available to Department of Music faculty, staff, and students. 

• Reservations must be made by 4:00 PM no less than 3 business days in advance.
• Cancellations must be made 7 days from your reservation confirmation (24-hrs when booking within the 3-day window).
• Reservations cannot exceed 120-minutes (2 hours). 
• Music majors are encouraged to book recurring (weekly) times for group rehearsals or individual practice.
• CWRU ensemble members (MUEN) and music minors/non-majors taking lessons (MUAP) can reserve recurring (weekly) times following the Drop/Add period.
• Authorized student organizations can book rehearsal rooms in Denison Hall during Active Hours.
• Haydn Hall classrooms can only be reserved during business hours unless the individual has after-hours access.
• Classrooms are not to serve as practice rooms or public event spaces unless permission is given by the Department of Music.
• Special events require authorization. 

Practice Rooms and Studios

Practice rooms in Haydn Hall and Denison Hall are available to Department of Music faculty, staff, and students, and music minors/non-majors taking applied lessons (MUAP) or ensembles (MUEN). 

• Practice rooms are accessible 24/7 by card swipe; walk-ins are permitted when not in use.
• Same-day reservations for practice rooms/studios can be made up to 4 hours before a session. 
• Reservations cannot exceed 120-minutes (2 hours). 
• Graduate students in Historical Performance Practice or students taking lessons on period instruments can book the HPP Studios in Haydn Hall (requires specialized access).
• Percussion majors or students taking percussion lessons can book the Percussion Studio in Denison Hall (requires specialized access). 
• Practice rooms should not be used for remote classes, study sessions, meetings, hangouts, lunch, etc. This includes the Percussion Studio. 

Harkness Chapel

This space is intended for ensemble performances, student recitals, rehearsals, recording sessions, and academic (music) classes. Additional fees may apply. Visit the Harkness Chapel page for more information. 

• Reservations must be made by 4:00 PM no less than 3 business days in advance.
• Cancellations must be made 7 days from your reservation confirmation (24-hrs when booking within the 3-day window). If you fail to do so you will be charged the full rental fee.
• Recitals and recording sessions are booked in pre-determined blocks not exceeding 180-minutes (3 hours). See details below. 
• An event is confirmed once formal notification from the Department of Music is received.
• Harkness Classroom will serve as a backstage area during performances.
• A 2-hour dress rehearsal is included with each event (scheduling permitting). 
• The last 2 weeks of each academic semester are typically held for Department of Music events.
• This space is not intended to support individual practice, lessons, or other unrelated activities.

Additional fees are charged if holding a reception. Absolutely no alcohol and no food/beverages are permitted inside the main chapel area. Water bottles with lids are acceptable. Receptions can be held in the foyer and classroom but this option must be indicated on the reservation form with permission given by the department. Permit paperwork is required and additional facilities/custodial services are provided (minimum fee of $140). 

Reserve Harkness Chapel

Individuals attending Case Western Reserve University events are expected to be fully vaccinated, including boosters if eligible. All visitors and members of the university may choose whether to wear masks indoors on campus, unless they are in clinical settings, including the dental clinic, or have received university approval for an exception. We encourage everyone in the campus community to respect individual choices to wear a mask. Please remember that those with COVID-19 symptoms should stay home.

University leaders continue to monitor pandemic developments and will adjust health protocols as circumstances warrant. Learn more about CWRU's COVID-19 response. 

Special Events

Ready to plan your meeting or special event? CWRU Affiliates in the Department of Music (with a Network ID) should use this form to plan a special event. An External Group must be sponsored/hosted by a CWRU Affiliate in the Department of Music. 

Our Event Planning Guide will help with event preparation and publicity. 

Event Application

Responsible Party

The responsible party listed on the Harkness Chapel Reservation Request agrees to adhere to the Harkness Chapel Rules for Use and General Housekeeping Rules (below). This historic and valuable building should be treated with the utmost respect. Disregarding regulations and any resulting damages will be billed to the person who made the reservation. Furthermore, the individual/group may not be permitted to use Harkness Chapel in the future. All student event staff have gone through training; regard for their authority is expected. Event staff will remain on-site during the event.

[External Groups] Checking the box on the Harkness Chapel Reservation Request signifies that the individual/group has read the Harkness Chapel Rules of Use and agrees to be the responsible party. 

Student Recitals

Undergraduate and graduate students (CWRU and CIM) can select from predetermined blocks. A dress rehearsal (2-hours) is included (schedule permitting). Special accommodations outside of these time blocks should be arranged with the Department of Music.

Student recitals are booked in 3-hour increments:

• 12:00 - 3:00 PM (1:00 PM start)
• 3:00 - 6:00 PM (4:00 PM start)
• 6:00 - 9:00 PM (7:00 PM start)

Undergraduate students planning to substitute their Level Jury or Exit Jury with a recital should complete the Jury Petition Form by week 8 of the semester.

HPP Graduate Degree Recitals

Fall semester recital proposals are due by April 1 and Spring semester recital proposals are due by November 1. Students should communicate their proposed dates to the Head of Historical Performance Practice by the established deadlines. The Head of HPP will communicate the finalized recital dates (during our exclusive calendar preview) to the music office. See the Event Planning Guide for more information.

CWRU Student Organizations

University Recognized Student Organizations actively participating and contributing to musical life on campus (public performances, collaborating with department ensembles, community engagement), with an affiliation to the Department of Music (music faculty advisor/director and permission from the music office), may schedule a performance or ceremony in Harkness Chapel once per semester at no cost (schedule permitting). There are some instances where fees would be charged (reception is held, admission is charged, damage to the building or any equipment, etc.). Our only requirement is that the event does not take place during the last 2 weeks of each semester because we are busy with department concerts and events (events can be booked past the last day of class scheduling permitting).

Affiliated Student Groups

Student Event Staff

Members of our student event staff will be assigned to work all external events in Harkness Chapel at the rate of $15/hour. Support services are only provided during the academic year and the scheduling depends on the availability of our events team.

Recording Services

Recording services can be requested by submitting the Harkness Recording Services Request. 

The CWRU Department of Music provides free recording services for the following events:

• all concerts by official Department of Music ensembles
• all recitals that are required for the completion of graduate degrees (Historical Performance Practice) 
• all endowed recitals (e.g. the annual Terr Ronis Recital)
• performances by the Department of Music or CIM chamber music courses that are offered exclusively to CWRU students (studio recitals not included)

Recording services are available for a fee for all other Department of Music performances (scheduled in Harkness Chapel) that fall within these categories:

• student solo or joint recitals, including Capstone projects
• studio recitals
• faculty or guest recitals
• recording sessions

Scheduling:

Advance notice (no less than 7 days) is required when requesting recording services. Recording services are provided schedule permitting by our preferred vendor (Graham Rosen, Independent Contractor/Enharmonics Records). Individuals/groups are welcome to hire a recording engineer of their choosing or provide their own equipment. 

Special accommodations outside of these time blocks should be arranged with the Department of Music.

Recording sessions are booked in 3-hour increments:

• 12:00 - 3:00 PM (1:00 PM start)
• 3:00 - 6:00 PM (4:00 PM start)
• 6:00 - 9:00 PM (7:00 PM start)

Rates and Policies:

• Recording Session: $125 rental fee (3-hour block)
• Audio Recording: $100 (includes mastered audio files)
• Audio and Video Recording: $150 (includes mastered audio and video files)

Portable Recording Devices

We offer a number of portable audio recorders and video cameras you can use to record yourself. Recording devices can be reserved in advance by CWRU students, faculty, and staff. Users are responsible for transferring, manipulating, and uploading files. Please contact Ken Wendt <musictech@case.edu> or visit The Core (Haydn Hall, 16).

Harkness Recording Services Request

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Building Access

Request card swipe/after-hours access to Haydn Hall or Denison Hall by submitting the Music Building Access Request.

All music majors and students enrolled in ensembles or lessons will automatically be activated for after-hours access to Denison Hall and Haydn Hall. After-hours access begins the Monday after Drop/Add in the fall semester and expires at the end of the academic year. Please request access for the summer term prior to May 15.

Affiliate Ensemble Members: 
community members in ensembles, accompanists, piano techs, contractors, student staff

The music office can request Affiliate IDs (individuals without a CWRU or CIM ID) if after-hours building access is required. Affiliates can request card swipe access by submitting the Music Building Access Request. Access Services notifies the requestor (our office) and the affiliate when issuing the credentials and ID card. This process takes several days. 

Reporting Access Issues:
Starting the Monday after Drop/Add (either semester), report trouble with card swipe access to the music office by email (music+facilities@case.edu) or submit the Music Building Access Request. 

Specialized Access

Music students who require specialized access to Harkness Chapel/Classroom, HPP studios, Haydn Hall Computer Lab, or secure rooms/storage lockers in Denison Hall should follow these steps: 

Step 1 - Prior to requesting access: Receive authorization from your ensemble director, supervisor, and/or faculty advisor.  
Step 2 - Complete the Secure Access to Controlled Rooms and Storage Areas Form.
Step 3 – A tutorial can be set up to provide training on using the lockbox and associated software. 
Step 4 – Lockbox access will be activated and a copy of your security agreement will be kept on file. 

Approving Authority: Music Facilities (music+facilities@case.edu), in consultation with the appropriate ensemble director, supervisor, or faculty advisor. 

University Keys

A limited amount of university keys may be issued to faculty, staff, and graduate assistants. Please complete the Key Request Form. 

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Practice Rooms 

There are 4 practice rooms with grand pianos located on the 2nd floor of Haydn Hall and 6 Wenger practice modules located in Denison Hall. There are 2 studios dedicated to the HPP program located in the basement of Haydn Hall. Practice rooms are not open to the public. These spaces are available to CWRU music majors and students enrolled in music ensembles (MUEN) or applied music lessons (MUAP). Practice rooms are accessible 24/7 by card swipe; walk-ins are permitted when the room is not in use.

Students taking lessons through the CIM Preparatory and Continuing Education Department are not given access to CWRU practice rooms/rehearsal spaces.

These spaces are not meant for doing homework, video conferencing, resting, etc., and are not available for breakout rehearsals (sectionals or individual parts) during a scheduled group rehearsal.

Practice rooms may be used by faculty as teaching studios upon approval by the music office (if a CIM studio is not available and the faculty member is teaching a CWRU music major in fulfillment of primary or secondary applied lessons -or- in fulfillment of a pedagogy class). Haydn Hall classrooms and Denison Hall rehearsal rooms are NOT to be used as practice rooms or studios without prior approval from the music office. Harkness Chapel and Harkness Classroom are NOT considered practice rooms or studios. Students are not permitted to use music spaces to teach private lessons. 

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Communal Spaces in Haydn Hall

Graduate Offices

Offices for graduate students may be used as needed and as available (Haydn Hall, 05 + 08). See the Graduate Student Handbook for more information. 

Music Education Resource Room (Rm 10)

The Music Education Resource Room is a space for music education students to prepare educational materials and research projects, and it contains a variety of audiovisual media, including a library of education-oriented music software. Students may borrow items from a large collection of music textbooks, educational recordings, testing materials, vocal and instrumental books, curriculum guides, and classroom instruments. The use of this center is encouraged and sometimes required for many of the projects/assignments throughout the music education curriculum. CWRU Department of Music faculty, staff, and students can request direct calendar access by emailing music@case.edu. 

The Core (Rm 16)

The Core is a Macintosh computer classroom and lab dedicated to mind, sound, and vision. The Core is a collaborative space for all CWRU students, faculty, and staff, as well as the University Circle community, to gather and collaborate, design visual and aural mediums, and create masterpieces. 

Haydn Hall Lounge (Rm 103)

This small public lounge, with seating and a microwave, is located on the 1st floor in Haydn Hall (Rm 103). It is open to the public to study, relax, or enjoy lunch. Available after-hours/weekends to CWRU Music faculty, staff, and students with card swipe access.

Haydn F1 Music Hall

This flex space (located on the 1st floor of Haydn Hall) is available to Department of Music faculty, staff, and students for meetings, review sessions, study groups, social gatherings, rehearsals, or sectionals. This space is not intended for individual practice or private lessons. No food or beverages are permitted except for water bottles with lids. Please serve refreshments in The Lounge (Rm 103). Visit this page for more information.

Available for academic activities or meetings MON-FRI before 5:30 PM. Available after-hours/weekends for performance activities to CWRU Music faculty, staff, and students with card swipe access. Walk-ins are permitted when the room is open and not reserved. Book in advance by submitting the Classroom Request Form. CWRU Department of Music faculty, staff, and students can request direct calendar access by emailing music@case.edu. 

Classroom Request Form

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Denison Hall and Ensemble Operations

This building operates with controlled access. The Spartan Rehearsal Hall (SRH), Wade Rehearsal Hall (WRH), and Denison Rehearsal Hall (DRH) will remain closed/locked when not being used by a CWRU music class or ensemble rehearsal. The Denison Classroom (DCR) will remain open at all times.

Music majors, particularly those in chamber groups/small studio groups, pianists, and percussionists will be given priority when booking times to rehearse. The music office will assign building staff to work during Active Hours to open/lock rooms, assist students, and monitor the master schedule. The maximum rehearsal time permitted per student or group is 3 hours per week and rehearsals must end by 10:00 PM.

Active Hours: These hours fall outside normal operating hours when the building is secured but active with ensemble rehearsals, group rehearsals, and individual practice. A building monitor is on staff during Active Hours. Reservations can be made in advance, but walk-ins are permitted. Practice rooms are available 24/7. Students must have after-hours privileges.

DENISON HALL HOURS:
MON - FRI 
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 
Active Hours, MON - THU 4:00 - 10:00 PM

SAT/SUN
card access 
Active Hours, SAT/SUN 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; special events as needed

University Recognized Student Organizations actively participating and contributing to musical life on campus (public performances, collaborating with department ensembles, community engagement), with an affiliation to the Department of Music (music faculty advisor/director and permission from the music office), may schedule a series of dates for one semester at a time in Wade Rehearsal Hall, Denison Rehearsal Hall or Denison Classroom. Student organizations are not to take the place of academic ensembles (MUEN) offered by the Department of Music. No outside activities will be booked in music spaces during orientation or the first week of each academic semester. Regardless of the number of sub-groups, a single student organization is permitted a max of 3 hours of rehearsal time per week during the regular academic semester. For example, if an organization has 3 sub-groups, each group is able to book 1-hour of rehearsal per week. Special events require authorization. 

Affiliated Student Groups

**All students must visit the building monitor station upon arrival.**

Rehearsal rooms are busy spaces, often involving a significant amount of set-up prior to rehearsals. It is critical that all parties ensure these spaces are clean and all equipment is returned to its proper location.  If the use of these spaces results in an unreasonable inconvenience for academic classes and ensembles, access to these rooms will no longer be allowed. Please be respectful.

Special Events: For special events in Denison Hall, please submit the Event Application.

Percussion Students

Music majors with percussion as a primary instrument and students taking percussion lessons will be issued access to a Percussion Studio key. The Percussion Studio can be used by requesting a reservation; walk-ins are permitted when the room is not in use. Questions: Please contact Matthew Larson, Lecturer and JMP Percussion Faculty. 

CWRU students in ensembles can rehearse in the rooms in which their ensemble meets during Active Hours by reservation; walk-ins are permitted when the room is not in use (Percussion: Spartan Rehearsal Hall, Popular Music: Denison Rehearsal Hall, Jazz Ensemble: Wade Rehearsal Hall). The building monitor can assist with room and equipment access, including drum set lockers and/or percussion cages. 

Instrumental Lockers

Please review the Instrumental Locker Policies to submit a request.

Borrowing Instruments or Equipment

YOUR GUIDE TO BORROWING AN INSTRUMENT THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

The Department of Music maintains a limited inventory of instruments for student use. Our instruments and equipment are not available for public use. A policy has been put in place by the Ensembles Committee to have students complete and sign a contract when borrowing instruments or equipment for very special circumstances. Students are advised to first submit a request form.

Campus Events: The use of music stands, chairs, or equipment needed for a campus event requires authorization from the Music Office. Students and ensemble directors are advised to first submit a request form.

Approving Authority: Music Facilities (music+facilities@case.edu), in consultation with the appropriate ensemble director, supervisor, or faculty advisor. 

Instrument Returns or Renewals and Closing Procedures

This information pertains to all music majors and ensemble members with instruments and/or lockers, and students interested in summer access. View instructions for instrument returns/renewals and closing procedures.

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General Housekeeping Rules

1. Music faculty and music majors have priority over departmental spaces. Additional set-up/tear-down time may be needed between academic ensembles and classes – please be respectful of this.
2. Absolutely no alcohol and food or beverages are permitted inside the rehearsal rooms, classrooms, or practice rooms. Water bottles with lids are acceptable.
3. Keep all rooms clean from garbage. No markings are to be made on the wall or floors and nothing is to be set on top of the pianos or percussion instruments (drinks, food, clothes, bags).
4. Our equipment is not available for public use and must remain on site. Nothing is to be removed from our classrooms or buildings without permission.
5. Rooms are to be put back in proper order and all equipment is to be stacked before leaving.
6. DO NOT prop any exterior doors or windows open and make sure everything is secured before leaving.
7. Rooms are not to be used outside of your formal booking. If you are in a room at a time that you are not to be there you will be asked to leave.
8. If the music office receives any reports of misuse, one written warning will be given. If reports continue, permission to use departmental spaces will be revoked.
9. University Quiet Hours begin at 11:00 PM. Activities will not be scheduled past 10:00 PM.
10. Parking at the Denison Hall loading dock is not permitted. Only faculty with courtesy parking passes have this privilege.

^{Disclaimer: Music facilities should be utilized for activities, meetings, gatherings, and functions consistent with the registered purpose of the organization. Any unauthorized use of space is prohibited. Under no circumstances can music equipment be transported or used outside of the facility. All persons using space or equipment shall be responsible for their own safety and shall be solely responsible for anticipating, knowing, and taking all necessary precautions relative to working with such equipment. All appropriate measures and usage practices must be followed, including, but not limited to Music Facilities Policies and Procedures, general housekeeping rules, or any manufacturer’s procedures. Responsible parties assume all risk of property damage and liability for any and all costs associated with any claims, actions, or damage(s). Student staff members are often on-site to monitor building operations; regard for their authority is expected.} 

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Public Safety

The Case Western Reserve University Division of Public Safety is dedicated to providing quality service, safety, and a positive educational experience for the campus community.

Contact CWRU Police

• Emergency: 216.368.3333
• Non-emergency: 216.368.3300
• Tip Line: 216.368.3331
• Non-Emergency Questions: publicsafety@case.edu

Safe Ride Program: These vehicles operate between 6:00 PM and 3:00 AM and can be requested via a free app (visit saferide.case.edu; call 216.368.3000, or download "CWRU Spartan Ride" from the iPhone App Store or Google Play). 

Walking Escorts: Request a walking or vehicle escort 24/7 (any time day or night) by calling 216.368.3300. 

Spartan Safe: (formally Rave Guardian) This safety app offers easy access to critical resources that you need the most. The free app—created through Rave Mobile Safety, which the university already uses to send emergency alerts via platforms such as email and text—provides a number of safety tools designed to keep you safe. Download Spartan Safe from the iPhone App Store or Google Play.