The Historical Performance Practice (HPP) Program at Case Western Reserve University offers a small, highly selective, and fully funded experience for advanced students aspiring to become leaders in the field of early music. Designed for performers, scholars, and creative artists, the program has propelled graduates into faculty appointments, ensemble leadership roles, and vibrant professional careers.
Degree Programs
All admitted students receive full tuition support and generous stipends.
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Program Highlights
- Fully funded graduate programs with generous stipends
- Renowned faculty and guest artists with international performing and research credentials
- Curriculum that examines early music through the lens of historical evidence, cultural context, and artistic innovation
- Advanced training tailored to each student's focus, with performance in historically informed ensembles
- Partnership with the Cleveland Institute of Music
- Access to rare instrument collections and Cleveland's vibrant cultural community
Undergraduate students interested in Historical Performance Practice are welcome to audition on a period instrument or voice and incorporate applied study, HPP ensembles, and targeted HPP courses into their curriculum.
Research and Curriculum
The HPP program is grounded in the philosophy that outstanding historical performers must also be excellent scholars. Students receive:
- Private lessons with renowned faculty and visiting artists
- Ensemble participation across periods from Medieval to Romantic
- Coursework in musicology and targeted HPP seminars
- Lecture-Recital preparation under close faculty mentorship
Ensembles and Performance Opportunities
Students pursuing HPP coursework may participate in:
- Baroque Chamber Ensembles
- Baroque Dance
- Baroque Orchestra
- Collegium Musicum
- Early Music Singers and Baroque Vocal Ensembles
- Degree Recitals and Lecture-Recitals
- Fully Staged Operas
- Collaborative Projects with Leading Artists
- Professional Engagements and Networking
View the Participation Information page to learn more about ensemble offerings, audition procedures, registration requirements, and student resources.
Kulas Collection of Historical Instruments
The Department of Music maintains the Kulas Collection of Historical Instruments, an extensive collection of modern reproductions of period instruments, which include:
- Modern reproductions of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque strings, winds, brass, and percussion instruments
- French, Italian, and German harpsichords
- A continuo organ and two fortepianos for historical keyboard study
These instruments are available to HPP students and ensemble participants.
For more information, please contact Julie Andrijeski, Head of Historical Performance Practice.
Faculty and Artists
| Julie Andrijeski Violin, Dance Senior Instructor Head of the Historical Performance Practice Program |
| Elena Bailey Soprano Lecturer |
| Peter Bennett Harpsichord, French Baroque Professor Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Historical Performance Practice |
| Francesca Brittan Fortepiano, 19th-century Music and Aesthetics Associate Professor |
| Georgia Cowart French Baroque, Politics Professor |
| Lucas Harris Plucked Instruments Kulas Guest Artist 2025–26 |
| Jaap ter Linden Viola da Gamba, Cello Lecturer |
| Susan McClary Cultural Criticism, Theory and Analysis Fynette H. Kulas Professor of Music |
| David J. Rothenberg Medieval and Renaissance Professor |