Let your music shine at Case Western Reserve University! Make music a meaningful part of your college experience, connect with fellow musicians, and perform in incredible venues like the Maltz Performing Arts Center. Invite friends and family to enjoy a variety of performances on campus and throughout University Circle, and encourage them to join our mailing list to stay updated on concerts and events.
Join An Ensemble
Each year, hundreds of students from across the university perform, collaborate, develop new skills, and build community through music at CWRU. Our ensembles offer meaningful artistic and educational experiences for students of all majors, as well as qualified community members.
Whether you are a vocalist, instrumentalist, or simply looking to continue developing your skills, the Department of Music offers a wide range of opportunities to get involved. Continue below to learn more about participating in ensembles, private lessons, or beginner group classes.
Getting Started
New students are encouraged to attend the Department of Music Ensemble Overview during Discover Week to meet faculty, learn about ensemble offerings, and ask questions before auditions begin.
Auditions
Most ensembles require an audition once per academic year for both new and returning members:
- Auditions take place during the first week of fall semester classes
- A fall audition covers the full academic year
- New members may also audition at the start of the spring semester
Follow the audition guidelines based on your instrument or voice:
- Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion — Symphonic Winds
- String and Harp — Case/U. Circle Symphony Orchestra (including placement in Camerata Chamber Orchestra)
- Voice — Concert Choir
- Piano — Keyboard Ensemble (required for piano majors)
- Chamber Music — String/Piano Chamber Music or Mixed Chamber Music (requires concurrent enrollment in either Symphony Orchestra or Symphonic Winds)
All new and continuing music majors will receive assigned audition times for the first Monday of classes.
The audition schedule is typically posted in this section about two weeks before the start of the fall semester.
Audition procedures vary for:
- Historical Performance Practice — Baroque Orchestra, Baroque Chamber Ensembles, Baroque Dance, Early Music Singers, Collegium Musicum
- Popular Music Ensemble
- Jazz Ensemble I
- Jazz Ensemble II
- Klezmer Music
- Percussion Ensemble
Some ensembles are open to all participants without an audition, including:
Note: The Spartan Marching Band begins one week early during orientation. Visit the SMB page for pre-season information.
To ensure equitable access and maintain the quality of our school-owned harp instruments, the following policy must be adhered to by all harp students at Case Western Reserve University.
Audition Requirements for Symphony Orchestra
All harp students wishing to participate in CWRU Ensembles must follow the established audition guidelines for the Case/U. Circle Symphony Orchestra. This includes preparing the required repertoire and attending the scheduled audition sessions as outlined in the orchestra's audition information.
Registration for Private Lessons
To gain access to school-owned harp instruments, students must be registered for private harp lessons through the Department of Music. Prior to registration, students must contact Jody Guinn, Harp Faculty, at jguinn4277@aol.com for approval.
Students should fill out the Secondary Lessons: Policies and Pre-Registration Form to complete the lesson enrollment process. This ensures that all necessary arrangements are made, and students have the instructional support needed for their studies.
Instrument Use and Care
Students granted access to school-owned harps are responsible for the proper care and maintenance of the instruments. Any damage or issues must be reported immediately to the Nicholas Strawn, Performance and Operations Assistant, at nas158@case.edu.
Students must request building and storage access for the harp by emailing Nicholas Strawn (nas158@case.edu). This step ensures that students have the necessary access to the facilities where the instruments are kept, allowing for secure and convenient use.
By adhering to these guidelines, harp students can fully participate in the university's music programs while ensuring that our instruments remain in excellent condition for future students.
Enrollment permissions are granted in the Student Information System (SIS) following a successful audition or after the first class meeting.
Once course permissions have been granted, students should return to their SIS account to register for the appropriate MUEN course.
The Drop/Add Period ends on the 2nd Friday of the semester.
Did you know? Most ensembles offer variable credit (0.00 to 1.00 units), allowing you to participate without exceeding the 19-credit semester limit.
Explore our Facilities & Polices page for additional information about building access, practice rooms, instruments storage lookers, room reservations, and more.
Private Lessons for Non-Majors
All current CWRU students may enroll in applied music lessons for academic credit through the Joint Music Program (JMP), with instruction provided by faculty from the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM).
Learn How to Sign Up for Private Lessons
