Looking for information before or after you've started classes?
This FAQ is designed for incoming students who plan to major in music and current CWRU students who are considering adding a music major. Here you'll find answers to many of the most common questions about auditions, declaring the major, registration, applied lessons, ensembles, and preparing for your first semester as a music major.
1. Can I still audition to add the music major as an incoming or current student?
Yes! If you're interested in pursuing a music major, we'd love to help you prepare for an audition. Students may still be considered for admission to the music major after being admitted to CWRU. Here's how:
- Incoming CWRU Students
If you did not submit a Music Arts Supplement during the admissions process but would still like to audition, you may complete an entrance audition. Simply submit the Entrance Audition Form and provide unlisted YouTube links or shared Google Drive links for your audition videos. Be sure your recordings meet the requirements for your primary instrument or voice as outlined in our Audition Requirements. - Current CWRU Students
Current students who wish to add a music major during their first year may request an in-person entrance audition. Complete the Entrance Audition Form and prepare your audition according to the published Audition Requirements.
Auditions are held during Reading Days each semester (December and April). The Department of Music will contact you with your assigned audition time and additional details.
2. When will I officially declare my major?
Incoming first-year students officially declare their music major during Discover Week by completing a major declaration form with the academic representative for their degree program. This is an important step because music majors begin taking required music courses during their first semester.
3. Where can I find resources for current music students?
Our Current Student Resources page is your central hub for important information throughout your time at CWRU. You'll find resources related to academics, applied lessons, ensembles, recital class, practice rooms, lockers, forms, student handbooks, advising, and campus life to help you successfully transition into the Department of Music.
4. Whom should I contact if I have academic advising questions over the summer?
You'll receive regular emails from the Department of Music throughout the summer with important deadlines and next steps.
If you have questions before arriving on campus, visit our Contact Us page to find the faculty representative for your degree program. During Discover Week, faculty and staff will also provide orientation sessions covering registration, ensembles, applied lessons, facilities, and other important information for new music students.
5. Will I need to take a music theory placement exam?
No. New music majors are not required to take a music theory placement exam before beginning the required theory sequence.
However, incoming students should have a solid foundation of musical skills to support success in the curriculum. You should be comfortable with:
- Reading music in treble and/or bass clef
- Identifying key signatures
- Performing major and minor scales
- Matching pitches vocally with notes played on the piano
- Demonstrating performance skills, including:
- Technical proficiency
- Tone quality
- Musical style and interpretation
Don't worry if you're still developing some of these skills—our curriculum is designed to help you continue growing as a musician.
6. Will I take music classes during my first semester?
Yes. Music majors begin their music curriculum immediately during their first semester.
Most first-year music majors will enroll in:
- Music Theory (MUTH)
- Primary Applied Lessons and Recital Class (MUAP 121)
- A primary ensemble (MUEN)
Depending on your degree program, you may also take:
- Eurhythmics (MUDE)
- Music History (MUHI)
- Music Education Skills (MUED 200)
- Additional ensembles
- Secondary applied lessons (MUAP 131)
7. How many credit hours can I take during my first semester?
First-year undergraduate students may enroll in up to 19 credit hours during their first semester.
8. How and when will I receive my applied music studio assignment?
Music majors will receive their primary applied studio assignment from the Department of Music before Discover Week, typically in early to mid-August. Once your studio assignment is finalized, you'll receive instructions for registering for your required primary applied lessons.
Students interested in taking secondary applied lessons should complete the Secondary Lessons Policies and Pre-Registration Form to begin the enrollment process.
9. What are the solo performance requirements for music majors?
All undergraduate music majors participate in Recital Class each semester and perform at least once during each academic year.
While the Department of Music does not require a full-length senior recital, students are encouraged to present solo or joint recitals with the approval of their applied instructor or as part of a Capstone project.
Students are also encouraged to participate in performance opportunities such as the Concerto Competition and the Ronis Recital Prize.
Recital Class (MUAP 121, Section 900)
Recital Class is a required component of primary applied lessons and meets every Friday from 3:10–4:25 p.m. in Harkness Chapel during the university's Exam Block.
The course includes both in-person and asynchronous activities. Students perform once during the academic year and serve as recital stage managers during the following week's class.
10. What are jury examinations?
A Jury Examination is the annual performance assessment required of all undergraduate music majors enrolled in primary applied lessons. Jury Exams are typically held at the end of each academic year during the Spring semester and are evaluated by a panel of faculty, including the student's private instructor.
Students who are off-sequence in the applied lesson curriculum or beginning the music major in the Spring semester may complete a Jury Exam during the Fall semester, as determined by their degree requirements.
Successful completion of the Jury Exam earns a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) grade and serves as a prerequisite for enrollment in the next course in the applied lesson sequence. Jury requirements and repertoire expectations vary according to each student's degree program.
Still Have Questions?
Don't see your question here? Start by visiting our Current Student Resources page, where you'll find information about advising, applied lessons, ensembles, recital class, practice rooms, forms, policies, handbooks, and many other resources available to music students.
If you still need assistance, please visit our Contact Us page to connect with the faculty representative for your degree program. We're happy to help and look forward to supporting you throughout your music journey at CWRU.