Applying to the undergraduate music program at Case Western Reserve University requires completing both your university application and a Music Arts Supplement (questionnaire and video audition).
The Department of Music reviews the Music Arts Supplement to determine:
- Admission to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music Education
- Eligibility for performance-based scholarships, including the Performing Arts Scholarship and Arts Achievement Award
Before You Begin
Review the audition requirements for your primary instrument or voice.
Music Arts Supplement & Audition Requirements
Know the Key Dates
For university application deadlines and admission notification dates, visit the CWRU Undergraduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page.
The Music Arts Supplement must be submitted within 15 days of your application deadline through your applicant portal.
Scholarship Deadline
To be considered for music scholarships, the Music Arts Supplement must be submitted by February 1.
| Application Plan | University Application | Music Arts Supplement | Music Education Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action / Early Decision | November 1 | November 15 | December (TBD) |
| Early Decision II / Regular Decision | January 15 | February 1 | February (TBD) |
Music (BA) Applicants
Students applying for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music, a double major, dual degree, secondary major in music, or the Arts Achievement Award should:
- Apply to CWRU and select Music (BA) as a first or second intended major (if applicable).
Applicants seeking only the Arts Achievement Award should not select Music (BA) as an intended major. - Indicate that you plan to submit a Music Arts Supplement when prompted.
- Complete and submit the Music Arts Supplement through your applicant portal by the deadline.
If you do not receive access to your applicant portal within a few days after submitting your application, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Questions about applying?
Ms. Jennifer Wright
Manager of Operations and Undergraduate Recruitment
music@case.edu
Music Education (BS) Applicants
Applicants to the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music Education program complete the same application and Music Arts Supplement process described above, plus a required interview.
Select Music Education (BS) as a first or second intended major when applying.
You may complete the interview requirement in one of two ways:
- On Campus: Meet with Music Education faculty in person.
- Virtual: Meet with Music Education faculty via Zoom.
Additional instructions will be provided after you book your interview.
Interview Dates
| Application Plan | Interview Date | Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action / Early Decision | December (TBD) | Booking page opens November 1 |
| Early Decision II / Regular Decision | February (TBD) | Booking page opens January 15 |
Questions about Music Education interviews?
Dr. Ryan Scherber
Head of Music Education (BS)
Coordinator of Undergraduate & Graduate Studies in Music Education (BS)
ryan.scherber@case.edu
After You Apply
Once you've submitted your application and Music Arts Supplement, here's what to expect:
- Application Received: The Office of Undergraduate Admission processes your application and provides access to your applicant portal.
- Music Faculty Review: The Department of Music reviews your Music Arts Supplement (and Music Education interview, if applicable).
- Admission Decision: Admission decisions are released by the Office of Undergraduate Admission according to the published notification schedule.
- Scholarship Notification: Students selected for music scholarships are typically notified on or around March 15. To be eligible for scholarship consideration, the Music Arts Supplement must be submitted by February 1.
- Declare Your Major: Students admitted to CWRU who successfully complete the Music Arts Supplement may declare a music major even if they listed a different intended major on their university application.
Preparing for Success
Incoming music majors should have a basic foundation in music literacy and performance, including:
Music Fundamentals
- Read music in treble and/or bass clef
- Identify key signatures
- Perform major and minor scales
- Match pitches by ear
Performance Skills
- Technical proficiency
- Tone quality
- Musical interpretation and style
These foundational skills will help you begin the program with confidence. Our faculty will continue to help you develop these skills through coursework, applied lessons, and ensemble experiences.