Graduate Application Procedures

Graduate Admission

Applicants should contact the specific department or program to obtain information. All supplemental materials must be submitted to the department to which the applicant applies. All materials become the property of the School of Graduate Studies and will not be returned. For more information, please review the School of Graduate Studies Admissions Information.

If recommended for admission by the Department of Music, the School of Graduate Studies will then make the final decision on the student's application. If the student has been accepted with conditions outlining the need to submit one or more official documents, they can view which documents are missing by logging back into their student portal on the online application system to view any notifications.

How to Submit 

All applicants should apply online and submit supporting materials within the online application system:

• Transcripts (see below)
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose/Objectives
• CV or Resume
• Writing Samples (if required for the degree program – see below)
• TOEFL (only needed if English is not the native language and the applicant has not completed a degree at a US institution)

We greatly appreciate as many digital submissions as possible. All supplemental materials can be uploaded within the online application system. This is also where student can view their notifications and admission letter.

Transcripts

In order to alleviate initial application costs, we do not require applicants to send official transcripts during the application process. Applicants should simply upload unofficial copies of their transcripts onto the application for review purposes. Official documents sent during the application review process will not be reviewed. If accepted, official transcripts must come directly from the institution either mailed in a sealed envelope or sent electronically to the addresses below.

International students: Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified translations in English.

Only if accepted, official hard copy transcripts and degree verification can be mailed to:

Case Western Reserve University
School of Graduate Studies – Tomlinson 203
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106

**Ensure that “School of Graduate Studies” and/or “Tomlinson Hall 203” is listed on the address or the transcript may not make it to the correct office. 

Official electronic transcripts can be sent to:

gradtranscripts@case.edu

**Note: Please do not send official transcripts to the School of Graduate Studies or the Department of Music unless the applicant has been offered admission. 

Test Scores

The specific degree program has identified the required standardized tests below. We do not require applicants to send official test scores during the application process. Only if accepted, send official TOEFL or GRE test scores through ETS using the institutional code of 1105 for Case Western Reserve University. Please do not send official IELTS scores; we can verify them online at no charge.

• The GRE is valid for five years after the test date. The TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE are all valid for two years after the test date. Students only need to record scores onto the application; they do not need to send official test scores unless formally admitted.
• International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. If accepted to a program, international students cannot matriculate without submitting an official language score meeting the minimum requirements. The minimum language scores to gain admission are as follows:
  • TOFEL: 90 on the Internet-based or a 577 if paper-based.
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE-Academic): 61.
• The language test requirement will be waived if the student completed a bachelors or masters degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. See the Language Score section for more information on waiving the requirement. 

Additional requirements for specific degree programs:

PhD in Musicology

• 2 Writing Samples (paper, chapter, article, thesis)
• GRE Scores for the General Exam (Music GRE not required)

MA and DMA in Historical Performance Practice

• 2 Writing Samples (paper, chapter, article, thesis)
• GRE Scores for the General Exam (Music GRE not required)
• Pre-Screen by January 1st; on-campus auditions February 2nd

Audition videos

Applicants should provide videos of 3 pieces of different style and character. Applicants may perform the pieces as a solo or in a small ensemble–if performing in an ensemble, applicants should be identified and clearly visible throughout the audition video.

**The videos should be uploaded to YouTube and the links (which may be unlisted) emailed to musicgradapps@case.edu.

Questions: Dr. Peter Bennett, Head of Historical Performance Practice

PhD in Music Education

• Writing Sample (paper, chapter, article, thesis)
• After review, applicants may be asked to complete an interview and teaching demonstration.

MA in Music Education

• Writing Sample (paper, chapter, article, thesis)
• Copy of current teaching license/certificate
• 1-2 page personal statement of philosophy of music education
• After review, applicants may be asked to complete an interview.

MA in Music Education with Teacher Licensure (MAL)

• Writing Sample (paper, chapter, article, thesis)
• After review, applicants may be asked to complete an interview and audition.

MAL Vocal Auditions

• THREE MEMORIZED SELECTIONS. These songs should represent contrasting styles chosen from genres such as 17th and 18th-century songs, early Italian art songs, 19th and 20th-century art songs, folk songs, and arias from oratorio or opera repertoire. One selection must be in a foreign language and one selection must be in English.
• An accompanist will be provided for on-campus voice auditions. Students must provide the accompanist with the music for all pieces in the proper keys.
• For additional information regarding vocal auditions, please contact Dr. Matthew Garrett.