Undergraduate Applications

Auditions are an important part of applying to the music program at Case Western Reserve University. They allow the Department of Music to get to know you as a musician and to evaluate your readiness for our curriculum, offered in collaboration with the Cleveland Institute of Music. The steps below will guide you through completing the Music Arts Supplement and preparing for a successful audition.

Important Dates

⚠️ The Music Arts Supplement is required for students applying to the Music (BA) or Music Education (BS) major, and for those wishing to be considered for performing arts scholarship. The Music Arts Supplement is a separate component of your Case Western Reserve University application. It is reviewed directly to the Department of Music through the applicant status portal.

The Department of Music will evaluate your Music Arts Supplement to determine eligibility for the Music (BA) or Music Education (BS) major and performing arts scholarship opportunities.

• Students may declare a minor in music or participate in ensembles and lessons without passing an audition.
• However, all students applying for the Arts Achievement Award must submit a Music Arts Supplement. Submissions received by February 1 will be considered.

Note for Early Action/Early Decision applicants: If you miss the November 15 supplement deadline, you may still submit audition materials, but they will be reviewed alongside Regular Decision candidates. The final deadline for all submissions is February 1.

Application and Audition Procedures

Music (BA), Secondary Major, Arts Achievement Award Applicants

For students applying for the Music (BA) degree, a secondary major in music, or the Arts Achievement Award (as a music minor/non-major), the following steps are required:

1. Check Deadlines and Review Audition Information: Start by reviewing all deadlines and specific Audition Information for your primary instrument or voice to ensure you're fully prepared.
2. Apply to Case Western Reserve University: Complete your application to CWRU.
3. Declare Your Interest
   • If you're applying for the Music (BA) or Secondary Major, choose Music (BA) as your first or second intended major.
   • For the Arts Achievement Award (music minors or non-majors), please don't select a music degree program as your intended major.
4. Indicate Music Arts Supplement Submission: When prompted on the application, select the option to submit a Music Arts Supplement.
5. Submit the Music Arts Supplement: After completing your CWRU application, you'll receive login credentials for your applicant portal, where you can fill out the questionnaire and upload audition video(s), and track your application status. If you don't receive portal access within a few days, reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Contact Information: For questions about the undergraduate admission process for the Music (BA) or scholarship opportunities, first-year applicants should contact Ms. Jennifer Wright, Manager of Operations and Undergraduate Recruitment.

Music Education (BS) Applicants

For students applying for the Music Education (BS), the following steps are required:

1. Check Deadlines and Review Audition Information: Start by reviewing all deadlines and specific Audition Information for your primary instrument or voice to ensure you're fully prepared.
2. Apply to Case Western Reserve University: Complete your application to CWRU.
3. Declare Your Interest
   • If you're applying for the Music Education Major (BS), choose Music Education (BS) as your first intended major.
4. Indicate Music Arts Supplement Submission: When prompted on the application, select the option to submit a Music Arts Supplement.
5. Submit the Music Arts Supplement: After completing your CWRU application, you'll receive login credentials for your applicant portal, where you can fill out the questionnaire and upload audition video(s), and track your application status. If you don't receive portal access within a few days, reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
6. Applicants to the Music Education (BS) major must also complete a live interview and audition as part of the admission process. You have two options:
   • On-Campus Interview with Live Performance Audition: Meet with faculty in person and perform your audition live on campus
   • Online Interview with Pre-Recorded Audition: Complete the interview online and submit a pre-recorded performance audition. You will receive instructions for providing your video(s) after requesting an appointment.

Request an available appointment using the booking links below:

Contact Information: If all appointment are filled or if you have questions about the interview process, please contact Dr. Ryan Scherber, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music Education (BS).

Undergraduate Music Major Expectations

Students entering the music program are expected to bring a foundation of fundamental musical skills that will support their growth and success in our curriculum, offered in collaboration with the Cleveland Institute of Music.

As an incoming student, you should feel comfortable with:

• Reading music in treble and/or bass clef.
• Identifying key signatures.
• Performing major and minor scales.
• Matching pitches vocally with those played on the piano.
• Demonstrating performance skills, such as:
  • Technical proficiency
  • Tone quality
  • An understanding of musical style and interpretation

Don’t worry if you’re still strengthening some of these areas—our program is designed to help you continue developing your skills. These foundations will help you make the most of the academic, performance, and ensemble opportunities available in the program.

Admission and Notification Timeline

• Admission Notification: The Office of Undergraduate Admission will inform applicants about their university admission status by the posted notification dates.
• Department of Music Notification: Students accepted into the BA in Music or BS in Music Education will be officially notified by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
• Scholarship Notification: Recipients of music scholarships will be notified on or around March 15.
• Declaring a Music Major: Students who are admitted to CWRU and successfully pass an audition may declare a major in music, even if a different intended major was originally indicated on their application.

⚠️ Important: Students who audition after February 1 are not eligible for music scholarships. All application materials must be received by the February 1 deadline to be considered for scholarship support.