Undergraduate Applications

Applying to the undergraduate music program at Case Western Reserve University involves completing both the university application and a Music Arts Supplement (questionnaire/audition), which is reviewed by the Department of Music in collaboration with the Joint Music Program at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

The Department of Music uses your Music Arts Supplement to determine:

• Eligibility for the Music (BA) or Music Education (BS) programs
• Consideration for performance-based scholarships, including the Performing Arts Scholarship and Arts Achievement Award

Know the Key Dates

For university-wide application deadlines and notification dates, visit the CWRU Undergraduate Admission Dates & Deadlines page.

Dates + Deadlines

Important Dates by Application Plan

Important notes:

• The Music Arts Supplement is due 15 days after the university application deadline.
• February 1 is the final deadline for all audition materials.
• Students who audition after February 1 are not eligible for music scholarships.

Application and Audition Process

Music (BA), Secondary Major, Arts Achievement Award

Students applying for the Music (BA) degree, a secondary major in music, or the Arts Achievement Award should:

1. Review the audition requirements for your primary instrument or voice
2. Apply to CWRU and select Music (BA) as a first or second intended major (if applicable)
   • Do not select Music (BA) if applying only for the Arts Achievement Award
3. Indicate that you will submit a Music Arts Supplement when prompted
4. Submit the Music Arts Supplement through the applicant portal

If you don't receive access to the applicant portal within a few days, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Questions about this process?

Contact:
Ms. Jennifer Wright
Manager of Operations and Undergraduate Recruitment
music@case.edu

Music Education (BS) Applicants

Applicants to the Music Education (BS) program complete all steps above, plus an additional interview requirement. 

Music Education applicants should select Music Education (BS) as a first or second intended major (if applicable).

Live Interview and Audition Options

Applicants may complete the requirement in one of two ways:

• 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 audition performance.

Additional instructions are provided after an interview appointment is scheduled.

Interview and Audition Dates

Questions about Music Education interviews?

Contact:
Dr. Ryan Scherber
Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music Education (BS)
ryan.scherber@case.edu

Preparing for Success as a Music Major

Incoming music students are expected to bring a foundation of musical skills that will support success in the curriculum. 

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 notes played on the piano
• Demonstrating performance skills such as:
  • Technical proficiency
  • Tone quality
  • 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 and performance opportunities available in the program.

Admission and Scholarship Notifications

• University admission and music major decisions are issued by the Office of Undergraduate Admission according to the published notification dates.
• Music scholarship notifications are sent to recipients on or around March 15.
• Students who are admitted to CWRU and successfully pass an audition may declare a music major, even if a different intended major was listed on their application.

⚠️ Reminder: Auditions submitted after February 1 are not eligible for scholarship consideration.