Undergraduate Applications

To be considered for the Music (BA) or Music Education (BS) major or a music scholarship, applicants must submit a Music Arts Supplement (portfolio in the area of music) through their applicant status portal as part of the application process. It is important to review the application procedures carefully and allow sufficient time to meet the established deadlines.

All materials must fulfill the audition requirements for the applicant's primary instrument or voice.

Undergraduate music majors are expected to have a foundational knowledge and proficiency in reading treble and/or bass clef, key signatures, major and minor scales, and the ability to vocally match pitches played on the piano. These skills are essential for success in the music theory sequence taught through the Cleveland Institute of Music, which are a core part of the required curriculum for music majors. 

Incoming undergraduate students will be placed into a music theory course based on their results of a diagnostic exam and a sight-singing placement exam, both of which are administered online prior to orientation.

Important Dates

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

Early Action or Early Decision applicants who miss the NOV 15 deadline can still submit an audition, but their materials will be reviewed alongside Regular Decision candidates. The latest that we can accept submissions is FEB 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.

The Department of Music will review your Music Arts Supplement to determine your eligibility for the Music (BA) major and scholarship opportunities, including the Arts Achievement Award. Admitted students who successfully pass the Music Arts Supplement may choose to declare a Music (BA) major, even if a different major was initially indicated on their application.

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.

Please request an available live interview/audition 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).

Decision Timeline

After the review process, the Office of Undergraduate Admission will notify applicants about their admission to CWRU. Students must first be admitted to the University before the Department of Music can provide an entrance decision for the Music (BA) or Music Education (BS) major.

Applicants awarded a music scholarship will receive notification on or around April 1.

Post-Admission Auditions

Incoming or current CWRU students who are interested in auditioning to add the music major (prior to their second semester) should reach out to:

• Music Education (BS): Dr. Ryan Scherber, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music Education (BS).
• Music (BA): Dr. Benjamin Helton, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music (BA).