Application Process

• Submit a general application to Cleveland State University. Incoming first-year students, graduate, and transfer students can find more information about the CSU application process on the admissions page. Within the university application, please select Pre-Music. If you are considering more than one major within music, you still only need one CSU application.
• Submit a School of Music Application Form on which you will be asked to provide general information and musical background. If you wish to apply for more than one major within Music, you may submit on one form.
• Prospective undergraduate students are required to attend an Audition Day. Applicants must audition and/or interview on one of the scheduled audition dates to ensure entrance and scholarship consideration. Applications must be received at least 2 weeks before your desired audition date to guarantee an audition spot.

Fall 2027 - Spring 2028 Audition Days

• TBA

*AUDITIONS ARE IN-PERSON. To guarantee a place on the schedule, applications must be received at least two weeks before your desired audition date.

All percussion auditions are scheduled by appointment. Contact music@csuohio.edu to schedule an appointment.

School of Music Application Form   Undergraduate Audition Requirements

Video Option for Out of State and International Students:

• If traveling to Cleveland would present a hardship, students are able to record a video containing the appropriate material per the audition requirements listed above.
• Videos must be one take, no cuts or edits, and the entirety of the applicant must be in frame.
• Upload the video to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc., and send the link to music@csuohio.edu with the subject: FIRST NAME, LAST NAME AUDITION.

Music Theory and Aural Skills Placement Exam

• Any candidate who has not received college credit for music theory and musicianship courses must complete a music theory and ear training exam during their in person audition. This consists of a written music theory exam as well as an aural skills portion in which students must identify certain musical concepts such as intervals, tonalities, and melodic lines.

Interview and Application Requirements

• Students wishing to pursue degrees in either Music Composition of Music Education must complete interviews with the respective department coordinator.

Music Talent Scholarships

• The School of Music offers talent-based music scholarships to qualified students regardless of major in return for participation in School of Music ensembles. Candidates must audition and/or interview in during one of the above audition dates to be considered for a Music Talent Scholarship.
• Applicants must demonstrate a high level of achievement in their performance at the audition. Competition for the Music Talent Scholarships is competitive. Talent scholarships may be applied as payment to cover tuition and fees. All questions about the Music Talent Scholarships and requirements should be directed to music@csuohio.edu for the School of Music. 

Non-Music Scholarships for Incoming Students

• Incoming first-year students and transfer students are automatically considered for scholarships once they are admitted to Cleveland State. In some cases, individual scholarships will require a separate application. All students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please refer to scholarships or financial aid at Cleveland State University.

Questions

Questions regarding application materials and/or procedures can be addressed to music@csuohio.edu.