Master of Music in Performance

The Performance curriculum develops the essential skills required for a successful career in performance while preparing students for the realities of a competitive world. Our roster of talented and distinguished faculty is drawn from the internationally renowned Cleveland Orchestra and other noted professional instrumental and vocal organizations. Students have ample opportunities to perform both on and off-campus, learn about the business of music and take electives to prepare them for careers in related fields, ensuring they are both well-trained musicians and experienced performers. At the graduate level, the Master of Music in Performance provides an opportunity for further study in preparation for professional performance employment in the classical and jazz areas.

Please view the Graduate Catalog for specific degree requirements and information on the application process.

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Entry Requirements: An audition is required prior to admission for all students intending to earn the Master of Music in Performance. Please see below for requirements and contact information.

An audiotape or videotape may be provided in lieu of an in-person audition, with prior approval of the head of the appropriate performance area.

Vocal

Keyboard

Strings

Classical Guitar

Percussion

Woodwinds and Brass

Vocal

Vocal Audition Requirements/Repertoire:

  • Operatic Repertoire (with recitative)
  • Oratorio aria (with recitative)
  • 21st century British or American art song
  • French art song
  • German art song
  • Italian art song

Among the French, German and Italian art songs, various historical periods should be represented. Artist will choose the first piece, faculty will choose more as time permits.

Contact: Cynthia Wohlschlager, Voice Area Coordinator  || c.l.wohlschlager@csuohio.edu

Keyboard

Keyboard Audition Requirements/Repertoire:

  • Three contrasting works from different periods (baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary)
  • Candidate for Performance is expected that the works be played from memory.
  • Demonstrate sight-reading skills.
  • Complete repertoire list including solo and collaborative/chamber music works studied and performed. 

Contact: Dr. Angelin Chang, Coordinator of Keyboard Studies || 216-687-2036 || a.chang75@csuohio.edu

Strings

String Audition Requirements/Repertoire:

  • Unaccompanied Bach
  • An advanced etude, such as Gavinies or Paganini
  • An outer movement of a concerto
  • Substituted recital repertoire for the audition requirements is acceptable. 

An accompanist is not necessary

Contact: Dr. Victor Liva, Coordinator of Strings || v.liva@csuohio.edu 

Classical Guitar

Classical Guitar Audition Requirements/Repertoire: 

  • At least three works from different periods (baroque, classical, romantic, or contemporary)
  • A classical etude or a transcription from the Baroque or the Renaissance lute literature is acceptable
  • A multi-movement sonata or suite
  • Demonstrate rudimentary sight-reading skills

Contact: Mr. George Bachmann || g.bachmann@csuohio.edu

Percussion

Auditions: Please refer to Auditions for Percussion.

Percussion Area Faculty:

Woodwinds and Brass

Woodwinds and Brass Audition Requirements/Repertoire:

  • A standard concerto or solo piece
  • 2 études in contrasting styles (e.g., lyrical, and technical, or 1 étude and an additional solo)
  • At least 3 standard orchestral excerpts in contrasting styles
  • Scales and Arpeggios may be asked 

An accompanist is not necessary.

Mailing Address
Cleveland State University
School of Music
2121 Euclid Ave., MUS
Cleveland, OH 44115

Campus Location
Music and Communication Building (MU)
2001 Euclid Avenue, Rm. 337

Contact Us
Phone: 216.687.2033
Fax: 216.687.9279
music@csuohio.edu