Undergraduate Studies

A Bachelor of Music in Music Composition prepares students for a career in music through internship, mentorship, and hands on experiences. Students will learn to write a wide array of music including computer music, instrumental, and vocal, and students are encouraged to explore other interests such as video game music and movie music. 

Any questions may be directed to the area coordinator, Dr. Andrew Rindfleisch, at a.rindfleisch@csuohio.edu. 

Those seeking a B.A. in Music Composition should be prepared to submit the following:

The music composition resource center provides students with the tools they need to succeed in their degree path including computers with notation software, unlimited access to binding machines and photocopiers to create professional scores, and a separate laboratory fitted with 15 iMac midi stations for students to use. 

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Education should expect a rigorous course load packed with pedagogy courses, lessons, ensembles, theory, history, and more. While earning this degree, students will spend upwards of one hundred hours in real music classrooms, gaining hands on teaching experience which cannot be read from a textbook. Students who graduate from CSU with a degree in music education enter the education field prepared to lead their own classroom of successful students.

Any questions can be directed toward the interim area coordinator, Trevor Marcho, at t.marcho@csuohio.edu.

Application requirements for a Bachelor of Music in Music Education include:

• A composite ACT score of 18 (or higher) OR demonstrate proficiency in writing by earning at least a B- in a college level English course and demonstrate proficiency in math by earning at least a B- in a college level math course.
• Interview with the coordinator
  • Preferred interview materials include:
  • Reading one of the following articles to discuss: option 1, option 2, option 3.
  • Singing a folk song of your choice, which will be evaluated on preparation

Preferred materials include:

• CSU Music Education Recommendation Form (to be completed by a teacher)
  • School Music Teacher Confidential Report
• Formal writing sample that represents the candidate's writing ability.

Students seeking a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance should expect to become very familiar with their instrument. Between lessons, rehearsals, performances, and personal practice, students will spend several hours per day playing their instrument. The degree encourages growth of well rounded musicians through courses in pedagogy, business, theory, aural skills, and history.

Any questions should be addressed to the student's specific area coordinator.

• Keyboard: Angelin Chang a.chang75@csuohio.edu
• Voice: Dominic Aragon r.aragon@csuohio.edu
• Instrumental: Birch Browning b.browning@csuohio.edu
• Jazz & Pop/Rock: Chris Vance c.e.vance@csuohio.edu 

Students seeking admittance into the Music Performance track should be prepared to present an audition according to the guidelines of their specific instrument. Students must also be accepted into Cleveland State University via their guidelines.

A Bachelor of Arts in Music is designed to offer a well-rounded education with a focus in music, and is beneficial for students who wish to focus on areas outside of performance, education, or composition. This degree sets students up for many successful careers including arts administration, arts journalism, music historian, music librarian, and many more. 

Any questions can be directed to the area coordinator, Greg D'Alessio, at g.dalessio@csuohio.edu. 

Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Music are required to audition on their primary instrument, as well as be admitted to Cleveland State University through their requirements.

This NASM approved program combines computer science with music, setting students up for successful careers in a wide variety of jobs including audio engineering, software development, sound design, music production, systam analytics, and much more.

This degree consists of 120 credit hours divided between courses in math, science, engineering, computer science, and music.

For more information on this degree and other Integrated Degrees offered by CSU, see the Integrated Degrees page.