Program Overview

Students pursuing a major outside of music are welcome to add a minor in music—no audition required.

For those who do not major or minor in music but wish to stay musically engaged on campus, there are several opportunities:

• Join an Ensemble
  Participate in music ensembles open to all CWRU students, regardless of major. Ensembles are a great way to stay active musically and connect with others who share your interests.

• Take Private Lessons
  Study with expert instructors through the Joint Music Program. Instructional fees apply. Beginners are encouraged to begin with group classes in piano, voice, or guitar (a required two-part sequence) before advancing to private lessons.

• Explore Elective Courses
  Choose from a wide range of music courses designed to fit your interests and schedule. Many of these courses have no prerequisites and are open to all students.

Browse recommended courses for minors and non-majors, learn more about ensemble participation, or find out how to enroll in private lessons.

Admission

While the music minor does not require an entrance audition, incoming students applying for the Arts Achievement Award must submit a Music Arts Supplement with their CWRU application.

For detailed application and audition information, please refer to the Undergraduate Applications page.

Advising and Student Resources

Undergraduate students in music are supported by a variety of tools and resources: 

• Undergraduate Music Handbook
  A comprehensive guide to Department of Music policies, procedures, and deadlines.
• Current Undergraduate Students Page
  Access advising forms, checklists, and links to academic support services.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

a

MUAP and MUEN courses may be taken for credit and can be used in any combination to fulfill this requirement. MUAP courses require an applied lesson fee.

Credit earned through AP Music Theory or CIM Music Theory proficiency examination does not reduce the overall 15 credit hour requirement for the minor. The additional 3 credit hours may be taken in MUTH or MUHI. A maximum of 3 approved transfer course credit hours may be applied toward music minor requirements.

For questions regarding eligible course substitutions, please contact the Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music.

CIM students may pursue a minor in music history by taking 15 credit hours of MUHI courses. The department welcomes students’ initiative in the development of minor programs suited to their needs. Courses can be substituted with the approval of the Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music.

Electives for Non-Music Majors

Electives designed for students not majoring in music:

a

Applied music lessons for students not majoring in music are available with consent of the department (instructional fees apply). For more information, please review the Department of Music Applied Music Lessons Policies or contact the music office.

b

MUEN courses are open to all students. Most require an audition. For more information, visit the Department of Music Ensembles webpage or contact the individual ensemble director.