Music, Minor
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
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| MUTH 111 | Elements of Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUTH 112 | Elements of Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUHI or MUED courses | 6 | |
| MUHI, MUED, MUAP, or MUEN courses a | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
- 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.
CWRU and CIM do not grant credit based on AP Music Theory exam scores. All music minors must take MUTH 111 and MUTH 112 regardless of prior musical training. A maximum of 3 approved transfer course credit hours from another institution of higher education 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
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Group Class and Applied Music Lessons | ||
| MUSP 100 | Group Class for Beginners I | 1 |
| MUSP 130 | Group Class for Beginners II | 1 |
| MUAP 131 | Secondary Performance a | 1-2 |
| Music Ensembles b | ||
| MUEN 355 | Miscellaneous Ensembles | 0-2 |
| MUEN 324 | Case Percussion Ensemble | 0-1 |
| MUEN 370 | Popular Music Ensemble | 0-1 |
| MUEN 371A | Klezmer Music Ensemble | 0 |
| MUEN 371B | Klezmer Music Ensemble | 1 |
| MUEN 373 | Jazz Ensemble I | 0-1 |
| MUEN 374 | Jazz Ensemble II | 0-1 |
| MUEN 380A | Case Glee Club | 0 |
| MUEN 380B | Case Glee Club | 1 |
| MUEN 382 | Case Concert Choir | 0-1 |
| MUEN 383 | Symphonic Winds | 0-1 |
| MUEN 384 | Spartan Marching Band | 0-1 |
| MUEN 385 | Case/University Circle Orchestra | 0-1 |
| MUEN 386 | Case Camerata Chamber Orchestra | 0-1 |
| MUEN 388A | University Chorale | 0 |
| MUEN 388B | University Chorale | 1 |
| MUEN 389 | Keyboard Ensemble | 0-1 |
| MUEN 393 | Baroque Chamber Ensembles | 0-1 |
| MUEN 394 | Baroque Dance Ensemble | 0-1 |
| MUEN 395 | Collegium Musicum | 0-1 |
| MUEN 396 | Early Music Singers | 0-1 |
| MUEN 397 | Baroque Orchestra | 0-1 |
| Music Theory | ||
| MUTH 211 | Elements of Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUTH 161 | Elements of Musicianship I | 1 |
| MUTH 162 | Elements of Musicianship II | 1 |
| MUTH 261 | Elements of Musicianship III | 1 |
| Music History or Appreciation | ||
| MUGN 201 | Introduction to Music: Listening Experience I | 3 |
| MUGN 308 | Digital Music: Composition and Production | 3 |
| MUGN 310 | Folk Music of Eastern Europe | 1 |
| MUHI 212 | History of Rock and Roll | 3 |
- 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 policies on the Participation Information page or contact the music office.
- b
MUEN courses are open to all students. Most require an audition. For more information, visit the Participation Information page or contact the individual ensemble director.