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Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Faculty are nationally and internationally recognized composers with widely performed and published works

Located in Cleveland, drawing on the resources of the Cleveland Orchestra and a vibrant new-music scene

Training & Facilities

Dedicated Music Composition Resource Center with notation software, audio equipment, and digital printing/binding for professional score production

Electronic and computer music studios with MIDI/audio workstations for electro-acoustic work

Intensive training in Harmony, Musicianship, Orchestration, and Electronic/Computer Music alongside private composition lessons, seminars, and masterclasses

Professional Development

CSU Contemporary Artist in Residency Program has hosted over 100 visiting composers, including six Pulitzer Prize winners (e.g., John Zorn, Chen Yi masterclasses)

Annual faculty and ensemble workshops perform and record student compositions

Degree Flexibility

Master of Music in Composition available for continued study

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.37

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

51%

Enrollment

Earnings

$52K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$13,259

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$18,973

Before aid

Average net price

$14,764

After aid

Undergrad Tgp 25 26.Pdf · csuohio.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 11, 1:28 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Faculty are nationally and internationally recognized composers with widely performed and published works

Located in Cleveland, drawing on the resources of the Cleveland Orchestra and a vibrant new-music scene

Training & Facilities

Dedicated Music Composition Resource Center with notation software, audio equipment, and digital printing/binding for professional score production

Electronic and computer music studios with MIDI/audio workstations for electro-acoustic work

Intensive training in Harmony, Musicianship, Orchestration, and Electronic/Computer Music alongside private composition lessons, seminars, and masterclasses

Professional Development

CSU Contemporary Artist in Residency Program has hosted over 100 visiting composers, including six Pulitzer Prize winners (e.g., John Zorn, Chen Yi masterclasses)

Annual faculty and ensemble workshops perform and record student compositions

Degree Flexibility

Master of Music in Composition available for continued study

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Faculty are nationally and internationally recognized composers with widely performed and published works

Located in Cleveland, drawing on the resources of the Cleveland Orchestra and a vibrant new-music scene

Training & Facilities

Dedicated Music Composition Resource Center with notation software, audio equipment, and digital printing/binding for professional score production

Electronic and computer music studios with MIDI/audio workstations for electro-acoustic work

Intensive training in Harmony, Musicianship, Orchestration, and Electronic/Computer Music alongside private composition lessons, seminars, and masterclasses

Professional Development

CSU Contemporary Artist in Residency Program has hosted over 100 visiting composers, including six Pulitzer Prize winners (e.g., John Zorn, Chen Yi masterclasses)

Annual faculty and ensemble workshops perform and record student compositions

Degree Flexibility

Master of Music in Composition available for continued study

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

University Application Fee

$40

Opens

Jul 20, 2026

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

First-year applicants

Freshman Scholarship PriorityMar 1, 2027

Transfer applicants

Transfer Scholarship PriorityJul 1, 2027

Portal · go.csuohio.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Musaudition · artsandsciences.csuohio.edu

Audition Requirements

Transcript (Required)

Submit official transcripts

Scores / GPA (Optional)

ACT or SAT scores are optional for admission

Musaudition · artsandsciences.csuohio.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Process

Submit university application via Common App or CSU portal (select Pre-Music as intended major)

Submit separate School of Music Application form to register for an Audition Day

If considering more than one music major, only one application is needed

Placement Exam

Admitted students take a music theory and musicianship placement exam on the audition day — for course placement only, not admission

Contact

Music@csuohio.edu

216.687.2033

Transfer Pathway

The LCCC Arts and Sciences guide maps MUSC 155 to CSU MUS 117 for Music tracks. BM Composition transfer applicants must still complete the School of Music performance audition and Composition interview.

Lccc Arts And Sciences Transfer Guide · csuohio.edu

What's The Process

Admission Process

Composition applicants complete a performance audition on their principal instrument or voice and an in-person interview with the Composition coordinator

Applicants must also complete the music theory and aural-skills placement exam when applicable

Video Option

If travel to Cleveland presents a hardship, the performance audition may be recorded in one take with no cuts or edits and the entire applicant in frame

Timeline

Submit the School of Music Application at least two weeks before the desired Audition Day

Fall 2027-Spring 2028 Audition Days are TBA

Scholarship Info

Music Talent Scholarships

Competitive talent-based scholarships for qualified incoming freshmen, transfer, and current students

Candidates must audition or interview in January, February, or March for scholarship consideration

May be applied toward tuition and fees

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.37

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

51%

Enrollment

Earnings

$52K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$13,259

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$18,973

Before aid

Average net price

$14,764

After aid

Undergrad Tgp 25 26.Pdf · csuohio.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Faculty are nationally and internationally recognized composers with widely performed and published works

Located in Cleveland, drawing on the resources of the Cleveland Orchestra and a vibrant new-music scene

Training & Facilities

Dedicated Music Composition Resource Center with notation software, audio equipment, and digital printing/binding for professional score production

Electronic and computer music studios with MIDI/audio workstations for electro-acoustic work

Intensive training in Harmony, Musicianship, Orchestration, and Electronic/Computer Music alongside private composition lessons, seminars, and masterclasses

Professional Development

CSU Contemporary Artist in Residency Program has hosted over 100 visiting composers, including six Pulitzer Prize winners (e.g., John Zorn, Chen Yi masterclasses)

Annual faculty and ensemble workshops perform and record student compositions

Degree Flexibility

Master of Music in Composition available for continued study

Updated Sep 11, 1:28 PM