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Commonwealth University – Mansfield

Mansfield, PA

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BM Music Performance

Instrumental

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Training

Extended-length weekly private lessons on the primary instrument

Required large and small ensemble participation

Junior half recital and senior full recital

Coursework in instrumental literature, pedagogy, music technology, and entrepreneurship

Performing areas: piano, strings, guitar, woodwinds, brass, and percussion

Professional Development

Graduates regularly accepted into top graduate programs in music

Active performers throughout the United States

Facilities

Distinguished faculty recognized regionally and nationally

Steadman Theatre in Butler Music Center

Annual PRISM concert, holiday concert, opera, and spring musical

School Info

Snapshot

3.40

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

54%

Grad Rate

9.2K

Enrollment

$52K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$12,105

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$24,471

Before aid

Average Net Price

$15,699

After aid

Tuition Cost Ways Pay · commonwealthu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 6d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Training

Extended-length weekly private lessons on the primary instrument

Required large and small ensemble participation

Junior half recital and senior full recital

Coursework in instrumental literature, pedagogy, music technology, and entrepreneurship

Performing areas: piano, strings, guitar, woodwinds, brass, and percussion

Professional Development

Graduates regularly accepted into top graduate programs in music

Active performers throughout the United States

Facilities

Distinguished faculty recognized regionally and nationally

Steadman Theatre in Butler Music Center

Annual PRISM concert, holiday concert, opera, and spring musical

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Training

Extended-length weekly private lessons on the primary instrument

Required large and small ensemble participation

Junior half recital and senior full recital

Coursework in instrumental literature, pedagogy, music technology, and entrepreneurship

Performing areas: piano, strings, guitar, woodwinds, brass, and percussion

Professional Development

Graduates regularly accepted into top graduate programs in music

Active performers throughout the United States

Facilities

Distinguished faculty recognized regionally and nationally

Steadman Theatre in Butler Music Center

Annual PRISM concert, holiday concert, opera, and spring musical

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

$35

Deadline

PriorityDec 15, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

How To Apply · commonwealthu.edu

Program AppApplication

Auditions

Mansfield Fall Music Showcase DayOct 19, 2026

Mansfield Audition

Jan 23, 2027Feb 15, 2027Mar 20, 2027

Bloomsburg — Virtual/By Appointment (contact Dr. Baldoria)

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Recorded audition — rolling/by arrangementRolling

Music Auditions · commonwealthu.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire

Two or three pieces in contrasting style that best show technical and musical potential

Performing from memory recommended (required only for piano performance majors)

Guitarists prepare two contrasting selections and audition on a classical (nylon) string guitar

Percussionists prepare percussion repertoire in three areas: snare or multi-percussion, mallet percussion, and timpani (drum set optional)

Scales & Technique

Scales, arpeggios, and sight reading requested at the audition in all studios

Letters of Recommendation

Minimum of two letters recommended

Mansfield: Print recommendation form and mail to Music Department, or bring sealed to audition

Bloomsburg: Scholarship applicants email letters to Dr. Charisse Baldoria (cbaldori@commonwealthu.edu)

Recommenders should be professional musicians knowledgeable about the applicant's abilities

Music Auditions · commonwealthu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to Commonwealth University through the Office of Admissions

Audition registration is part of the university application process

Once the application is submitted, audition scheduling information is provided

Placement

Admitted students take piano placement, music theory, and aural skills diagnostics at the audition for course placement only — they do not affect admission

Enrollment

Rolling admissions — enrollment based on studio seating availability

Early application recommended for maximum enrollment opportunity

Available at both Bloomsburg and Mansfield campuses

Transfer Pathway

The Music Department welcomes transfer applicants to the BM Music Performance program. Music courses are evaluated by the department chair; studio-lesson credit is awarded based on the performance demonstrated at audition, and at least 50% of major requirements must be completed at Commonwealth University.

Music Auditions · commonwealthu.edu

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

Principal instrument performance — two or three contrasting pieces showing technical and musical potential

Memorization recommended but only required for piano performance majors

Scales, arpeggios, and sight reading requested at the audition in all studios

Percussionists prepare three areas: snare/multi-percussion, mallet percussion, and timpani

Accompanists are not needed for instrumental auditions

Audition expectations are higher for performance majors than non-performance degrees

Piano placement examination

Music theory examination — key signatures, intervals, chords, scales, Roman numeral analysis, rhythmic patterns, time signatures, melody dictation

Aural skills evaluation — ear training aptitude and sing a simple folk song, carol, hymn, or patriotic song

In-person audition at Bloomsburg or Mansfield campus

Virtual audition (video/Zoom) available for those living 200+ miles away

Recorded audition must be unedited with a minimum of two contrasting works plus major and minor scales

Sight reading, theory, and aural skills completed via Zoom for recorded auditions

Contact Dr. Eun-Joo Kwak (ekwak@commonwealthu.edu) for Mansfield

Contact Dr. Charisse Baldoria (cbaldori@commonwealthu.edu) for Bloomsburg

Decisions

November/December auditions: notified by January 31

January–March auditions: notified by March 31

After March 31: contacted within 2 weeks

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Scholarships available for talented and dedicated music students

Audition serves as both admission and scholarship consideration

Non-majors who audition may also receive scholarship awards

School Info

Snapshot

3.40

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

54%

Grad Rate

9.2K

Enrollment

$52K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$12,105

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$24,471

Before aid

Average Net Price

$15,699

After aid

Tuition Cost Ways Pay · commonwealthu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Training

Extended-length weekly private lessons on the primary instrument

Required large and small ensemble participation

Junior half recital and senior full recital

Coursework in instrumental literature, pedagogy, music technology, and entrepreneurship

Performing areas: piano, strings, guitar, woodwinds, brass, and percussion

Professional Development

Graduates regularly accepted into top graduate programs in music

Active performers throughout the United States

Facilities

Distinguished faculty recognized regionally and nationally

Steadman Theatre in Butler Music Center

Annual PRISM concert, holiday concert, opera, and spring musical

Updated 6d ago