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Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

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

Theatre

Composition & music studies

Music education

Music performance

Quick links

BM Music Performance

Vocal Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Training

Personalized one-on-one voice instruction from accomplished faculty performers

Training in advanced vocal techniques, musical expression, and stage presence

Diction courses in Italian, German, and French (IPA-based)

Performance & Productions

Perform in opera scenes and full opera productions

Join diverse ensembles including Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Choir, and Opera Workshop

Junior half-recital and senior full recital requirements

Professional Development

Preparation for careers as soloist, ensemble singer, or voice teacher

Graduate with expertise for competitive fields in opera, musical theater, or recital performance

Facilities

Nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are both educators and performers

Guest artist masterclasses with visiting performers

Small class sizes with direct mentoring and personalized feedback

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

7.8K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,964

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,289

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,910

Before aid

Average net price

$18,476

After aid

Cost Attendance · cwu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 25, 12:39 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Personalized one-on-one voice instruction from accomplished faculty performers

Training in advanced vocal techniques, musical expression, and stage presence

Diction courses in Italian, German, and French (IPA-based)

Performance & Productions

Perform in opera scenes and full opera productions

Join diverse ensembles including Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Choir, and Opera Workshop

Junior half-recital and senior full recital requirements

Professional Development

Preparation for careers as soloist, ensemble singer, or voice teacher

Graduate with expertise for competitive fields in opera, musical theater, or recital performance

Facilities

Nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are both educators and performers

Guest artist masterclasses with visiting performers

Small class sizes with direct mentoring and personalized feedback

Program Highlights

Training

Personalized one-on-one voice instruction from accomplished faculty performers

Training in advanced vocal techniques, musical expression, and stage presence

Diction courses in Italian, German, and French (IPA-based)

Performance & Productions

Perform in opera scenes and full opera productions

Join diverse ensembles including Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Choir, and Opera Workshop

Junior half-recital and senior full recital requirements

Professional Development

Preparation for careers as soloist, ensemble singer, or voice teacher

Graduate with expertise for competitive fields in opera, musical theater, or recital performance

Facilities

Nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are both educators and performers

Guest artist masterclasses with visiting performers

Small class sizes with direct mentoring and personalized feedback

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

These Fall 2026 enrollment dates have passed — dates for the next cycle aren't available yet.

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$60

Deadline

First-year applicants

Fall Quarter 2026 First-Year Priority Application DateJan 31, 2026

Transfer applicants

Fall Quarter 2026 Transfer Priority Application DateMar 1, 2026

Undergraduate Admissions · cwu.edu Transfer · cwu.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

Online Audition Submission Fee

$30

Deadline

Final Acceptd DeadlineSep 18, 2026

Auditions

On-Campus Admission and Scholarship AuditionsFeb 20–21, 2026

Music Department Scholarship Priority DeadlineMar 1, 2026

Application portal · Acceptd Audition Registration · cwu.edu

Audition Requirements

Songs

Requirements

Prepare two songs or arias; one in a world language if possible

A musical theater selection may substitute for the classical-style English song

Jazz, rock, pop, and other contemporary styles are not preferred

Choose music that best displays your current performance level

Prepare material under the supervision of a private teacher or music director when possible

Accompaniment

Accompanist provided at auditions

Bring legible printed sheet music in the correct key

Music should be in a book or binder; no loose sheets or iPad/tablet for accompanist

Additional Materials

Scales & Technique

Prepare one major scale on solfege or scale-degree numbers

Prepare a one-octave chromatic scale

Sheet Music

Bring legible printed sheet music in the correct key, in a book or binder (no loose sheets or tablet) for the accompanist

Voice Audition Requirements · cwu.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to CWU through university admissions separately

Submit the audition application through Acceptd, or audition in person on a campus audition date

Online submissions through Acceptd carry a 30 USD fee

Audition by March 1 for music scholarship consideration

The Fall 2026 Acceptd application window has closed (portal shows "not currently open"); Fall 2027 requirements have not yet been published

Transfer Pathway

Transfer vocal-performance students audition in voice and can receive theory credit after CWU's diagnostic exam. Applied-study placement is reviewed after the first quarter at MUS 164.

Transfer Student Information · cwu.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

In-person or virtual audition for music faculty

Approximately 10-minute audition including performance and a brief discussion

Faculty evaluates vocal potential, previous training, and overall musicianship holistically

Audition Expectations

Arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete additional paperwork

Accompanist provided; bring legible printed sheet music in the correct key

Be prepared to discuss why you want to pursue a music degree

Dress professionally as if for a job interview

Post-Enrollment

Faculty may ask for basic sight-singing, piano competency, or aural recognition

Mastery is not required; faculty evaluates overall musicianship alongside vocal potential and previous training

Contact

Audition process questions: Melissa.Schiel@cwu.edu

Audition repertoire questions: blaisdeg@cwu.edu

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Merit and talent awards available based on audition performance

CWU admission application must be complete by January 1 for scholarship consideration

First preference for scholarships given to students who audition before February 1

Submit FAFSA application for financial aid eligibility

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

7.8K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,964

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,289

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,910

Before aid

Average net price

$18,476

After aid

Cost Attendance · cwu.edu College Scorecard

Training

Personalized one-on-one voice instruction from accomplished faculty performers

Training in advanced vocal techniques, musical expression, and stage presence

Diction courses in Italian, German, and French (IPA-based)

Performance & Productions

Perform in opera scenes and full opera productions

Join diverse ensembles including Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Choir, and Opera Workshop

Junior half-recital and senior full recital requirements

Professional Development

Preparation for careers as soloist, ensemble singer, or voice teacher

Graduate with expertise for competitive fields in opera, musical theater, or recital performance

Facilities

Nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are both educators and performers

Guest artist masterclasses with visiting performers

Small class sizes with direct mentoring and personalized feedback

Updated Sep 25, 12:39 PM