Department of Music
Music and Communication 332
(216) 687-2033
http://www.csuohio.edu/class/music/degreeprograms/graduate.html
Eric Ziolek, Department Chair
Birch Browning, Graduate Program Director
Composition
Music Education
Performance
Introduction
The graduate degree program in music offers specializations in Composition, Music Education, and Performance. Cross-disciplinary study among these specializations is encouraged.
The Department of Music offers outstanding facilities. A state-of-the-art building houses two performance halls, three large rehearsal halls, two chamber music rehearsal rooms, four electronic music/computer laboratories, and dozens of practice and specialized teaching spaces. Cleveland is one of the most outstanding centers for music in the United States, and students have many opportunities to observe and study with some of the finest performers in the world. A number of members or former members of the Cleveland Orchestra teach at the University, and Cleveland State vocal ensembles perform annually with the Orchestra. The Cleveland Contemporary Players, which is devoted to performing contemporary music, is in residence at the Cleveland State Department of Music. Composition students are able to have their works performed by the Cleveland Contemporary Players. Opportunities to perform early music, both vocal and instrumental, are available through Collegium Musicum and through private study. Internships for teaching college-level music are offered for students wishing to pursue an academic career. Workshops in Orff, Kodaly, and other approaches to music education are offered during the academic year and as part of the Summer Arts Institute through the Center for the Study of the Arts and Innovation for music educators who wish to continue their studies. The annual Thyagaraja (Aradhana) Festival at Cleveland State is the largest international festival of Indian music held outside of India.
Through its core and specialized courses, Cleveland State’s graduate music program is designed to provide solid musical training and to prepare students for careers in their area of specialization. The program is an excellent foundation for doctoral study. Students have gone on to careers in composition, arranging, conducting, choral music, electronic music, musicology, criticism, performance, library science, and teaching at the university level and in elementary and secondary schools. Cleveland State students have won awards for international study and have received appointments overseas. The music program attracts international students, as well as students from across the United States.
Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.
Financial Assistance
The Music Department offers graduate assistantships, which pay tuition plus a stipend, and graduate tuition grants without stipend. To be eligible, students need a grade-point average of at least 3.0. Applications must be received by March 31 for the following academic year. Application forms are available from the Department of Music. Further details on requirements and service obligations are in the music department’s Graduate Student Handbook. Students are encouraged to audition for the Graduate String Quartet and the Graduate Woodwind Quintet.
Admission Information
All College of Graduate Studies admission requirements must be met.
Admission into the Department, at the graduate level, occurs after a conference with the head of the area in which the student expects to specialize. Contact the Department of Music at (216) 687-2033 for an appointment.
The Department has different entry requirements for each area of specialization:
Performance: An audition is required prior to admission for all students who wish to specialize in performance. In the audition, which should last fifteen minutes or longer, the student must demonstrate performance proficiency with some stylistic breadth. An audio tape or videotape may be provided in lieu of a live audition, with prior approval of the Department.
Composition: Applicants must submit a portfolio of representative works for evaluation.
Music Education: Two letters of recommendation from supervisory personnel who can attest to the applicant’s teaching ability are required.
All applicants are administered a diagnostic advisory examination in music history. Those who do not pass the examination are required to take MUS 511 and/or MUS 512 . The examination must be taken before the student’s first registration. Arrangements can be made by contacting the Director of the Graduate Program at (216) 687-3768.
Students who wish to change from non-degree status to degree-seeking status should consult the Degree Admission section of this Catalog.
Apply Now: http://www.csuohio.edu/gradcollege/admissions/apply.html