The Cleveland Institute of Music Admission Office has assembled this information broadly divided into the following categories:

• General Questions
• Application and Audition Day Questions
• Admitted Student Questions
• Information for Parents

International students with general questions about study in the U.S. may find much helpful information on the web at www.edupass.org.

General Questions

I would like to visit CIM and have a tour of the facility. Do I need an appointment?

You are welcome to visit CIM throughout the year. The Admission Office is open Monday through Friday, and individual guided tours are offered daily by appointment only. Please call the Admission Office at (216) 795-3107 to make arrangements.

Cleveland Institute of Music
Admission Office
11021 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106
Phone (216) 795-3107

May I stay in your residence hall when I visit or audition?

Since enrolled students fill our residence hall to capacity, you will need to stay at a local hotel.

Do you require on-campus residence for enrolled students?

Only freshmen and sophomores are required and permitted to live in the residence hall. Other students may either apply for on-campus accommodations through the CWRU Office of Housing and Residence Life or investigate the many off-campus housing opportunities in the campus area.

What is the area around CIM like?

University Circle is a 500 acre, park-like area that includes the campus of Case Western Reserve University, museums, libraries, concert halls, hospitals, gardens, churches, temples, and residence facilities. It is, therefore, an exciting and busy cultural, urban center.

Is the area safe?

The crime rate in University Circle is low and has been dropping in recent years. More detailed information is available in CIM's Security Report (PDF).

Do you prefer to admit graduate or undergraduate students?

In general, CIM seeks to achieve a balance of approximately 60% undergraduate and 40% graduate students. Talented applicants are sought at all levels.

Is it possible to begin study in the second semester?

There are occasional openings in January. If you are interested in mid-year admission, please phone the Admission Office (216-795-3107). Applications are accepted until October 1, and auditions are arranged on an individual basis. There is no published audition schedule for spring admission.

How can I be sure you have openings for the department in which I am interested?

Under normal circumstances, each department will graduate students at the end of the academic year. Consequently, you may assume there are openings.

How many applications do you receive annually, and what is your acceptance rate?

CIM typically receives 1100 applications with an acceptance rate of approximately 30%.

What is your graduation rate?

CIM's four-year average Student-Right-To-Know graduation rate is 81%

I am interested in having an introductory lesson with a member of your faculty. How do I go about making the necessary arrangements?

Some members of the CIM faculty give lessons to prospective students, and you will need to schedule your lesson directly with the teacher of your choice. Our conservatory faculty web page conveniently contains e-mail links for many members of the faculty. If you have difficulty contacting a faculty member, please call (216) 795-3107 for further information or assistance.

As an enrolled student, what happens to my lesson if my teacher is out of town?

All lessons are made up. This is also true for faculty who are members of The Cleveland Orchestra. Though the orchestra does occasionally go on tour, it is primarily resident in Cleveland throughout the academic year performing its weekly subscription concerts.

Can I participate in chamber music at CIM?

Chamber music is considered essential for the emerging professional musician. Consequently, there are many chamber music opportunities and requirements.

Do your degree programs have an academic component?

Yes. The CIM catalog clearly details the general education course requirements that are undertaken at CWRU.

Do many of your students get jobs?

The significant achievements of CIM's accomplished alumni throughout the world signify its commitment to quality and professionalism. More than 80% of CIM graduates are employed in the field of music. CIM is also extremely proud that 35 of our alumni are current members of The Cleveland Orchestra.

Do you offer job placement assistance for students when they graduate?

Academic advisors, faculty, and staff are prepared to advise students on an individual basis as they complete their programs and prepare to leave CIM.

Are there many gigging opportunities in the Cleveland area?

Local and regional orchestras, churches and synagogues, businesses and hospitals, hotels and private clubs provide many performance possibilities for students.

Application and Audition Day Questions

Is it possible to waive my application fee or to have it refunded at a later date?

No. An application fee is required and non-refundable.

When is the best time to apply?

You will greatly strengthen your position at ALL the schools to which you are applying if you submit your materials at least a month before the deadline. At CIM, you should consider applying as early as September or October. If you wait and apply near the deadline, you may risk not getting the audition date you prefer because it is full and closed. You may also risk other processing difficulties simply because deadline time in the Admission Office is like rush hour. Avoid being a part of the last minute scramble! It can raise questions about your level of interest or your organizational skills.

Do I really have to write that essay?

Yes! Your life challenges will require mastery of many skills, both musical and non-musical. Your essay will be our first opportunity to evaluate your ability to express yourself in a non-musical medium.

Is it helpful to send additional letters of recommendation, programs, press clippings, writing samples, etc.?

No. We ask for the information we need in order to make an admission decision. Just send what we request and avoid the "mass quantity" syndrome.

Will I be required to submit transcripts and letters of recommendation?

Yes. These items must be on file by January 2nd. CIM has very specific guidelines for submitting these documents. Please refer to our Application Checklist for comprehensive information.

Are graduate applicants required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

No. CIM administers its own admission examinations in lieu of the GRE. These tests are itemized in the Audition Handbook.

May I express preference for a teacher or teachers during the application process?

Our online application has a teacher preference section in which you may state your preferences. You may indicate specific preferences for teachers or ask our faculty to make an assignment for you based upon your audition. The CIM catalog contains biographies that will help you learn more about our stellar faculty.

Could I be assigned to a teaching assistant (graduate student)?

No. All CIM students study with faculty.

How important to the admission process are grades, College Board scores, and letters of recommendation?

While the result of your audition will be the most important part of your application, it is not the sole consideration. If our faculty recommends you for admission as a result of your audition, your grades, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation will then be reviewed. It is an overall picture of general strength that is important to the admission process. Therefore, you should not be overly concerned if one particular aspect of your application (for example, class rank or standardized test score) is not as strong as you might like it to be.

What GPA should I have to be considered a desirable candidate?

A "B" average or higher is preferred. In general, if you are recommended for admission, you may be admitted unconditionally if your GPA is above 3.00 (based on a 4.00 system). If your GPA is below 3.00 and your audition is very strong, you may still be eligible for admission, either with academic caution or (in rare circumstances) academic probation.

Do you want to receive a transcript even if my current semester's grades are not yet posted?

Yes. A final transcript that includes all work completed will be requested at a later time.

I am a home-schooled student. What should I do about the transcript requirement?

Your home school will need to submit a transcript that details the work you have done, along with course descriptions. It should contain information similar to that found on a traditional high-school transcript; names of courses, terms, and grades should be included. CIM is pleased to consider for admission, applicants who have completed secondary education through the General Education Development Program (GED). Additionally, CIM will consider home-schooled applicants without a GED providing that they complete either the ACT Test or the standard SAT Test plus the SAT II Test (Math Level 1).

I am an international student and none of my official records are in English. Do I need to have English translations of these materials?

Yes. All non-English documents must be submitted in their original form and in certified English translation. Translations can come from anyone who is officially licensed to translate into English. Such services can usually be found at a local university.

Do I have to perform a live audition in Cleveland? May I audition at a regional site or send a recording?

The acceptance rate is higher for applicants who perform live auditions, and so it is advantageous to audition in Cleveland, where all live auditions are conducted. There are no regional sites.

In fact, many departments require live auditions. If you will be applying in any of the following areas, you should plan to come to Cleveland for your audition:

Audio Recording
Bassoon
Bass Trombone
Clarinet
Composition
Concertmaster Academy
Flute
Horn
Oboe
Orchestral Conducting
Organ
Timpani and Percussion
Trombone
Trumpet
Tuba
Viola

Though applicants in other departments may submit recordings, the vast majority audition live.

Additionally, you must plan to audition in Cleveland if you apply for either of the following programs:

Artist Certificate
Artist Diploma
Doctor of Musical Arts

Am I at a disadvantage if I audition on one of the later dates?

No. The faculty will hear all scheduled auditions before making admission recommendations.

As a composition or audio recording applicant, I am required to submit a recording that demonstrates proficiency on an instrument. What should I include?

You should follow the undergraduate audition requirements (PDF) for your major instrument and include as much of that repertoire as possible.

For my audition, may I use different repertoire than that which is required in the CIM catalog?

In general, you should follow the audition guidelines as outlined in the CIM catalog. However, if you have specific questions or concerns, you may contact the appropriate department head.

What will be included on the admission examinations and how might I prepare for them?

Information about required admission examinations is included in the CIM Audition Handbook. These tests are given on the day of the scheduled audition and are used to make both admission and placement decisions. Nothing is required in preparation. Just do your best. If you are admitted and feel your results do not accurately reflect your current ability, you may request a re-test upon arrival for your first semester of study. Improved test scores can result in the awarding of advanced placement/transfer credit or in the cancellation of required tutorial course work.

Are your entrance examinations intended for placement or admission?

We intend them for both purposes.

I would like to know in advance what time my audition will be. Is that possible?

No. You will be given an audition schedule only upon arrival at CIM. It is not possible to reserve specific audition times in advance, to provide assigned times before your arrival, or to alter individual times after you receive your schedule. Though we hope you find our office to be very accommodating, if you are planning to contact us to make such requests, we will not be able to do so. On your scheduled audition day, you will need to be available from 8:30 am -- 5:00 pm. Please plan accordingly. The coordination of audition appointments involves complex scheduling. Consequently, your audition will be arranged by the Admission Office and not by an individual faculty member.

On my audition day, can I catch a flight out of Cleveland at 5:30 pm?

No. You need to be available at CIM until 5:00 pm on audition days, and it takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the airport. With added time required for security screening, we do not recommend scheduling return flights before 7:00 pm.

Is there anything for my family to do on audition days?

Yes. Parents are invited to attend the orientation meeting at 8:45 am. Afterwards, there are complimentary morning refreshments in our visitor's lounge, where parents are encouraged to chat and ask questions of current students and staff. In addition, we offer tours of CIM and our residence hall, Cutter House. We also offer a complimentary luncheon for applicants and their families, as well as faculty and staff. Families are also encouraged to visit any of the museums in the University Circle area, which are within very easy walking distance. Self-guided tours of the adjacent campus of Case Western Reserve University are also available.

If my teacher of preference is unable to hear my live audition, will I still be considered for the studio of that person?

Yes. To frame your understanding of this response, you must first realize that applicants are first auditioning for admission to CIM and not to individual studios. When you are admitted, your teacher preferences will be given every consideration. Your preferences will include your first choice of teacher, even if that person was unable to hear your live audition. While the CIM faculty is keenly devoted to the audition process, CIM cannot guarantee that all faculty members will be present for every audition.

Must I have an accompanist for my audition?

If you are a voice applicant, CIM will provide an accompanist. All other auditions are unaccompanied.

What weather should I expect on audition days?

Winters in Cleveland are variable. In general, however, the months of January, February, and March are usually cold (20 F) and snowy. Check the national weather service and be prepared to dress warmly, including gloves, boots, and hats.

When will I know the results of my audition?

During the month of March, CIM notifies applicants on a rolling basis, by department.

How many people do you place on your wait list?

Admission at CIM is quite competitive; consequently, if you are offered a space on our wait list, it means that you are a candidate under serious consideration. Our wait lists are unranked and short. They are activated on a rolling basis, as the need arises. Hence, there is no way to predict when someone might be admitted from the wait list.

Can I re-apply if wait listed or rejected? If so, how soon?

Applicants may re-apply for the following academic year. To simplify the process, all previously submitted documents are retained for one year.

Admitted Student Questions

As a new student, when do I register for classes?

The CIM Registrar will construct a preliminary schedule for you. It will be based upon transcript review and admission examination results. Any necessary changes in your schedule can be made during the "Drop/Add" period that occurs during the first two weeks of classes.

Do I have to take Freshman English?

Undergraduate students must complete the three-credit English requirement that consists of either ENGL 150 Basic Expository Writing or an appropriate upper-level English course.

Will I need a car?

For freshmen, cars are not necessary. Parking is scarce and public transportation is usually sufficient. An older student may find a car to be helpful, particularly when involved with performance opportunities away from school.

May I choose my own roommate?

The process allows for roommate requests and other necessary personal considerations.

Should I bring a computer? What kind do you recommend? Are your dorm rooms wired for Internet use? How much memory will I need?

Each room in CIM's residence hall is linked by fiber-optic cable to Case Western Reserve University. In addition, our campus has wireless capability. Please check our compatibility information or call the Case Help Desk at 216-368-HELP (4357).

A Message to Parents

Dear Parents,

It is a bittersweet time when children leave home for college. On the one hand we want to see them grow up and go off into adulthood, and on the other we try to continue holding them close. We know it is not without trepidation that you watch them begin their college search, and we know you play a vital role in that process. So, we would like to help you share with your student in discovering more about the Cleveland Institute of Music and in learning what makes a CIM education unusual and distinct. Our admission web pages are, indeed, designed to help students at this stage in their lives, but you will feel the need to know the basics, too, and we invite you to look in depth at this readily available information.

Perhaps your student is in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade and still in the preliminary stage of investigation. This is a great time to get an early start – becoming familiar with CIM and some of the other leading schools, comparing programs, and visiting campuses. An excellent resource for you is our document called CIM at a Glance. If you are new to CIM and are looking for a lot of information in a clear and concise format, CIM at a Glance will be perfect for you. If a visit to CIM is possible, we will be happy to meet with you, to give you an individualized tour, and to have conversation that we hope will answer many of your questions.

If your student is in 12th grade and ready to apply, the need to gather detailed information becomes more immediate. At this stage, our application instructions, audition handbook, and online catalog will be most helpful. The catalog, in particular, is the primary reference document for current CIM students and includes comprehensive information, including but not limited to the following: faculty and faculty biographies, calendar, mission, facilities, programs of study (both degree and non-degree), admission, audition and audition repertoire requirements, academic and performance requirements for freshmen, transfer, graduate, and international students, residence life, finances, course descriptions, and much more. We invite you to use this very important tool. It is just a click away.

Lastly, your student may already be enrolled at another school and is considering transferring, or perhaps he or she is an international student. The same resources I have already mentioned will be most helpful! Transfer students will find in our catalog detailed information about the transfer process. International students, of course, have additional complications with passport, visa, and in many cases language requirements. For students for whom English is a second language, it is especially important to be aware of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) requirements. Obviously, there is a lot to consider!

For now, please accept our invitation to explore and discover – and if you are unable to find the information you are seeking, just let us know. We are here for you, too!

Sincerely,

Director of Admission
Cleveland Institute of Music