Graduate Application Procedures

Graduate Admission

For questions about admissions requirements, programs, or the online application, email gradadmit@case.edu.

Graduate Transcripts

Send official transcripts to gradtranscripts@case.edu.

Applicants with good academic records from fully accredited universities and colleges will be considered for admission to graduate study at Case Western Reserve University. Admission must be recommended by the department or professional school in which the applicant intends to study and then must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. Applicants should contact the specific department or program to obtain application information. All submitted materials become the property of the School of Graduate Studies and will not be returned. 

For more information about the application and admission process, please review the School of Graduate Studies Admissions Information.

Before you begin

Be aware of the application deadlines and carefully review the following:

How to submit

All applicants should apply online and submit supporting materials within the online application system:

  • Writing Samples 
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose/Objectives
  • CV or Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Audition Videos*

*if required for the degree program

We greatly appreciate as many digital submissions as possible. All supplemental materials can be uploaded within the online application system. This is also where student can view their notifications and admission letter.

Transcripts: In order to alleviate initial application costs, we do not require applicants to send official transcripts during the application process. Applicants should simply upload unofficial copies of their transcripts onto the application for review purposes. Official documents sent during the application review process will not be reviewed. If accepted, official transcripts must come directly from the institution either mailed in a sealed envelope or sent electronically to the addresses below. International students: Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified translations in English.  

Only if accepted, official hard copy transcripts and degree verification can be mailed to:

Case Western Reserve University
School of Graduate Studies - Tomlinson 203
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106

Ensure that "School of Graduate Studies" and/or "Tomlinson Hall 203" is listed on the address or your transcript may not make it to our office. 

Official electronic transcripts can be sent to: gradtranscripts@case.edu

Please do not send official transcripts to the School of Graduate Studies or the Department of Music unless you have been offered admission. 

Start Your Application


Application materials required for music degree programs

PhD in Musicology

All graduate applications and supporting materials are due by December 15.

  • 2 Writing Samples (paper, chapter, article, thesis)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose/Objectives
  • CV or Resume
  • Transcripts

Successful candidates will be invited for an interview in early February requires Zoom.

QuestionsDr. Francesca BrittanCoordinator of Graduate Studies in Musicology

MA and DMA in Historical Performance Practice

All graduate applications are supporting materials (including pre-screening audition videos) are due by January 5.

  • 2 Writing Samples (paper, chapter, article, thesis)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose/Objectives
  • CV or Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Pre-screening audition videos uploaded to the online application system (unlisted YouTube videos preferred) by January 5. 

Successful candidates will be invited for a live interview/audition on February 17, 2024.

Pre-Screening Audition Videos 

Applicants should provide videos of 4 works* of different style and character, which will serve as the audition. Applicants may perform the pieces as a solo or in a small ensemble–if performing in an ensemble, applicants should be featured, identified and clearly visible throughout the audition video.

Works: e.g. two or three contrasting movements of a suite or sonata, a recitative and aria, etc.

Candidates will be evaluated by the HPP faculty for suitability based on their command of various national idioms, ornamentation styles, and other aspects of historical performance, as well as the overall level of artistry, and academic potential.

QuestionsDr. Peter Bennett, Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Historical Performance Practice

PhD in Music Education

All graduate applications and supporting materials are due by January 15.

  • Writing Sample (paper, chapter, article, thesis, personal statement of philosophy of music education)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose/Objectives
  • CV or Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Copy of teaching license/certificate

Successful candidates will be invited for an interview and a teaching demonstration requires Zoom

QuestionsDr. Lisa KoopsHead of Music Education and Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music Education

MA in Music Education

All graduate applications and supporting materials are due by January 15.

  • Writing Sample (paper, chapter, article, thesis, personal statement of philosophy of music education)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose/Objectives
  • CV or Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Copy of current teaching license/certificate

Successful candidates will be invited for an interview requires Zoom

QuestionsDr. Lisa KoopsHead of Music Education and Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music Education

MA in Music Education with Teacher Licensure (MAL)

All graduate applications and supporting materials are due by January 15.

  • Writing Sample (paper, chapter, article, thesis, personal statement of philosophy of music education)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose/Objectives
  • CV or Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Audition videos uploaded to the online application system (unlisted YouTube videos preferred) by January 15.
  • Audition videos must be submitted in fulfillment of the Audition Requirements by Instrument/Voice

Successful candidates will be invited for an interview requires Zoom.

QuestionsDr. Lisa KoopsHead of Music Education and Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music Education