Department of Music

How to Apply to the Department of Music - Graduate

First Step: Apply to CSU's College of Graduate Studies
In order to pursue a graduate degree in music, you must be admitted to Cleveland State University's College of Graduate Studies. Information on University admissions requirements, financial aid, and other general information may be obtained from Cleveland State's Graduate Admissions Office.

Click here for the Graduate Catalog listing for the Master of Music degree

Second Step: Confer with Department Faculty Member
Prior to acceptance into the department, applicants must contact the head of the area in which they expect to specialize. An in person conference is preferred; however, applicants unable to meet in person may contact the designated area head for other options.

Performance:

    Vocal:
    Dr. Betsy Burleigh
    (216)687.3998
    b.burleigh@csuohio.edu
    Keyboard:
    Dr. Angelin Chang
    (216)687.2036
    a.chang75@csuohio.edu
    Instrumental:
    Prof. Howard Meeker
    (216)687.3667
    h.meeker@csuohio.edu

    Entry Requirements: An audition is required prior to admission for all students intending to earn the Master of Music in performance. In the audition, which should be 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 an in person audition, with prior approval of the head of the appropriate performance area.

Composition:

    Dr. Andrew Rindfleisch
    (216)687.2029
    a.rindfleisch@csuohio.edu

    Entry Requirements: Students intending to earn the Master of Music degree in composition are required to submit a portfolio of representative works. This portfolio will be reviewed by the composition faculty who will recommend on its merits and on the potential of the applicant to complete graduate work. Submit your portfolio directly to the head of the Composition area.

Music Education:

    Dr. Rita Klinger
    (216)523.7176
    r.klinger@csuohio.edu

    Entry Requirements: Students planning to earn the Master of Music degree in music education must provide two letters of recommendation from supervisory personnel who can attest to their teaching ability. For those with teaching experience, this could be a principal, supervisor of music, or other administrator. For those who have not yet taught professionally, letters from university supervisors of student teaching and co op teachers may be substituted.

    Students intending to earn the Master of Music degree in music education must submit one sample of formal writing on any topic. Submissions will be evaluated by the music education faculty on the strength of content and on the use of the English language.

Music History:

    Dr. Lily Hirsch
    (216)687.6932
    l.e.hirsch@csuohio.edu

    Entry Requirements: Students intending to earn the Master of Music degree in music history must submit one or more samples of formal writing on a topic in music history. Submissions will be evaluated by the music history faculty on the strength of content and on the use of the English language and appropriate scholarly apparatus.

Third Step: Apply for an Assistantships and Scholarships (optional)

Fourth Step : Formal Notification of Acceptance
After a review of applicants' transcripts and supportive documents relevant to the intended major track, the Music Department makes its recommendation for acceptance to the Graduate Program in Music to the College of Graduate Studies. The Graduate College sends successful applicants the notification of acceptance.

**If you have questions after your receive the graduate music program information packet, please contact:

Dr. Birch Browning
Coordinator, Graduate Music Program
Department of Music
Cleveland State University
2001 Euclid Avenue MU349
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 687 3768
b.browning@csuohio.edu