Planning to become a music major or minor at CMU?

In order to study at the School of Music, all incoming students (freshmen, transfer, and graduate) must complete a successful audition on their primary instrument or voice. We look forward to meeting you soon and introducing you to our supportive music community!

Stay tuned for information about 2021 School of Music auditions coming soon!

What should you expect on Audition Day?

You should plan to be available from about 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on your audition day.

  • Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion students will audition only for the professor of their instrument, without an accompanist, in the faculty member’s office or a classroom.
  • String students will audition for all string faculty and the Director of Orchestral Studies.
  • Vocalists will audition for all members of the vocal faculty in Chamichian Recital Hall.  A collaborative pianist for singers is provided for you at no cost and printed copies of the audition pieces must be supplied. Taped accompaniments are not allowed.

Your Audition Schedule

After registering for an audition using our online form (available later this fall), you will be contacted by School of Music faculty with your individual schedule and an estimated audition time the week of your audition date. Make sure to carefully review all audition requirements or reach out to us with questions before arriving on campus!

If a conflict arises and you can no longer attend the audition day for which you have registered, please contact the office at musicadmit@cmich.edu. Due to the number of audition requests, rescheduling an audition can be difficult if advanced notice is not provided.

Undergraduate music major auditions generally consist of:

Discipline-specific auditions are as follows:

Click for woodwind audition requirements Click for brass audition requirements Click for percussion audition requirements Click for keyboard audition requirementsClick for string audition requirementsClick for vocal audition requirementsClick for composition program application requirementsemail us at musicadmit@cmich.edu 

School of Music Audition FAQs

In order to major in music, you must audition. You will be asked to perform for the instructor(s) of the instrument you play. You will also be asked to complete the Basic Musical Skills Assessment (written theory placement, aural placement, and optional piano placement). Specific details regarding audition requirements are sent two to three weeks before the audition date that you select.
If you audition and are accepted as an instrumental music major, your place in the Marching Band is guaranteed. No further audition is necessary. However, music majors who wish to play an instrument other than their major instrument must audition to do so.
Any CMU student may audition to become a member of the Chippewa Marching Band. Auditions take place in conjunction with early Student Orientation sessions. Once accepted to the University, students will receive an information packet from the Orientation office. Be sure to indicate your desire to audition by checking the options available on the Orientation web site. Learn more about the Chippewa Marching Band here.

You will be asked to demonstrate the best of their training. The emphasis in these auditions is on determining your skill level and your experience. The audition includes both music and physical movement.
If you wish to perform in an ensemble, but do not wish to pursue music as a major, you must audition during times and dates designated for the various ensembles. Choir auditions are held during the weekend prior to the start of classes. Bands and Orchestras hold auditions during the first 1-2 weeks of the semester. Audition requirements vary, depending on the ensemble. All Central Michigan University ensembles are open to all CMU students by audition.

For more information on how you can join a performing ensemble, contact our faculty below:
  • Vocal Ensembles: Dr. Amon Eady eady1ca@cmich.edu
  • Concert Bands: Chris Chapman chapm4cc@cmich.edu
  • Jazz Bands: Rob Smith smith2rm@cmich.edu
  • Orchestra: José-Luis Maúrtua maurt1j@cmich.edu
You are still required to audition to be a music minor. Audition requirements are the same as for music major auditions.
No. There are two separate application processes. You must apply to the University by filling out a CMU Admissions application. You must also complete the audition process for the School of Music. Acceptance to the University does not imply acceptance to the School of Music.
We offer talent-based scholarships to students who plan to major in music. Amounts range from $1,000-$3,000 per academic year and are renewable up to three additional years, as long as you remain a music major and meet renewal criteria. If you are not a music major, you may be eligible to receive a lesson grant, which covers the cost of enrollment for private lessons and an ensemble. Enrollment in private lessons as a non-major is on a space available basis only. We do not offer scholarships to students who only wish to participate in an ensemble.

Students interested in talent-based scholarships are encouraged to sign up for their audition January 31, February 14, February 15,or February 29, as scholarship opportunities on March 20 will be limited.