Audition Information
Welcome to the School of Music at Central Michigan University! We look forward to meeting you at auditions and introducing you to our supportive music community. Students attending an audition should plan to be available from
8:00 am to about
5:00 pm on their audition day.
Anyone auditioning for the School of Music is invited to attend any of our School of Music events happening the night before or the night of their audition day.
Visit our events page to see what performances are happening on or near your audition date!
You can expect to 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 our
audition requirements before arriving to 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 Audition Requirements
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.
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.
Looking to audition for the Chippewa Marching Band only?
Any CMU student is welcome to audition for the Chippewa Marching Band.
In keeping with social distancing precautions during the current health crisis, auditions for the 98th season of the Chippewa Marching Band will take place online. Auditions for incoming non-music majors and minors, either live or via prepared video submission, will be conducted between the last week of May and the first two weeks of June. We ask for your patience while we work out the details. We are preparing revised demonstration videos and will post those soon.
In the meantime, the posted materials are still a good guide for your preparation.
Incoming music majors and minors not auditioning for the color guard or drum line won't need to prepare an audition. More information will come to you directly in the coming days.
We're looking forward to seeing you soon!
