Music

Becoming a Music Major

• Apply to Central

  First, you must apply, and be accepted, to Central Washington University. You are strongly urged to apply for admission to CWU immediately. You can only attend CWU as a music student if you have been accepted both by the department, through your audition, AND to CWU, through your application. This step is especially important for the consideration of scholarships. 

  Apply to CWU
• Music Program Auditions

  General Information

  All entering students who plan to pursue a major in the Department of Music must audition. The audition is also used as a basis for awarding music scholarships. The general audition period for CWU Music is between October and March. Auditions submitted after this period will be considered at the discretion of the individual studio professor. We encourage you to audition earlier in the year.

  Transfer students should check out our Transfer Student Information page for very important infformation specific to their uniqure situation in entering CWU as a transfer student.

  If you do not plan to major in music, but simply want to be involved in ensembles, you are not required to audition at this time. Ensemble Auditions take place the first week of school in September.

  Audition Dates

  On campus Admission/Scholarship auditions for fall entrance are held the preceding January/February. Complete the audition registration form for specific dates and we will contact you to arrange an audition time. We would love to hear you in person! However, if you cannot make it to our campus, you can still submit an audition online through GetAcceptd.

  (Please note, there is a $30.00 student application fee to submit through Get Accept'd.)

  Register Now!
• Preparing for your Audition

  About Your Audition

  Auditions at CWU are designed to enable the faculty to ascertain your potential for success as a music major in your intended degree area. Do not think of the audition as a concert performance, but instead as an opportunity to demonstrate your skill level and musicianship. Of course, you should show to your best advantage, so we recommend you prepare for your audition under the guidance of your current music teacher.

  Please complete our Supplemental Audition Information Form and bring it to your in-person audition, or upload it with your GetAcceptd audition submission.

  Audition Requirements

  Specific Audition Requirements are found on each studio's audition requirements page.  Please be sure you refer to these for your audition.

  Recommendations

  Recommendations are not required, but strongly encouraged. To strengthen your application, complete and return recommendations before or at the time of your audition. Please download and print the Music Program Recommendation Form and have your private instructor or teacher complete and submit it. Your resume, repertoire list and other supporting documents may be submitted at the time of audition, but are not required.

• Scholarships

  Each year, the Music Department gives over $250,000 in scholarships and waivers for incoming and returning students. To be considered for these music scholarships, students should audition before March 1st. For additional scholarship and important deadline information visit our Music Scholarships page.

• Audition Results

  Audition results will be sent by letter in late March. If you are accepted as a music student, we require you to inform us whether you plan to attend CWU by May 1st.

  Probationary Status

  As a prospective student, if you do not qualify initially for admission into the Department, you may be placed on departmental probation. This will allow you to enroll in some basic musicianship classes and pursue applied study on either the group or secondary level. Probationary students may use the quarter-ending jury as an audition for reconsideration of their admission to the Music Department.