Auditioning at CIM

Live auditions at CIM vary by area of study. Applicants who pass the prescreening round, or whose major does not require a prescreening, will be invited to an in-person audition. Auditions for spring entry are recorded for all areas.

Prescreening

Not all areas of study require a prescreen audition. Faculty will review all prescreening after the application deadline of December 1. If invited, you will be notified by December 20.

All DMA candidates must provide a video prescreening regardless of instrument. DMA applicants that do not require a prescreen round should submit approximately 30 minutes of the audition requirements.

Find more information around prescreening requirements. 

Recorded Auditions

We highly recommend applicants audition in Cleveland for the opportunity to experience the dynamic and vibrant CIM culture. Our faculty and staff welcome the opportunity to meet you in person in Cleveland. We realize, however, that it is not always possible for you to audition live. Please note:

All applicants in the following programs require a live audition in Cleveland:

  • Artist diploma
  • Doctor of musical arts

All applicants in the following areas of study require a live audition in Cleveland:

  • Composition*
  • Collaborative Piano
  • Harp
  • Orchestral Conducting
  • Timpani and Percussion*
  • Viola*

*We accept recorded auditions for international composition, viola, and timpani and percussion applicants.

Those who choose to send in a recorded audition will use the required live audition repertoire.

Regional Auditions

CIM offers the opportunity to audition live at regional auditions listed below. It is not guaranteed that faculty will be at the regional auditions. A representative from the CIM Admission Office will be present to record your audition. Accompanists are not provided for Voice applicants auditioning regionally. 

Dates for Fall 2020 Entrance:

General Auditions in Cleveland:

  • February 2, 2020 (DMA Audition Day) 
  • February 9, 2020 (DMA Audition Day) 
  • February 16, 2020 
  • February 23, 2020
  • March 1, 2020 

Regional Auditions:

  • January 25, 2020 | 9am-12pm | Interlochen Center for the Arts
  • February 27-28, 2020 | OPERA America, NYC

International Auditions:

  • January 6, 2020 | Beijing, China | China Conservatory of Music
  • January 8, 2020 | Hangzhou, China | Zhejiang Conservatory of Music
  • January 10, 2020 | Shenzhen, China | Shenzhen Arts School

Specific audition dates for your area of study are available on the Live Auditions page.