Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your instrument. Please visit the prescreening page on our website for specific prescreening requirements. 

Once prescreening decisions are released, all areas of study (including those without prescreening) will be able to sign up for a specific audition day through the status page of your application portal. You will be notified via email if you have passed the prescreen.

Yes. There are two ways to enter in the spring semester.

• Fill out an application for spring and submit all required materials including recommendation letters, transcripts, videos and the non-refundable application fee by October 1.
• You may also defer your entrance if you have enrolled for the fall semester.

NOTE: Spring applications are not accepted for Artist Diploma and Doctor of Musical Arts program.

No; since admittance to CIM is based on auditions, we require all students to audition at the same time of year.

• Our application is available on September 1.
• The application (including recordings) is due December 1 for the fall entry.

• Some knowledge of piano will be very useful if you are admitted to CIM.
• All non-piano majors take a placement exam during orientation to determine the level of piano proficiency.

• Placement is determined by the online music theory exam that is due February 1.
• If you are planning to take music theory before coming to CIM, we recommend taking classes that include both aural skills and written theory. Whether the class is AP, dual credit or through a private instructor, it is always helpful to get a head start.

• Yes, many AP courses will count toward your degree if you receive 4 or 5 on the AP test, but our Registrar will evaluate which courses specifically when we receive your final transcripts and scores. CIM does not accept AP music theory scores.
• College credits also need to be evaluated by our Registrar to see if they will transfer.

CIM is a fully test-optional school for SAT and ACT scores. Undergraduate applicants are encouraged to submit standardized test scores with their application if they have taken the exams.

Submission of SAT/ACT scores is highly recommended for homeschooled applicants.

• ACT: CIM school code is 3250. Call 319.337.1313 to order a score report.
• SAT: CIM school code is 1124. Call 866.756.7346 to order a score report.

NOTE: SAT/ACT test reports must be uploaded to the application separately, even if they are recorded on your secondary school transcripts.

The essay must be 250-500 words (double spaced).

What do you like about your current level of performance/composition? What needs improvement? What are your career goals and how will CIM help you attain them?

For spring entry, all materials, the application and the application fee are due October 1. 

For fall entry, the application, application fee, essay, resume, recordings and IELTS/TOEFL scores (international applicants) are due December 1. Recommendation letters, AP/IB and ACT/SAT scores, and unofficial transcripts are due January 15.

TOEFL/IELTS waivers are not guaranteed; however, applicants with three or more consecutive years in an English speaking institution are eligible to apply. TOEFL/IELTS waivers are not accepted or reviewed for doctor of musical arts applicants. 

Waivers are reviewed on a case-by-case basis after a complete application for admission is submitted. It is advised to turn in the waiver request and application prior to the December 1 deadline. Materials must be uploaded to the completed application and received before the December 1 deadline.

No; if you are from a country whose native language is English, you are not required to take the TOEFL/IELTS.

You may need to take the TOEFL/IELTS exam, but that will be determined at your live audition when you interview with our English Language specialist.

CIM's TOEFL/IELTS code is 1124.

Yes, we do consider improved scores.

Yes, but you have to audition for both separately and be accepted to both departments.

Yes, you can minor in another instrument with the permission of your principal instructor.

Yes! CIM offers double majors in Composition, Eurhythmics and Music Theory.

There are no Teaching Assistant positions at CIM; all of our courses are taught by CIM faculty.

Students can work for Admissions, Concerts and Events, the Robinson Music Library, Recording Arts and Services, and more. There is a job fair held at CIM during the first week of school where you can learn more about opportunities. All open work study jobs will be posted on CIM's career page.

Yes! CIM's state-of-the-art student housing complex located right next to CIM at 1609 Hazel includes 22 acoustically isolated practice rooms. Learn more about our student housing complex.

CIM's upperclassmen and graduate students live in the Cleveland community. Learn about off-campus housing options.

• CIM students usually go to Leutner Commons, a two-minute walk from CIM. CIM students on the meal plan can meet Case and Cleveland Institute of Art students while eating at one of the two dining halls on Case’s campus.

• Yes, many of our students are employed with nearby orchestras such as Akron, Erie, Toledo and Youngstown.
• Many of our CIM students perform locally at weddings, parties and other events in the community.

No, you will apply to CIM only and we will take care of the rest. Make sure you select the ‘Dual Degree’ option on your application and note your intended second major.

Yes.

No, to attend only CWRU you would need to apply separately.

Through our partnership, the faculty in the Joint Music Program teaches music students at CWRU.

5 years maximum, but it can be completed in 4 years depending on your choice of major.

Yes, as a CIM student you will have access to take classes from CWRU’s entire course catalog. 

Yes! All CIM students may participate in CWRU’s clubs and organizations.

No! There is a fee associated with the dual degree. See the CIM Cost of Attendance sheet to learn more.

Currently, our tuition is frozen at $40,000. 

CIM currently has 350 students. We are slowly decreasing our enrollment to make sure our students and alumni have the greatest opportunity to achieve their dreams and reach their potential. 

Approximately 55% undergraduate to 45% graduate.

About 30% of our students are international, 65% are from other U.S. states, and 5% are from Ohio.