Admission to the Cleveland Institute of Music is based primarily upon demonstrated ability in area of study which is determined by audition for a faculty panel.
In addition, the following are required of all undergraduate applicants before a final review:
- Official transcripts from every previously attended high school/secondary school or home school
- Prior to the first day of enrollment, an official High School diploma or recognized equivalent (GED or Home School Transcript) must be on file with the CIM Registrar
- Transcripts must be received directly from the issuing institution via postal or electronic service. Transcripts received from any other source will be considered unofficial.
- If concerns arise regarding the validity or content of a high school or college transcript, including but not limited to the graduation or conferral date, the CIM Registrar will reach out to that school’s Registrar directly for verification or clarification that all program and/or degree requirements have been completed by the applicant. Until CIM’s Registrar is assured the document provided to CIM is legitimate and fulfills our Admission requirements, the applicant will not proceed to full matriculation status which is required prior enrolling at CIM. If the program requirements have been met but the conferral date has not yet occurred, CIM will require written clarification from an applicable administrative official at the previous school.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for international applicants
- Two letters of recommendation, confidentially submitted, by people able to attest to musical ability
- Theory assessment exam
All graduate applicants, in addition to the audition must submit:
- Official transcripts from any current and previous college attended
- Prior to the first day of enrollment in a graduate program, an official completed Bachelor’s Degree transcript must be on file with the CIM Registrar. An official completed Master’s Degree transcript required for Doctor of Musical Arts applicants
- Transcripts must be received directly from the issuing institution via postal or electronic service. Transcripts received from any other source will be considered unofficial.
- If concerns arise regarding the validity or content of a high school or college transcript, including but not limited to the graduation or conferral date, the CIM Registrar will reach out to that school’s Registrar directly for verification or clarification that all program and/or degree requirements have been completed by the applicant. Until CIM’s Registrar is assured the document provided to CIM is legitimate and fulfills our Admission requirements, the applicant will not proceed to full matriculation status which is required prior enrolling at CIM. If the program requirements have been met but the conferral date has not yet occurred, CIM will require written clarification from an applicable administrative official at the previous school.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for international applicants
- Two letters of recommendation, confidentially submitted, by people able to attest to musical ability
- Theory assessment exam for Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts applicants