Your Musical Journey at FIU Begins Here

Congratulations and welcome to the Wertheim School of Music at Florida International University!

We are thrilled that you have chosen to pursue your music education with us. Whether you’re a vocalist, instrumentalist, composer, producer, educator, or scholar, you are now part of a vibrant, dynamic, and supportive community of artists, educators, and professionals committed to excellence.

Your first week at FIU will be filled with discovery, inspiration, and new connections. This page is designed to guide you through everything you need to know to get started—and to feel confident and prepared for what lies ahead.

Start Here: What You Need to Know

  • Main Office
    • Visit us in the Wertheim Performing Arts Center, Room 142, for assistance.
  • The Downbeat Board: Your Hub for All Things Wertheim
    • Lockers, Recitals, Faculty, & More Information—Find the latest updates and resources on The Downbeat Board, located just outside the main office.
  • Placement Auditions
    • All music students are required to complete placement auditions for ensembles, chamber groups, and/or combos. Audition results will be posted within 24 hours. Ensembles are now permission-only; you will be emailed your results to your FIU email only once your placement is confirmed. Please review the audition placement under current students on the webpage for more information: https://carta.fiu.edu/music/placementauditions/.
  • Recitals
  • Lockers
    • Lockers are available to FIU music students through the School of Music main office. Request a locker here: Music Locker Form.
  • Financial Aid
  • Parking Permits & Student ID Cards
    • For Panther ID cards and parking permits, please visit FIU OneStop.
  • First Day of Classes
    • Plan ahead—arrive early with your materials, schedule, and course locations in hand. Make a strong start!
  • Orientation & Welcome Meeting
    • Join us for the School-wide Orientation and Welcome Back Meeting held on the first Thursday of the first week of the Fall semester. Connect with fellow students, meet your faculty, and learn everything you need to succeed at The Wertheim. This is your official welcome to the community!

Before You Arrive: Prepare for Sucess

  • Register for Courses
    • Work with your Area Coordinator to complete your registration (excluding ensemble placements) by August 15. Students with scholarships must be registered for at least 11 credits (not including ensembles) to remain eligible for scholarship funding.
  • Review the Student Handbook
    • Our Student Handbook is your guide to life at the Wertheim School of Music—covering everything from academic policies to recital guidelines, practice room usage, and professionalism.
  • Explore the Wertheim Website
    • Familiarize yourself with faculty bios, concert calendars, advising information, and studio policies. Bookmark our site so you can easily find what you need throughout the year.

Get Inspired: What It Means to Be a Wertheim Musician

Being a Wertheim musician means striving for excellence, honoring collaboration, and investing in your craft every single day. We encourage you to:Arrive early to rehearsals and lessons, prepared and ready to contribute.

  • Practice mindfully and with purpose.
  • Communicate clearly and respectfully with your professors and peers.
  • Embrace opportunities outside the classroom—masterclasses, concerts, community engagement.
  • Take care of your well-being and stay balanced.

This is more than a school. It’s a launchpad for your future as a musician, leader, and creative force. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you ever have questions or need guidance—please reach out. You are not alone. The faculty, staff, and your fellow students are all here to help you succeed.

Welcome to FIU. Welcome to The Wertheim. Welcome to Your Future.