Cleveland Institute of Music

The Cleveland Institute of Music is one of just seven independent conservatories of music in the United States, one of three devoted exclusively to classical music performance. CIM students benefit from access to world-renowned visiting artists and conductors, intensive study with CIM's stellar faculty, and the rich curriculum offered by CIM's partner Case Western Reserve University. CIM's graduates command the most celebrated and revered stages in the world as soloists, chamber musicians, and ensemble members compose award-winning repertoire and are sought-after teaching artists, administrators, and thought leaders. More than half of The Cleveland Orchestra members are connected to CIM as members of the faculty, alumni, or both.

The Cleveland Institute of Music, founded in 1920 with composer Ernest Bloch as the founding director, is one of just seven independent conservatories of music in the United States, one of three devoted exclusively to classical music performance and the only one nestled in America's heartland. CIM's campus – in the world-class center of innovation in healthcare, education, and arts & culture known as University Circle – offers an incomparable environment for learning, study, and artistic development.

CIM's graduates command the most celebrated and revered stages in the world as soloists, chamber musicians, and ensemble members compose meaningful, award-winning new repertoire and are highly sought-after teaching artists, administrators, and thought leaders. More than half of The Cleveland Orchestra members are connected to CIM as members of the faculty, alumni, or both. The Institute's diverse talent tapestry uniquely positions CIM as the future of classical music.

All CIM students benefit from access to world-renowned visiting artists and conductors, intensive study with CIM's stellar faculty, and the rich curriculum offered by CIM's partner Case Western Reserve University. CIM's Center for Innovative Musicianship (known as CIM²) embraces the school's mission to empower the world's most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential by offering extensive experiential opportunities to foster the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition into a professional career.

CIM is an integral part of Cleveland's arts community, presenting nearly 600 free performances and masterclasses on campus each year, and hundreds more at locations throughout the region, including Severance Hall, widely regarded as one of the world's finest concert halls. Students and faculty engage with partners, including The Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Institute of Art, and other cultural, educational, and community organizations to create classical music that is as vibrant and varied as Cleveland's city.

The CIM mission is to empower the world's most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential. In support of this mission, CIM is committed to the following:

• CIM is committed to the education of the complete musician who has a firm mastery of the classics and the opportunity to experience the creation and performance of new and recent repertoire.
• CIM is committed to attracting highly-talented individuals worldwide and guiding them to reach their musical and artistic potential.
• CIM is committed to being a resource for the community, with training for individuals of all ages and abilities.
• CIM is committed to incorporating new technologies to complement and enhance the lives and education of its students.
• CIM is committed to providing access to rich and diverse coursework at CIM and CWRU to build its students' ability to situate their work in the context of the world of knowledge and to have the ability to communicate those connections.
• CIM believes the act of collaboration is a necessary and vital component of every musician's development. Its distinguished faculty is committed to developing all students' full artistic potential and encouraging the valuable exchange of musical ideas and approaches.

CIM empowers the world's most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential. Whether you envision a career as a soloist, orchestra member, or pedagogue, CIM will provide the intense, complete, and practical training required to accomplish your most ambitious musical goals.

Students are introduced to rich and diverse coursework at CIM, encouraged to share musical approaches and create new repertoire, and coached by renowned artists. Our partnership with Case Western Reserve University enables CIM students to take non-music courses and earn dual degrees, including an educational degree. Students can also choose to double major in theory, composition, eurhythmics, or audio recording. The immersive and creative educational process at CIM empowers graduates to leave the Institute prepared for the future.

At CIM, there are plenty of options available for life outside of the practice room. From performing at venues throughout the greater Cleveland area and teaching music lessons at Cleveland School of the Arts to joining student government, residence life, or Case Western Reserve University's various clubs, there are activities and programs for everyone.

CIM students soak up the culture at the city's museums, art galleries, markets, and parks. Students experiment with new sounds during open mic night at local coffee houses and meet up with friends at authentic international restaurants spotted. CIM is a place where you can be serious about studying music and find plenty of fun opportunities in your downtime.