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Dean Jutras looks back on year two at CCM
September 23, 2026
CCM Dean Pete Jutras shares a message with the college's community as he enters his third year.
General Studies
CCM's Division of General Studies provides students with flexible pathways for the study of music as a cultural and artistic practice through either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or an Academic Minor program.
General Studies also offers a wide variety of Fine Arts Elective courses, which are open to all UC students. Current courses are listed in CCM's Arts for All offerings.
General Studies
BA in Music
The BA in Music culminates in a liberal arts degree, which can be a gateway to careers in music and allied fields, including music promotions, arts administration, music therapy, journalism, ethnomusicology, musicology, music theory, composition, songwriting, commercial music production and library science.
The BA Music curriculum is flexible, and students design their coursework to emphasize particular skill areas or to complete a broader course of study that samples from all areas. Ample electives allow for the possibility to complete double-majors, minors, certificate programs (including pre-law or pre-med coursework) and to participate in study abroad opportunities. These experiences culminate in an individual capstone research project with a CCM faculty member.
Co-op Opportunity
The Bachelor of Arts in Music program offers an optional cooperative education experience through co-op at UC, connecting academic study with paid professional work. This co-op is a unique opportunity for CCM students in the BA Music program and may be completed during the third or fourth year.
Students are guided through a professional development course and supported in a paid co-op with experts in the music industry. Co-op placements are designed around the individual student’s needs and interests to support them in building skills, gaining momentum, receiving mentorship, strengthening critical thinking, refining communication, problem solving and building networks on their way to becoming music professionals.Replace with your text
Because of the liberal arts focus of the bachelor of arts degree, students primarily interested in performance should apply to a bachelor of music (BM) degree in their instrument.
Begin Your Journey At CCM
CCM's undergraduate admissions process begins on August 1 for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 3 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.
Music - BA
Pre-screening
Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 to be considered for admissions and invited for an interview.
Pre-screening Requirements
- 300-word essay discussing why you are interested in pursuing this degree and how it can help you develop your music interests, academic pursuits and career goals.
- Upload contact information for one reference
- Evidence of your creative process, which may include an audio or video recording of a performance, a score or musical composition, or an essay on a musical subject
Additional Information
The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree at CCM is a liberal arts degree that provides students with flexible pathways for the study of music as a cultural and artistic practice. Ample electives allow for a breadth of approaches to music studies, and more than half of the coursework allows students to explore courses outside of music, with possibilities for double-majors, minors, certificate programs and pre-med or pre-law coursework.
Because of the liberal arts focus of this degree, students primarily interested in studying performance should apply to a Bachelor of Music degree in their chosen performance area instead.
Private lessons in a performance area are encouraged within this program; however, if an applicant wants to study at the secondary or concentration level, the applicant will need to be admitted by faculty in the applied performance area in addition to the BA-Music program.
Music Minor
The Music Minor at CCM provides students with a broad general education in Music. The minor offers non-music majors exposure to music through courses in musicology and ethnomusicology, music theory, music composition, music technology, jazz history and studies, commercial music production, and performance studies. Students already pursuing a non-music degree in any college at UC can add the minor to their program. The minor is intended for students who want to develop a specialty in music that will complement other areas of study.
Curriculum Overview
The Music Minor's curriculum is adaptable so that students may design their coursework to emphasize a particular skill area or to complete a broader course of study that samples from multiple areas. The music minor includes core courses that provide grounding in critical listening skills and music fundamentals, electives (any course listed under the FAM subject code and other courses listed on the Music minor webpage), and participation in ensembles.
Application Process
All applicants must be current UC students. CCM accepts 10-15 minor applicants each year. Students interested in applying for the Music Minor should submit a complete copy of their most recent Degree Audit and a 500-word essay explaining their educational and career goals and why they wish to minor in Music.
Submissions for the Music Minor are accepted year-round and should be emailed to Holly Pratt with the subject line “Music Minor Application.” Questions should be directed to Holly Pratt at holly.pratt@uc.edu.
In applying for the minor, students affirm their understanding that:
- admission to advanced classes intended for music majors may be restricted;
- certain classes may require students to supply a laptop and software applications; and
- certain ensembles/applied study may require the student to provide their own instrument.
Composition Track
Compose, create and collaborate. The BA Music Composition Track combines the flexibility of a liberal arts degree with intensive study in music composition. Work one-on-one with award-winning composers, explore diverse compositional traditions and hear your music brought to life by CCM's outstanding student and guest ensembles.
Faculty
Ellen R. Harrison,
Adjunct Associate Professor of Composition (General Studies); CCM Prep Master Teacher, Theory and Composition
Matthew McAllister,
Adjunct Instructor of General Studies (Music); Dance Accompanist
513-556-6638
David B McDonnell,
Adjunct Instructor in General Studies (Music)
513-556-6046
Kim C. Pensyl,
Division Head - General Studies; Program Director - Commercial Music Production; Professor of Music
Gabriel Saba,
Academic Advisor; Adjunct Instructor of General Studies
513-556-9509
General Studies Division Head and Staff
Kim C. Pensyl,
Division Head - General Studies; Program Director - Commercial Music Production; Professor of Music
News and Events
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Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and CCM collaborate on new program
September 15, 2026
Symphony Behind the Scenes, a 10-week adult education series from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and UC College-Conservatory of Music, invites audiences behind the curtain of a professional orchestra. From artistic planning and rehearsal techniques to administration, education and concerto production, this course offers an insider’s view of how symphonic music comes to life.
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Get to know CCM’s newest faculty and staff members
September 14, 2026
UC’s College-Conservatory of Music will welcome a variety of new faculty and staff members to its roster of distinguished performing and media arts experts, researchers and educators this fall.
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CCM welcomes Jordan M. Davis as Assistant Dean of Admissions
September 8, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Jordan M. Davis, MA, as the college's new Assistant Dean of Admissions. In this role, Davis will be responsible for the vision, strategy and execution of all undergraduate and graduate recruitment and admissions for CCM. Working in partnership with college and university leadership, Davis will work to ensure that CCM's enrollment goals continue to align with its artistic and academic priorities. His appointment begins on Oct. 1, 2026.
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CCM shares 2026-27 calendar of ticketed + free performances and events
August 20, 2026
Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). With more than 130 different performances and events, there is something happening nearly every week of the school year!
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CCM presents film screening double feature "Cincinnati Sounds" + "King of Them All"
June 2, 2026
CCM invites audiences to explore the city of Cincinnati's musical spaces, places and sounds via two engaging documentaries in a single program. Join us at the Garfield Theatre on Saturday, June 13, 2026, for a Movie Screening and Discussion that delves into Cincinnati's exciting musical heritage. Student discount tickets are available at Cincinnati World Cinema. Screenings occur at both 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Filmmakers in attendance. For information and tickets: https://cincyworldcinema.org/cincy-sounds/