Strings

CCM Philharmonia students perform double bass on the Corbett Auditorium stage

CCM offers students unparalleled opportunities to perform, learn and live in a thriving, next-generation city known for its intense interest in the arts. Experience leading-edge facilities, distinguished faculty and world-class ensembles while earning your undergraduate or graduate degree.

The study of music at CCM is strongly performance based. The cornerstone of all degree programs is private lessons with faculty, who serve as mentors for students and direct their individual musical, performing and teaching growth.

CCM provides students with professionally-oriented immersive experiences in order to prepare them to enter directly into performing arts careers. The curriculum emphasizes the development of the well-rounded, holistic musician by providing a solid background in music history and theory as well as areas specific to each musical medium.

Undergraduate students enjoy a close collaboration with the University of Cincinnati through a general education core that supplements their education with academic course work while graduate students specialize more precisely in their chosen field.

Where performance is the primary focus, the opportunities are abundant. CCM houses nearly 1,000 performances each year in state-of-the-art spaces. Each degree program culminates in at least one full, required solo recital. Students rehearse and perform frequently with over a dozen ensembles from orchestras to wind symphonies; from pit orchestras to combined choral productions; from early music to 21st-century compositions.

Chamber music study is a critical element of each program, and CCM holds annual concerto and scholarship competitions. Faculty and guest artists conduct regular studio classes and master classes.

powerful network of nationally and internationally renowned teachers and performers is available to students. Access professional development and performance opportunities with the region’s many notable arts organizations. A fabulous campus, classrooms without boundaries and unlimited opportunity.

Your future is calling. Take your next step:


News and Events

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Watch performances from Jennifer Higdon's residency at CCM

December 11, 2025

One of America's greatest living composers spent three days in residence at CCM earlier this year. Relive the excitement of that residency with the latest video releases from CCM Recording Productions. This October, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music welcomed Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon for a three-day-long residency. Dubbed the "Jennifer Higdon Festival," this one-of-a-kind event featured a variety of different public performances presented by students and faculty, along with a Composition Symposium for CCM students, faculty and staff.

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CCM hosts Pulitzer and Grammy Award-winning composer on Oct. 16-18

October 3, 2025

UC College-Conservatory of music celebrates Pulizter and Grammy Award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon during her residency at CCM on Oct. 16-18, 2025. Audiences are invited to experience the music of this contemporary classical composer in a variety of free and ticketed concerts; tickets on sale through the CCM Box Office.

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Poiesis Quartet wins Grand Prize at Banff International String Quartet Competition

September 2, 2025

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta, Canada announced the Poiesis Quartet as the grand prize winner of the 15th triennial Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC). The CCM graduate student ensemble consists of artist diploma students Sarah Ying Ma (she/they) on violin, Max Ball (he/they) on violin, Jasper de Boor (they/them) on viola and Drew Dansby (he/him) on cello.