Viola

Viola students perform in a production of Bach's St. Matthew Passion conducted by Maestro Earl Rivers

The study of viola 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. 

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.

A promotional graphic announces "Virtuosity, Vision and the Viola with Roberto Díaz," a two-day event featuring performances, master classes, instrument expositions and more! The event occurs May 8-9, 2026, and features guest artists Ed Gazouleas, Ayane Kozasa, Teng Li, Milena Pajaro-Van De Stadt, Vicki Powell and Junping Qian. The image features photos of all of the aforementioned artists, and includes the URL for ccm.uc.edu/roberto-diaz

Experience "Virtuosity, Vision and the Viola with Roberto Díaz," a two-day event occurring May 8-9, 2026, featuring performances, master classes, instrument expositions and more! For additional information, click on the graphic above to visit ccm.uc.edu/roberto-diaz

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.

Learn More About the BM Program Learn More About the MM Program Learn More About the DMA Program Learn More About the AD Program

Viola Faculty

Headshot of Rebecca M. Barnes

Rebecca M. Barnes, 

Adjunct Instructor of Viola

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Headshot of Catharine Carroll Lees

Catharine Carroll Lees, 

Professor of Viola, Geraldine B. Gee Chair of Viola

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Headshot of Jan Grüning

Jan Grüning, 

Associate Professor of Viola and Chamber Music, Ariel Quartet member

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Headshot of Brian Hong

Brian Hong, 

Assistant Professor of Viola

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Strings Department Chair

Headshot of Rachel Calin

Rachel Calin, 

Chair of Strings Department; Professor of Double Bass

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Performance Studies Division Head and Staff

Headshot of James Bunte

James Bunte, 

Division Head of Performance Studies; Professor of Saxophone

513-556-0825

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Headshot of Sarah Minneman

Sarah Minneman, 

Chamber Music Coordinator

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Headshot of Claudia C. Penn

Claudia C. Penn, 

Executive Staff Assistant

513-556-3442

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CCM's admissions process begins on August 1 (undergraduate) and September 1 (graduate) for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 8 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.

Viola - BM

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 10 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.

Pre-screening Requirements
  • One movement from a cello suite of J. S. Bach
  • Exposition and cadenza (if applicable) from a standard viola concerto
  • One movement from a work of your choice

Audition

Audition Requirements
  • Two contrasting movements from a cello suite of J. S. Bach
  • First movement from a standard viola concerto
  • One movement from a work of your choice

Viola - MM, DMA

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 10 in order to be considered for admission.

Pre-screening Requirements
  • One movement from either a cello suite, violin partita or violin solo sonata of J.S. Bach
  • Exposition and cadenza (if applicable) from a major viola concerto by a composer such Walton, Bartok, Hindemith, etc.
  • One movement from a 20th/21st century composer written after 1960

Audition

Audition Requirements
  • Two contrasting movements from either a cello suite, violin partita or violin solo sonata of J.S. Bach
  • First movement from a major viola concerto by a composer such Walton, Bartok, Hindemith, etc.
  • One movement from a 20th/21st century composer written after 1960

Viola - AD

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 10 in order to be considered for admissions.

Pre-screening Requirements
  • One movement from either a cello suite, violin partita or violin solo sonata of J.S. Bach
  • Exposition and cadenza (if applicable) of a major viola concerto such as Walton, Bartok, Hindemith, etc.
  • One movement from a 20th/21st century composer written after 1960
  • Choice of one of the below:
    • One movement from a sonata or concerto written during the Classical Era
    • One movement from a sonata or suite written during the Romantic Era

Audition

Audition Requirements
  • Two contrasting movements from either a cello suite, violin partita or violin solo sonata of J.S. Bach
  • First movement of a major viola concerto such as Walton, Bartok, Hindemith, etc.
  • One movement from a 20th/21st century composer written after 1960
  • Choice of one of the below:
    • One movement from a sonata or concerto written during the Classical Era
    • One movement from a sonata or suite written during the Romantic Era

News and Events

1

CCM welcomes Rachel Roberts as Associate Dean of Strategy and Operations

May 11, 2026

UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Rachel Roberts, EdD, as CCM's inaugural Associate Dean of Strategy and Operations. In this newly-created role, Roberts will partner with Dean Jutras and other college leaders to advance strategic, operational and academic priorities. Roberts is nationally recognized for developing leaders and advancing how musicians and arts organizations learn, adapt and lead in an evolving arts landscape. Her appointment officially begins on July 6, 2026.

3

CCM presents a weekend event to celebrate violist Roberto Díaz

May 1, 2026

CCM is proud to present a celebration of violist Roberto Díaz on May 8-9, 2026! Renowned violist Roberto Díaz stands as a monumental figure in the world of music. UC's College-Conservatory of Music is honored to host a celebration recognizing his extraordinary artistry, vision and the wealth of knowledge he continues to share with his students and the global viola community.

5

WATCH: CCM Philharmonia's Feb. 20 concert livestream

February 18, 2026

Audiences can enjoy CCM Philharmonia's next concert in person or watch at home via livesteam at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. Featuring alumni guest artists Rebecca Barnes, viola; and Jonathan Lee, cello; tickets for the "Midlife Crisis" concert are on sale now through the CCM Box Office. The livesteam is free to watch on CCM's website and YouTube channel.

6

New CCM apparel available for purchase online

January 12, 2026

Show your school spirit this spring with official CCM apparel! New UC College-Conservatory of Music apparel is available for purchase online. CCM's Spring 2026 apparel can be ordered online now through Feb. 2, 2026. You can preview five wearable items below.

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