Commercial Music Production

Commercial Music Production students perform on guitar, drums and piano for an audience.

CCM’s bachelor of music degree in Commercial Music Production (CMP) offers a comprehensive education in professional commercial music studies.

This unique program incorporates core training in music theory, composition, arranging and musicianship combined with recording studio techniques, commercial music and media technologies.

Although this degree includes music production, editing, business and studio technical training, it is important to note that this is music degree, not a music technology, music industry, audio or recording degree. Successful CMP applicants are expected to have significant musical training and study.

The CMP degree includes an additional emphasis on entrepreneurial business acumen by inclusion of a Minor in Entrepreneurship from UC’s Lindner College of Business. This creates a vibrant and exclusive educational experience that provides graduates with numerous opportunities for meaningful employment in the music industry.


Graduates will possess skills in these areas:

  • composition for television and commercial media
  • producing, mixing, running live sound
  • songwriting and scoring
  • music technology and related technologies
  • studio production techniques (editing, mixing and mastering)
  • film scoring
  • music business and entrepreneurship
  • career management

Faculty

Headshot of Tobe Donohue

Tobe Donohue

Adjunct Instructor of Media Production/CMP/Jazz Studies

Headshot of Max Gise

Max Gise

Adjunct Instructor of Commercial Music Production

(513) 417-4543

Headshot of Ellen V. Graham

Ellen V. Graham

Adjunct Instructor of Voice

Headshot of Moni (Jasmine) Guo

Moni (Jasmine) Guo

Assistant Professor of Commercial Music Production

513-556-9497

Headshot of Richard Hordinski

Richard Hordinski

Adjunct Professor in General Studies (Commercial Music)

Headshot of Aaron Jacobs

Aaron Jacobs

Adjunct Instructor of Jazz Studies (Bass and Combos)

513-556-2696

Headshot of Dan Karlsberg

Dan Karlsberg

Adjunct Instructor; CCM Prep Master Teacher, Jazz Piano

Headshot of Jess Lamb

Jess Lamb

Adjunct Instructor of Commercial Music Production

513-556-6017

Headshot of Brad Thomas Myers

Brad Thomas Myers

Adjunct Instructor

Headshot of Kim C. Pensyl

Kim C. Pensyl

Division Head - General Studies; Program Director - Commercial Music Production; Professor of Music

Headshot of Jacob Richter

Jacob Richter

Adjunct Instructor of Media Production and Commercial Music Production

513-556-9488

Headshot of Jackie Stevens

Jackie Stevens

Adjunct Instructor of Commercial Music Production

Headshot of John W. Taylor

John W. Taylor

Instructor - Adjunct

513-556-2696

Headshot of Andy Villemez

Andy Villemez

Interim Division Head of Keyboard Studies; Associate Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy

513-556-6825


Commercial Music Production Program Director

Headshot of Kim C. Pensyl

Kim C. Pensyl

Division Head - General Studies; Program Director - Commercial Music Production; Professor of Music

Ensembles and Conducting Division Head and Staff

Headshot of Kevin Michael Holzman

Kevin Michael Holzman

Division Head of Ensembles and Conducting; Director and Associate Professor of Wind Studies

Headshot of User not found User not found

User not found User not found

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 1 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.

Commercial Music Production - BM

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an interview.

BM Applicants Only: When submitting your pre-screening materials, you will have the option to self-select yourself for additional consideration to the Music – BA degree in the case that you do not pass the pre-screening/final audition round.

Pre-screening Requirements
  • At least three recorded examples of the applicant’s original compositions, songs, etc.
    • Any style will be accepted - Classical, Jazz, Rock/Pop, Gospel, R&B, Contemporary, Computer Generated, Film or Media composition. 
    • The recordings may be from live performances, studio or computer generated (sequenced, MIDI, playback exported from Notation software).
    • Recorded examples should be accompanied by documentation in one of the following formats: scores, lead sheets, chord charts or chord charts with lyrics. 
      • The scores or lead sheets should clearly show the notated rhythm, pitches, and chords, if applicable. 
      • The scores should be readable by actual performers. 
      • Please Note: If you are working in a computer-generated music platform such as Logic, Ableton, Pro Tools, etc. -- simply printing a computer-produced print out from the session for the submission is not generally acceptable. However, the score or lead sheets are not as crucial to your acceptance as the music. Many students only have a rudimentary understating of how to use notation software at this stage in their development.
  • Contact information for two references; with at least one who can address the applicant’s specific musical qualifications for success in the program.
  • The applicant needs to submit an essay discussing their musical background in composing, songwriting, performing, and audio recording, along with their career goals.

Audition

Audition Requirements
All applicants will:
  • Perform their original music – Each applicant must perform 1–2 pieces or songs they have written. This can be sung or played on an instrument, with or without a backing track.
  • Demonstrate performance ability – If an applicant chooses to present a film score with a picture on their computer, they must still be prepared to play an instrument or sing. This can be simple—chords, scales, an étude, a melody, or another short piece—but it helps us assess their musicality.
  • Optional: Applicants who wish to showcase their technical skills further may also perform a piece by another composer (e.g., s Beethoven sonata, a jazz standard, or a contemporary work). Since all students will take applied lessons for two years at CCM, performing on an instrument (including voice) is a required part of the audition.
Additional Information
  • Applicants should have a major instrument for audition purposes; vocalists and non-traditional instruments are encouraged to apply. All instruments are considered.
  • Although this degree includes music production, editing, business and studio technical training, it is important to note that this is a music degree, not a degree in music technology, music industry, audio or recording. Successful CMP applicants are expected to have significant musical training and study.
  • Students receive admission to the program based on their songwriting and/or composition abilities, academic potential, passion for music, and career outlook. The program is divided into three areas – writing (songwriting/film scoring/composition), recording technology, and entrepreneurship. However, it is the writing that is an absolute to entering the program. Every student in CMP has multiple songwriting and film scoring classes. In addition to the Bachelor of Music degree, students receive a Minor in Entrepreneurship.
  • CMP Students have a laptop and software requirement – MacBook Air or MacBook Pro running Logic Pro. In addition, other software applications and sample libraries will be required.

If you are composing songs in any style (singer/ songwriter, jazz composers, classical composers, film scorers, rock and roll, computer music, R&B, country, etc.) and have working theory knowledge and are able to write out your compositions in a clear way, you may be a good candidate for this program. CMP is an ideal program for applicants interested in studio production, recording, and the editing side of the industry.

An ability to read and write music is required for entrance into the CMP program.

Applicants should have a major instrument for audition purposes; vocalists and non-traditional instruments are encouraged to apply, all instruments are considered.

Although this degree includes music production, editing, business and studio technical training, it is important to note that this is music degree, not a degree in music technology, music industry, audio or recording. Successful CMP applicants are expected to have significant musical training and study.

Applicants will be expected to supply at least two examples of their original compositions, tunes, etc. Any style will be accepted, including classical, jazz, rock/pop, gospel, R&B, contemporary or computer generated music. Questions can be directed to Director of Commercial Music Production Kim Pensyl at pensylkc@ucmail.uc.edu.

We need to see the actual scores or lead sheets showing clearly notated rhythm, pitches, chords (as applicable), etc. The more detail the better. We will also need to review recordings of these pieces. These can be live, studio, or computer-generated MIDI performances, but you must be able to provide MP3 versions. You will need to upload these along with your application; see below for details.

Please Note: If you are working in a computer-generated music platform such as Ableton or Pro Tools, simply printing a totally computer-produced print out for submission is not generally acceptable. The scores should be readable by actual performers. Your score should demonstrate your ability to notate the music you have composed.


News and Events

1

CCM Summer presents Film Scoring Summit for high school students

Event: April 5, 2025 10:00 AM

Do you have a favorite film music theme? Have you ever wondered how film scores come to life? Discover the art of film scoring during the one-day Film Scoring Summit at UC's College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Led by Professor Jasmine Guo, the Film Scoring Summit is a free event for rising 10th-12th grade students. Participants will delve into the magic of music in film, experiment with scoring and learn about CCM's Commercial Music Production (CMP) program. The Summit ends with a tour of CCM's recording studios and a Q&A session with faculty.

3

CCM hosts Moveable Feast gala fundraiser on Jan. 24, 2025

Event: January 24, 2025 12:00 AM

UC College-Conservatory of Music hosts its Moveable Feast fundraising gala live and in-person on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. Presented by CCMpower, a dedicated volunteer group of friends, advocates and alumni, Moveable Feast 2025: A Tempo generates essential support for the next generation of performing and media artists at CCM. Learn more about the event's "artistic menu" in our digital program!

4

CCM winter apparel available for purchase online

November 27, 2024

Show your school spirit this spring with official CCM apparel! New UC College-Conservatory of Music apparel is available for purchase online. CCM's latest quarter zip and crewneck sweatshirt designs can be ordered online now through Dec. 8, 2024. You can preview both items below.

5

Giving Tuesday: Support CCM health and wellness

November 26, 2024

For the UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) community, Giving Tuesday offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by supporting Student Health and Wellness. As our students dedicate themselves to the arts – pursuing rigorous schedules filled with practice, performance, and academic study – their mental and physical well-being is crucial.

6

Attend a concert or show at CCM: Spring schedule of major events...

November 18, 2024

Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)! The college’s spring 2025 schedule of major events is now available; tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

7

CCM faculty and alumni nominated for 2025 Grammy Awards

November 12, 2024

This year, four UC College-Conservatory of Music alumni and one current faculty member are among the nominees named for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be held in February of 2025. Represented across five categories, the Bearcats specifically named in the Grammy's published list of nominees include CCM Associate Professor of Voice Elliot Madore along with alumni Shoshana Bean (BFA Musical Theatre '99), Aaron Lazar (MFA Musical Theatre, ’00), Kevin McCollum (BFA Musical Theatre ’84, HonDoc ’05), Fotina Naumenko (MM Voice ‘12, DMA Voice ‘18), Jeannette Sorrell (MM Orchestral Conducting, att. ‘86-88) and Donald Nally (BM Music Education ‘82).

8

Take a virtual tour of CCM’s world-class facilities

October 21, 2024

Tomorrow's performing and media arts professionals get their start at CCM. Enjoy this inside look at our campus! There’s no place like the UC College-Conservatory of Music's award-winning campus, but don’t just take our word for it. Enjoy our new video tour of CCM's world-class facilities from the comfort of your own home! Current CCM students Annalee Crosser, Yasmine Bougacha and Trey Durr act as your virtual tour guides, providing an inside look at the state-of-the-art classrooms, studios and performance facilities of the "CCM Village."

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