CCM's orchestral program provides an unparalleled educational and performance experience for hundreds of instrumentalists each year.
The breadth of each season’s concert series rivals many of the world’s great performing organizations. As a result, students become versed in a body of repertoire that encompasses more than most conservatories venture to program.
The close bond between the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and CCM’s orchestral program invigorates student conductors and instrumentalists alike, and our commitment to high standards enriches the cultural life of Cincinnati.
CCM offers graduate degrees in orchestral conducting at the masters (MM) and doctoral (DMA) levels. Under the tutelage of Mark Gibson, director of orchestral studies, student conductors learn the craft in a high-profile program at one of the finest conservatories in the country.
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CCM's graduate admissions process begins on September 1 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.
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.
Note: Your video should be from the ensemble perspective, not from behind the conductor.
Applicants who pass the pre-screening will be invited to campus for an interview, conducting audition, and skills exam. Details of the audition will be sent to the appropriate applicants in January.
Applicants who pass the pre-screening will be invited to campus for an interview, conducting audition, and skills exam. Details of the audition will be sent to the appropriate applicants in January.
The in-person audition will consist of:
the flair and technique of a professional ensemble
Rafael's Music Notes
Under the direction of Professor Mark Gibson, the CCM Philharmonia is the college's premier orchestral ensemble and is recognized as one of the world's elite conservatory orchestras. The CCM Philharmonia has risen to world prominence through the quality of its performances, recordings, and its national and international tours. The CCM Philharmonia serves as the opera orchestra for the Conservatory's award-winning opera productions. Members of the CCM Philharmonia are regularly divided into chamber orchestras for a variety of specialized and high-profile performances.
The CCM Concert Orchestra shares a wind and brass rotation with the Philharmonia, with a slightly younger string section. Graduate students provide leadership in the strings, helping the orchestra achieve a high level of performance. Concert Orchestra performs a full season of nine events, often taking the stage alongside the Philharmonia, and performs with both the Mainstage Opera series and CCM’s annual “Feast of Carols” celebration.
The UC Symphony Orchestra is a campus orchestra, open to all students regardless of major. Optional small ensembles, various community service events, and social events are offered throughout the year.
Founded in 1946 by Ernest N. Glover, the CCM Brass Choir is comprised of French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion and performs original and transcribed music for brass ensemble. Directed by Professor Timothy Northcut, the Brass Choir has been featured at nearly every important educational conference in the United States, and serves as a leading collegiate brass ensemble.
March 3, 2026
The La Maestra International Competition for Women Conductors named UC College-Conservatory of Music alumna Jiajing Lai (MM Orchestral Conducting, '18) as a prizewinner in the 2026 competition. Lai won second prize and received €10,000..
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.
January 23, 2026
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 2026 schedule of major events is now available; tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.
January 14, 2026
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.
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.
Event: January 23, 2026 6:00 PM
UC College-Conservatory of Music hosts its Moveable Feast fundraising gala on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Presented by CCMpower, a dedicated volunteer group of friends, advocates and alumni, Moveable Feast: Illuminate generates essential support for the next generation of performing and media artists at CCM.
December 8, 2025
The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) holds the fifth annual competition for wind players in memory of Cincinnati Symphony principal bassoonist and long-time faculty member, William O. Winstead. The competition will culminate with a public performance with finalists on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at CCM’s Robert J. Werner Recital Hall.
December 3, 2025
UC College-Conservatory of Music hosts the CCM Conducting Master Class on March 5-8, 2026. Open to emerging and established conductors, participants will have the opportunity to learn from CCM Director of Orchestral Studies Mark Gibson while working with the CCM Philharmonia.
November 21, 2025
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.