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 1 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 3 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 early 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 early 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 27, 2024
The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Philharmonia takes the stage with an exciting program of all Spanish-inspired music on Friday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in CCM’s Corbett Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.
Event: March 28, 2024 8:00 PM
UC College-Conservatory of Music presents "Once On This Island," a Caribbean-set retelling of "The Little Mermaid," on March 28-30 at Patricia Corbett Theater. From the Tony Award-winning songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (BM Composition, ’82), the musical shares the story of one small firl who finds love in a world of prejudice.
March 11, 2024
The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) alumna Chaowen Ting (MM Orchestral Conducting, ‘11) recently won second prize at the Felix Mendelssohn Conducting Competition. Held annually Karlovy Vary, in the Czech Republic, the Mendelssohn Competition draws talent from all over the world, and past awardees hold posts at major symphonies and operas in Europe, America and Asia.
