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Dean Jutras looks back on year two at CCM
September 23, 2026
CCM Dean Pete Jutras shares a message with the college's community as he enters his third year.
Orchestral Studies
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.
Degree Programs
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.
Faculty
Mark I. Gibson,
Director of Orchestral Studies; Professor of Music
513-556-9420
Ensembles and Conducting Division Head and Staff
Kevin Michael Holzman,
Division Head of Ensembles and Conducting; Director and Associate Professor of Wind Studies
CCM's graduate 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 3 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.
Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, Wind) - MM, DM
Pre-screening
Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.
Pre-screening Requirements
Note: Your video should be from the ensemble perspective, not from behind the conductor.
- Choral
- Conducting/Teaching: Submit a 20–30-minute video that demonstrates your conducting and rehearsal. Include at least one complete piece. Note: The camera angle should be focused from the ensemble perspective, so your face and gestures are visible.
- Keyboard: Demonstrate your musicianship by submitting an example of a solo piece where you feel most comfortable and musical.
- Vocal: Submit a video of your solo vocal abilities. This can be any song, aria, lieder, etc. of your choosing. Consider demonstrating your musical ability, use of language, and intonation skills.
- 2 letters of recommendation
- DMA applicants must submit an essay.
- This essay could be either a demonstration of your scholarship (analysis, scholarly writing, or published article) or a statement of your desire to pursue a DMA in Choral Conducting (no more than two pages).
- Orchestral – Video recording (no more than 15 minutes) of at least two contrasting works in performance/rehearsal; either excerpts thereof or in their entirety (may include one rehearsal video)
- Wind
- Two video recordings of rehearsals (15 min each, maximum)
- Two video recordings of performances (15 min each, maximum)
- 2 letters of recommendation
- DMA applicants must submit an essay.
Audition
Choral Conducting
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 February.
Orchestral Conducting
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 February.
Wind Conducting
The in-person audition will consist of:
- Conducting two works (one large ensemble, one chamber) which will be determined at the time of invitation
- A 30-minute aural skills diagnostic exam
- Complete a diagnostic wind literature exam
- Interview with the faculty
- One-hour lesson with Professor Holzman
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.
Performances and Public Events
News and Announcements
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Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and CCM collaborate on new program
September 15, 2026
Symphony Behind the Scenes, a 10-week adult education series from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and UC College-Conservatory of Music, invites audiences behind the curtain of a professional orchestra. From artistic planning and rehearsal techniques to administration, education and concerto production, this course offers an insider’s view of how symphonic music comes to life.
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CCM alumna Xian Zhang opens Seattle Symphony's new season in $20M renovated hall
September 14, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music alumna Xian Zhang (DMA Orchestral Conducting, att. ’98-01) embarks on her second year leading the Seattle Symphony Orchestra with a season-opening concert in Benaroya Hall, which recently completed a $20M renovation project.
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Get to know CCM’s newest faculty and staff members
September 14, 2026
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.
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Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz visits CCM
September 11, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music's BFA Musical Theatre students received advice and words of wisdom from one of the most influential composer and lyricists in America in a master class on Thursday, Sept. 10. From Broadway's Wicked, Godspell and Pippin to Disney's Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (and many, many more), Schwartz's work has moved generations of music and theatre lovers. Dozens of CCM students got to learn from his mentorship up close in a 2-hour workshop and Q&A in Cohen Family Studio Theater.
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CCM welcomes Jordan M. Davis as Assistant Dean of Admissions
September 8, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Jordan M. Davis, MA, as the college's new Assistant Dean of Admissions. In this role, Davis will be responsible for the vision, strategy and execution of all undergraduate and graduate recruitment and admissions for CCM. Working in partnership with college and university leadership, Davis will work to ensure that CCM's enrollment goals continue to align with its artistic and academic priorities. His appointment begins on Oct. 1, 2026.
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CCM Philharmonia opens season with Russian masterworks on Sept. 15
Event: September 15, 2026 7:30 PM
UC College-Conservatory of Music's 2026-27 ticketed performance season begins with CCM Philharmonia's "Russian Giants" concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Featuring guest conductor Timothy Muffitt, the performance takes place in CCM's Corbett Auditorium.
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CCM alumnus receives 2026 Career Assistance Award from Solti Foundation
August 26, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music alumnus William Langley recently received a 2026 Career Assistance Award from the Solti Foundation U.S., an award given to young conductors to further their professional endeavors.
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CCM shares 2026-27 calendar of ticketed + free performances and events
August 20, 2026
Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). With more than 130 different performances and events, there is something happening nearly every week of the school year!