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 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.
Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, Wind) - MM, DM
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
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 January.
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 January.
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.
News and Events
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.
Get to know CCM’s newest faculty and staff members
May 4, 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.
CCM announces winners of 2026 Winstead Artistry in Wind Playing Competition
April 21, 2026
The UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is proud to announce the winners of the fifth annual competition for wind players in memory of Cincinnati Symphony principal bassoonist and long-time faculty member, William O. Winstead. The winners of CCM's 2026 Winstead Artistry in Wind Playing Competition are: - Winstead Prize ($2,000): Seongjin Kim, clarinet - Honorable Mention ($500 each): Valentina Arango-Sanchez, flute; and Michael Zelinksi, horn - Collaborative Pianist Prize ($1,000): Giorgos Kyriazidis, piano
Next OnStage: CCM presents 'Sweeney Todd' April 15-19
Event: April 15, 2026 12:00 AM
UC College-Conservatory of Music presents Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd on April 15-19, 2026 in Corbett Auditorium. An infamously bloody tale of obsession and revenge, the production features a collaboration between CCM’s nationally recognized Musical Theatre and Opera/Voice programs with the CCM Philharmonia.
CCM alumna wins second prize at La Maestra International Competition for Women Conductors
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..
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.
Attend a concert or show at CCM: Spring schedule of major events now available
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.
Watch performances from Jennifer Higdon's residency at CCM
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.