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.
513-556-9420
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.
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.
November 18, 2025
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.
Event: November 13, 2025 1:12 PM
UC College-Conservatory of Music's 2025-26 theatre season continues with Cendrillon, playing Nov. 13-15, 2025 in Patricia Corbett Theater.
Event: October 23, 2025 1:54 PM
UC College-Conservatory of Music's 2025-26 theatre season continues with "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical", playing Oct. 23-25, 2025 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.
October 3, 2025
UC College-Conservatory of music celebrates Pulizter and Grammy Award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon during her residency at CCM on Oct. 16-18, 2025. Audiences are invited to experience the music of this contemporary classical composer in a variety of free and ticketed concerts; tickets on sale through the CCM Box Office.
Event: September 26, 2025 7:30 PM
UC College-Conservatory of Music presents "Beyond The Note," a concert featuring the CCM Concert Orchestra, Chamber Choir and Chorale at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 in Corbett Auditorium.
Event: September 20, 2025 7:30 PM
UC College-Conservatory of Music Vocal Performance alumni and faculty join the CCM Philharmonia in a performance that celebrates Italian opera at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 in Corbett Auditorium.
August 26, 2025
In this new short film created by CCM Recording Productions, viewers can experience an insiders look at the April 2025 production of the whimsical ballet Coppélia. Follow along with CCM students Celeste Lau (BFA Ballet, ’25) and Regina Murphy (BFA Ballet, ’25), who play both Swanhilda and Coppélia, switching roles on different nights of the production.
