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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.
Organ and Harpsichord
CCM offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in both organ and harpsichord.
Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees are available in both majors. CCM also offers a degree in Music Education with concentration in these instruments. The Music Education program can be completed in conjunction with major study, constituting a double major which is normally a five year program.
CCM also offers a Bachelor of Arts degree for the student wishing to pursue a more liberal arts oriented program of studies while maintaining their concentration in music. This degree offers a greater emphasis on non-music academics, and is designed for students who do not seek either a performing or a music education degree. Learn more about the Music BA program.
Master of Music (MM), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) degrees are also offered.
Organ Study
Organ study at CCM emphasizes the development of musical, performing and teaching skills. The degree programs are rigorous in their challenges, while retaining flexibility in order to address each student’s needs on an individual basis. In addition to the eight pipe organs in CCM, students have access to many of the finest instruments in the city.
Harpsichord Study
Harpsichord study at CCM exposes keyboardists to the full range of expressive, technical and historical elements associated with stylistic early keyboard performance. Lessons emphasize healthy and responsive technique while simultaneously revealing the colors of the instrument as well as the nuanced language of baroque rhetoric. Classes in basso continuo bring new perspective and skill to the art of accompanying, enhancing students’ improvisational and keyboard harmony capabilities while opening them up to a deeper awareness of early ensemble practices. Several fine harpsichords are available, along with a fortepiano and fretted clavichord. Visiting artists are often invited to coach, play with and perform for early keyboard and Baroque Performance students at CCM.
Faculty
John Austin Deaver,
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Keyboard Studies
859-431-1786
Keyboard Studies Division Head and Staff
Andy Villemez,
Division Head of Keyboard Studies; Associate Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy
513-556-6825
CCM's 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.
Harpsichord - BM
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
- Prepare two contrasting pieces from the standard harpsichord repertoire that demonstrate the applicant’s technical and musical skills.
- Selections should represent contrasting chronological and national schools: English, French, Italian, German, Iberian, etc.
- Memorization is not required.
- For undergraduate applicants with a strong piano background who wish to major in harpsichord, one of the two pieces may be a piano selection from the standard repertoire.
Audition
Audition Requirements
- Audition requirements are the same as the pre-screening requirements.
- The audition will have a short sight-reading exercise.
- Candidates will have a brief interview.
Audition Dates
- TBA
Recorded auditions are permitted and must be uploaded to Acceptd by February 1.
Harpsichord - MM, DMA, AD
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 interview.
Pre-screening Requirements
- Prepare three contrasting pieces from the standard harpsichord repertoire that demonstrate the applicant’s technical and musical skills.
- Repertoire selections should represent contrasting chronological and national schools: English, French, Italian, German, Iberian, etc.
- Memorization is not required.
Audition
Audition Requirements
- Invited applicants are welcome to play the same repertoire as in the pre-screening.
- The audition will have a short sight-reading exercise.
- Candidates will have a brief interview with faculty.
Audition Dates
- TBA
Recorded auditions are permitted and must be uploaded to Acceptd by February 1.
Organ - BM
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
- Prepare two contrasting pieces from the standard organ literature that demonstrate the applicant’s technical and musical skills. One selection must be from the 17th or 18th century, and the other from the 19th, 20th or 21st century.
- Memorization is not required.
- For undergraduate applicants with a strong piano background who wish to major in organ, one of the two pieces may be a piano selection from the standard repertoire.
Audition
Audition Requirements
- Audition requirements are the same as the pre-screening requirements.
- The audition will have a short sight-reading exercise for manuals only.
- Candidates will have a brief interview.
Audition Dates
- TBA
Recorded auditions are permitted and must be uploaded to Acceptd by February 1.
Organ - MM, DMA, AD
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
- Prepare three contrasting pieces from the standard organ literature that demonstrate the applicant’s technical and musical skills. One selection should be from the 17th or 18th century, and the other two from the 19th, 20th or 21st century.
- Memorization is not required.
Audition
Audition Requirements
- Invited applicants are welcome to play the same repertoire as in the pre-screening.
- The audition will have a short sight-reading exercise.
- Candidates will have a brief interview with faculty.
Audition Dates
- TBA
Recorded auditions are permitted and must be uploaded to Acceptd by February 1.
In state-of-the-art facilities, students practice and perform on instruments that include 200 pianos, eight harpsichords, a fortepiano, a clavichord and seven pipe organs. Keyboard Studies majors have separate practice rooms, and CCM's performance spaces include four traditional halls plus other chamber spaces. These features contribute to an environment conducive to improving musical and performing skills, helping to prepare students for their professional careers. Learn more about the CCM Village.
The city of Cincinnati offers a rich cultural environment for students: the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Playhouse in the Park, as well as ballet, opera and art museums. Many local churches, along with the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and CCM’s own Tangeman Sacred Music Center, offer a variety of concerts, lectures and master classes to students throughout the year.
News and Events
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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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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 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!
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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.
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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.