Piano study at CCM emphasizes the development of pianistic, musical, performing and teaching skills.
All degree programs are designed to integrate the great traditions of the past with the development of skills necessary for the demands of the music profession in the 21st century. The various degree programs are rigorous in their challenges, while retaining flexibility in order to address each student's relative strengths and weaknesses on an individual basis. Piano students at CCM can avail themselves of the enormous variety of programs offered by the college and the university to supplement the core music curriculum.
The philosophy of the CCM Piano Department is one of strong reliance on the mentoring process, by which the students' private teachers guide them both pianistically and musically, and advise them in all aspects of their overall education and development. Our goal is to prepare our students to excel in the demands of college life as well as to prepare them for the rigors of today's professional world.
A Bachelor of Music (BM) is available in piano, as well as in organ and harpsichord. There is also 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, with concentration in piano. 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.
A Master of Music (MM) degree is offered in both piano and collaborative piano. Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) degrees are also offered in piano.
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CCM's admissions process begins on August 1 (undergraduate) and September 1 (graduate) 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 1 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.
Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 1 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.
Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 1 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.
Upload the following three-page PDF document to your graduate application:
*An interview is required if the pre-screening is accepted.
Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 14 in order to be considered for admissions.
Collaborative Piano applicants will submit extended video recordings that will function both as prescreening and the official audition.
Applicants are required to submit the following selections:
Open to all pianists, no pre-screening.
See AD Opera Coaching for more information about pre-screening and live audition requirements.
Pianists wishing to apply for a studio accompanying assistantship should upload video recordings of live performances you have played within the past three years.
All applicants should submit approximately 20 minutes of such performances:
These recordings will function as both prescreen and audition. No additional audition is required.
Incoming music majors (except piano majors) must sign up for the appropriate piano sequence.
After you have completed your requirements, you may take Elective Piano Study.
For those majors expecting proof of piano proficiency, an examination is issued by your area of study. See your advisor for the administration of this proficiency.
If you are required by your advisor to take piano courses to become proficient, sign up for:
Group piano for non-music majors is designed for students who wish to learn music reading, piano technique, music theory and chord playing. Courses are geared towards students with 0-2 years of piano backgrround and are open to non-CCM students.
The piano elective is available for CCM students who have completed their degree requirements and for university students with previous piano experience. Eight years of previous piano study is usually necessary, and an audition may be required.
Students need the permission of CCM's Keyboard Studies Division head in order to sign up for the piano elective. Contact Professor Michelle Conda for more information.
If the class is closed, sign up on the waiting list outside 5221 Mary Emery Hall. If a spot opens up, you will be contacted.
Direct all questions to Michelle Conda, Coordinator of Secondary Piano and Piano Pedagogy.
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 our piano students. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is a world-class ensemble, and features top soloists throughout the season. In addition there are piano recital and chamber music series in several venues around Cincinnati, as well as ballet, opera and art museums. Visiting artists are often invited to give master classes at CCM; recent guests include Emanuel Ax, Barry Douglas, Gary Graffman and Claude Frank.
August 25, 2020
For 15 years, Cincinnati public radio station 91.7 WVXU has highlighted the local arts scene in its “Around Cincinnati” broadcast, produced and hosted by Lee Hay on Sunday evenings. Throughout this time, the radio program has welcomed countless guests from UC College-Conservatory of Music including faculty, alumni and students.
July 28, 2020
Watch CCM faculty and alumni perform in 'Cincinnati Opera at 100' special
July 28, 2020
UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) DMA Piano student Kara Huber and Piano Professor Michelle Conda speak to Cincinnati Business Courier reporter Janelle Gelfand about the challenges of teaching music virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.
