Harp

A female harp student performs with the Wind Symphony on the Corbett Auditorium stage

The study of harp at CCM is strongly performance based. The cornerstone of all degree programs is private lessons with faculty, who serve as mentors for students and direct their individual musical, performing and teaching growth. 

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The curriculum emphasizes the development of the well-rounded, holistic musician by providing a solid background in music history and theory as well as areas specific to each musical medium. Undergraduate students enjoy a close collaboration with the University of Cincinnati through a general education core that supplements their education with academic course work while graduate students specialize more precisely in their chosen field.

Learn More About the BM Program Learn More About the MM Program Learn More About the DMA Program Learn More About the AD Program

Harp Faculty

Headshot of Gillian Benet Benet Sella

Gillian Benet Benet Sella, 

Adjunct Professor of Harp

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Strings Department Chair

Headshot of Rachel Calin

Rachel Calin, 

Chair of Strings Department; Professor of Double Bass

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Performance Studies Division Head and Staff

Headshot of James Bunte

James Bunte, 

Division Head of Performance Studies; Professor of Saxophone

513-556-0825

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Headshot of Sarah Minneman

Sarah Minneman, 

Chamber Music Coordinator

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Headshot of Claudia C. Penn

Claudia C. Penn, 

Executive Staff Assistant

513-556-3442

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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.

Harp - 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
  • Two solos of contrasting stylistic periods of the applicant’s choice (preferably by memory) from standard harp repertoire
  • Two orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice

Audition

Audition Requirements
  • Two solos of contrasting stylistic periods of the applicant’s choice (preferably by memory) from standard harp repertoire
  • Sight reading
  • Two orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice

Harp - MM

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
  • Two solos of contrasting stylistic periods of the applicant’s choice (preferably by memory).  
    • One solo could be a movement of a concerto such as Mozart’s “Concerto for Flute and Harp,” Debussy’s “Danses,” Ravel’s “Introduction and Allegro”  or another concerto of comparable difficulty (flute and/or piano accompaniment not necessary).
  • Two standard orchestral excerpts

Audition

Audition Requirements
  • Two solos of contrasting stylistic periods of the applicant’s choice (preferably by memory) from standard harp repertoire
  • Sight reading
  • Two orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice

Harp - 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
  • Two solos of contrasting stylistic periods of the applicant’s choice (preferably by memory).
  • One movement of a concerto such as Mozart’s "Concerto for Flute and Harp," Debussy’s "Danses," Ravel’s "Introduction and Allegro" or another concerto of comparable difficulty (flute and/or piano accompaniment not necessary)
  • Two standard orchestral excerpts
  • A contemporary work from the 20th or 21st century

Audition

Audition Requirements
  • Two solos of contrasting stylistic periods of the applicant’s choice (preferably by memory).
  • One movement of a concerto such as Mozart’s "Concerto for Flute and Harp," Debussy’s "Danses," Ravel’s "Introduction and Allegro" or another concerto of comparable difficulty (flute and/or piano accompaniment not necessary)
    Two standard orchestral excerpts
  • A contemporary work from the 20th or 21st century
  • Sight Reading

News and Events

1

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.

3

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.

4

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!

5

CCM announces initial schedule of performances for 2026-27

June 11, 2026

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) has announced its initial schedule of major performances for 2026-27. These 15 events include beloved titles for the stage like La bohème, RENT and Cabaret, along with concerts showcasing the works of Gustav Mahler, Duke Ellington and John Williams … just to name a few highlights! This schedule of major performances runs Sept. 15, 2026, through April 23, 2027. Tickets for all 15 concerts and shows listed below are on sale now. See individual performance listings for additional information.

6

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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