Viola

The study of viola 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.

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

Faculty and Staff

Viola Faculty

Rebecca M. Barnes,

Adjunct Instructor of Viola

barnesrm@ucmail.uc.edu

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Catharine Carroll Lees,

Professor of Viola, Geraldine B. Gee Chair of Viola

leescc@ucmail.uc.edu

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Jan Grüning,

Associate Professor, Ariel Quartet member (viola)

gruninjn@ucmail.uc.edu

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Ayane Kozasa,

Assistant Professor of Viola

708-822-5161

kozasaae@ucmail.uc.edu

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Strings Department Chair

Rachel Calin,

Chair of Strings Department; Professor of Double Bass

calinrl@ucmail.uc.edu

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Performance Studies Division Head and Staff

James Bunte,

Division Head of Performance Studies; Professor of Saxophone

303-236-5900

buntejp@ucmail.uc.edu

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Sarah Minneman,

Chamber Music Coordinator

minnemsk@ucmail.uc.edu

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Claudia C. Penn,

Executive Staff Assistant

513-556-3442

penncc@ucmail.uc.edu

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Application and Admission Requirements

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.

Viola - BM

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.

Pre-screening Requirements

One movement from a cello suite of J. S. Bach
Exposition and cadenza (if applicable) from a standard viola concerto
One movement from a work of your choice

Audition

Audition Requirements

Two contrasting movements from a cello suite of J. S. Bach
First movement from a standard viola concerto
One movement from a work of your choice

Viola - MM, DMA

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 in order to be considered for admission.

Pre-screening Requirements

One movement from either a cello suite, violin partita or violin solo sonata of J.S. Bach
Exposition and cadenza (if applicable) from a major viola concerto by a composer such Walton, Bartok, Hindemith, etc.
One movement from a 20th/21st century composer written after 1960

Audition

Audition Requirements

Two contrasting movements from either a cello suite, violin partita or violin solo sonata of J.S. Bach
First movement from a major viola concerto by a composer such Walton, Bartok, Hindemith, etc.
One movement from a 20th/21st century composer written after 1960

Viola - AD

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 in order to be considered for admissions.

Pre-screening Requirements

One movement from either a cello suite, violin partita or violin solo sonata of J.S. Bach
Exposition and cadenza (if applicable) of a major viola concerto such as Walton, Bartok, Hindemith, etc.
One movement from a 20th/21st century composer written after 1960
Choice of one of the below:
- One movement from a sonata or concerto written during the Classical Era
- One movement from a sonata or suite written during the Romantic Era

Audition

Audition Requirements

Two contrasting movements from either a cello suite, violin partita or violin solo sonata of J.S. Bach
First movement of a major viola concerto such as Walton, Bartok, Hindemith, etc.
One movement from a 20th/21st century composer written after 1960
Choice of one of the below:
- One movement from a sonata or concerto written during the Classical Era
- One movement from a sonata or suite written during the Romantic Era

News and Events

Poiesis Quartet to compete at Banff International String Quartet...

May 20, 2025

CCM graduate student ensemble the Poiesis Quartet is the only quartet in the USA to compete in the 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC). At CCM, the Poiesis Quartet studies chamber music with the Ariel Quartet. Members are AD student Sarah Ying Ma, violin; AD student Max Ball, violin; AD student Jasper de Boor; and AD student Drew Dansby, cello.

CCM welcomes new viola faculty member Brian Hong

UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Brian Hong as CCM's new Assistant Professor of Viola. His faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2025. Hong has established a notable career as a critically acclaimed performer, inspiring pedagogue and successful music administrator. As the violist of the GRAMMY-nominated Aizuri Quartet from 2023-2025, he premiered major new works on nationally renowned chamber music series and conducted residencies at universities across the United States.

Album by CCM faculty featured in the New York Times

April 25, 2025

Four CCM faculty members were recently highlighted in a New York Times roundup of notable new classical music albums. Entitled "5 Classical Music Albums You Can Listen to Right Now," the article spotlights the new album of Beethoven's string quartets performed by the Ariel Quartet, which has served as CCM's string quartet-in-residence since 2012. The ensemble is comprised of four CCM faculty members: Alexandra “Sasha” Kazovsky, violin; Amit Even-Tov, cello; Gershon Gerchikov, violin; and Jan Grüning, viola.

Renowned pianist Orion Weiss joins Ariel Quartet in March 25...

Event: March 25, 2025 7:30 PM

The Ariel Quartet, CCM's String Quartet-in-Residence, concludes its 2024-25 season with a program featuring music by Beethoven and Hungarian composer Ernő Dohnányi. Joined by pianist Orion Weiss, the concert takes place Tuesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

CCM Opera presents Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Event: March 6, 2025 12:00 AM

Step into a world of enchantment as the UC College-Conservatory of Music's Opera Series presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This opera fuses William Shakespeare's beloved romantic comedy with Benjamin Britten's stunning musical score. This captivating production, directed by CCM Opera Professor Robin Guarino, offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale, exploring themes of love, transformation, and the power of the natural world.

CCM Philharmonia performs Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring' in...

Event: January 31, 2025 7:30 PM

The CCM Philharmonia wishes to summon spring early in its upcoming concert on Friday, Jan. 31. Titled "Wishful Thinking" the performance features spring-inspired works by Robert Schumann and Igor Stravinsky. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

Ariel Quartet opens CCM's 2025 ticketed performance series on...

Event: January 28, 2025 7:30 PM

CCM's string quartet in residence, the Ariel Quartet, opens the college's 2025 ticketed performance series at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. Titled "Europe: From 1903 to 1945" the concert features works by Erwin Schulhoff, Benjamin Britten and Maurice Ravel. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

CCM hosts Moveable Feast gala fundraiser on Jan. 24, 2025

Event: January 24, 2025 12:00 AM

UC College-Conservatory of Music hosts its Moveable Feast fundraising gala live and in-person on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. Presented by CCMpower, a dedicated volunteer group of friends, advocates and alumni, Moveable Feast 2025: A Tempo generates essential support for the next generation of performing and media artists at CCM. Learn more about the event's "artistic menu" in our digital program!

CCM winter apparel available for purchase online

November 27, 2024

Show your school spirit this spring with official CCM apparel! New UC College-Conservatory of Music apparel is available for purchase online. CCM's latest quarter zip and crewneck sweatshirt designs can be ordered online now through Dec. 8, 2024. You can preview both items below.

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