Violoncello

Cello students perform on the Corbett Auditorium satge during the Moveable Feast benefit.

The study of violoncello 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

Violoncello Faculty

Headshot of Amit Even-Tov

Amit Even-Tov, 

Associate Professor, Ariel Quartet member (cello)

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Headshot of Ilya Finkelshteyn

Ilya Finkelshteyn, 

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Cello

513-556-3442

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Headshot of Alan B. Rafferty

Alan B. Rafferty, 

Associate Professor- Educator of Violoncello

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Headshot of Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir

Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir, 

Assistant Professor of Cello

513-556-5935

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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

303-236-5900

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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 (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.

Violoncello - 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 of a concerto
  • One movement of solo J. S. Bach
  • One etude by Piatti, Popper, Duport or Franchomme

Audition

Audition Requirements
  • One movement of a concerto
  • One movement of solo J. S. Bach
  • One etude by Piatti, Popper, Duport or Franchomme

Violoncello - 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 admissions and invited for an audition.

Pre-screening Requirements
  • One movement of a concerto
  • One movement of solo J. S. Bach
  • One etude by Piatti, Popper, Duport or Franchomme (required for MM applicants ONLY)

Audition

In addition to an audition with the required repertoire, applicants for the DMA program in Cello should be prepared for a short interview with the cello faculty.

Audition Requirements
  • Two contrasting movements from a J. S. Bach cello suite 
  • One movement of a major concerto
  • One piece composed after 1940 (required for DMA applicants only)

Violoncello - 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 and invited for an audition.

Pre-screening Requirements
  • One movement of a concerto
  • One movement of solo J. S. Bach

Audition

Audition Requirements
  • Two movements of a concerto
  • Two movements of solo J. S. Bach
  • Two movements of a classical or romantic sonata
  • One etude by Piatti, Popper, Duport or Franchomme 
  • One piece composed after 1940

News and Events

1

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.

2

CCM Philharmonia performs concert of French composers on April 17

Event: April 17, 2025 7:30 PM

The CCM Philharmonia closes its 2024-25 season with a trip to the City of Lights! A culmination of students' work throughout the year, the "Tour de France" concert is presented at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 in Corbett Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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!

8

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.

9

Giving Tuesday: Support CCM health and wellness

November 26, 2024

For the UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) community, Giving Tuesday offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by supporting Student Health and Wellness. As our students dedicate themselves to the arts – pursuing rigorous schedules filled with practice, performance, and academic study – their mental and physical well-being is crucial.

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