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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

Bravos. Without Barriers.

Funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, CCM's Diversity Fellowship program with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is a prestigious performance fellowship program for exceptional string players.

The program provides an unparalleled two-year learning experience for graduate-level violin, viola, violoncello and double bass players coming from various and diverse populations.

We will begin accepting applications for the next class of CSO/CCM Diversity Fellows on Aug. 1, 2023. The application deadline is Dec. 1, 2023. Learn more about the program

Faculty

Headshot of Amit Even-Tov

Amit Even-Tov, 

Associate Professor, Ariel Quartet member (cello)

513-556-6638

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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

847-571-8097

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Headshot of Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir

Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir, 

Assistant Professor of Cello

513-556-5935

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Performance Studies Division Head and Staff

Headshot of Daniel Weeks

Daniel Weeks, 

Interim Division Head of Performance Studies; Associate Professor of Voice

513-556-6830

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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

Ariel Quartet joined by award-winning pianist in Nov. 21 concert

November 20, 2023

The Ariel Quartet, UC College-Conservatory of Music’s String Quartet-in-Residence, continues its season Tuesday, Nov 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Werner Recital Hall. Alessio Bax, the award-winning Italian pianist, joins Ariel for the program’s finale: Dvořák’s Piano Quintet in A major, widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of the form. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

2

Ariel Quartet opens season with chamber favorites on Sept. 26

Event: September 26, 2023 7:30 PM

The UC College-Conservatory of Music’s resident professional ensemble, the Ariel Quartet, opens their 2023-24 season with a jovial evening of long-standing fan favorites at 7:30 p.m. on September 26 in Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. Get your tickets now through the CCM Box Office!

3

Counseling services available to CCM students through embedded...

August 16, 2023

CCM students can now access counseling services within the CCM Village thanks to the addition of a CAPS embedded clinician. A member of UC’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff, Dalziel Reliford-Stone (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision (LPCC-S) who will serve as an embedded clinician for CCM and DAAP. In this new position, Dalziel hopes to work with students and staff to support a culture that embraces authenticity, self-acceptance and wholeness.

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