Performance is the primary focus of the percussionist at CCM. Students participate in eight full-time ensembles as well as frequent ad hoc groups. In addition, Greater Cincinnati has a rich cultural tradition that provides a variety of freelance opportunities.
Each student meets with a faculty member in weekly applied lessons, and interacts with other faculty members through course work, seminars, ensembles and frequent performance and master classes.
We gear applied lessons to meet your individual needs, building a strong musical and technical foundation to prepare you for the specialized fields of the percussive arts. CCM’s program is devoted to meeting the varied demands of today’s percussionists, from traditional orchestral playing to the most innovative contemporary techniques of chamber performance. Many of our graduates have moved on to world-class graduate schools, orchestras and international performance and teaching positions.
Unique to CCM’s program is the teacher-to-student ratio (about one to six), allowing for highly individualized attention, daily interaction and close monitoring of progress. Through our concertizing we explore all the latest developments in percussion performance and literature.
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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 3 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 3 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.
The CCM Steelband is an ensemble made up of percussion majors under the direction of Professor Russell Burge. The band focuses on the traditional music of Trinidad but also incorporates pop, folk and reggae, and improvisation has become a key element of the band's repertoire. The Steelband gives one annual program each spring at CCM, as well as several outdoor concerts in the Cincinnati area.
Our percussion facilities include eight recently refurbished practice rooms. They house four sets of timpani (including Ringer and Walter Light drums), six marimbas (including a new 5-octave MARIMBA ONE and a 4 1/2–octave YAMAHA), four vibraphones, three xylophones, three sets of orchestra bells, many snare drums (including Clevelander, Hinger and other specialty drums), steel drums, and an array of other instruments. In addition, the group’s own studio contains an extensive collection of traditional and exotic instruments accumulated over twenty years of national and international touring. We encourage you to use this fine equipment as your recitals and concerts dictate.
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs weekly in season, and students may also enjoy performances by the Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. Percussion Group Cincinnati has maintained a close professional relationship with CSO’s percussion section over the years, and we urge our students to take advantage of that excellent educational resource.
August 19, 2025
Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)! The college’s fall 2025 schedule of major events is now available; tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.
August 13, 2025
UC’s College-Conservatory of Music will welcome a variety of new faculty and staff members to its roster of distinguished performing and media arts experts, researchers and educators this fall.
August 1, 2025
CCM Dean Peter J. Jutras shares a message with the college community ahead of the 2025-26 academic year and performance season.
June 30, 2025
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras recently announced the appointment of Maggie Perrino as the college's new Assistant Dean of CCM Prep and Community Engagement. In this role, Perrino will lead a team of faculty and administrative staff at CCM Prep, which offers a wide variety of programs in music, dance and the theatre arts throughout the year for people of all ages and abilities. She will also oversee CCM’s Summer Programs for youth, teens and adults. Perrino's appointment begins on June 30, 2025.
June 4, 2025
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras recently announced the appointment of Jessie L. Grant, PhD, as CCM's new Assistant Dean of Student Services. In this role, Grant will coordinate CCM’s academic advising program, connect students with college and university-level resources, and evaluate CCM policies and processes to better serve the college’s undergraduate and graduate students. Grant's appointment officially began on June 2, 2025.
April 9, 2025
The CCM Steel Drum Band and Afro-Carribbean Music Ensemble present a joint concert, World Music, on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Corbett Auditorium. The program features selections from the Caribbean, South America, and more, as well as several student arrangements. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.
March 7, 2025
The UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) celebrates Master of Music percussion student Wyatt Hatch, who recently earned a position with the U.S. Air Force Band of the West.
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.
Event: February 2, 2025 4:00 PM
The CCM Wind Symphony is joined by the Cincinnati Wind Band and the CCM Trombone Choir to present a thrilling concert of collaborations, culminating in a performance of Respighi’s epic Pines of Rome. Titled "Inspirations" the performance is at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2 in Corbett Auditorium.
