Cleveland Institute of Music

The Cleveland Institute of Music is one of just seven independent conservatories of music in the United States, one of three devoted exclusively to classical music performance. CIM students benefit from access to world-renowned visiting artists and conductors, intensive study with CIM’s stellar faculty and the rich curriculum offered by CIM’s partner Case Western Reserve University. CIM’s graduates command the most celebrated and revered stages in the world as soloists, chamber musicians and ensemble members; compose award-winning repertoire; and are sought-after teaching artists, administrators and thought leaders. More than half of the members of The Cleveland Orchestra are connected to CIM as members of the faculty, alumni or both. The Institute’s diverse talent tapestry uniquely positions CIM as the future of classical music.

Degree

ARTIST CERTIFICATE The Artist Certificate is a special undergraduate credential granted upon demonstration of an extraordinary level of performance skills. Audition procedures exercise the highest degree of selectivity and a live audition is required. Application procedures, admission examinations, and admission requirements are the same as for all other undergraduate programs, including a complete application, transcripts, two recommendations, an audition, and entrance examinations in music theory and dictation.

It should be noted that the Artist Certificate is not an undergraduate degree but rather a credential awarded in recognition of outstanding musical achievement. This program is not intended for students anticipating the pursuit of graduate degree studies, though it could lead to graduate diploma study at CIM or other institutions.

BACHELOR OF MUSICThe Bachelor of Music in Performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music is designed for students dedicated to the development of performance skills at the highest level. This degree focuses on individual performance instruction and development in the specific instrument of concentration. Students gain practical experience and have opportunity to regularly demonstrate technical competence and the integration of musical knowledge and skills through participation in studio classes, master classes, chamber music and large ensembles, opera workshop and opera productions. Because CIM holds firmly to the belief that professional performers must be educated in the foundational structures, history, aesthetics and relevancy of music, the program places additional emphasis on knowledge and skill acquisition in areas of music theory, history and literature, and eurhythmics.

MASTER OF MUSIC The Master of Music degree in Performance is intended for students with solid fundamental training as demonstrated through audition and successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent demonstrated knowledge and skill. The program is designed to develop advanced competencies and musicianship for the qualified student including advanced and refined technique, enhanced musical knowledge and skills, and increased ability to communicate artistically so as to demonstrate professional capability in the chosen area of concentration. Through their studies, students gain increased knowledge and skills in one of more fields of music outside the major such as music theory, history, musicology or performance practice. Students also gain increased knowledge of repertory and historical performance practice.

PROFESSIONAL STUDIES DIPLOMAThe Professional Studies Diploma is a special graduate, non-degree course of study that addresses the needs of individuals preparing for performance careers. In this program, ongoing development of technique and musicianship is accomplished in a non-degree context, with emphasis placed on private lessons, practice, ensemble participation, and preparation for professional auditions or competitions. Application procedures, audition repertoire, admission examinations, and admission requirements are the same as for all other graduate programs. This program allows students to focus on their primary area of study in preparation for professional opportunities. The program often follows completion of a master’s degree program, but can be taken following the completion of an undergraduate degree or diploma.

ARTIST DIPLOMA The Artist Diploma is a special graduate non-degree certificate granted upon demonstration of an extraordinary level of performance skills in recognition of outstanding musical achievement. Normal time to complete the Artist Diploma is 2 years.This program often functions as a terminal program of study centered on the art of performance. In some cases, it can function as a program that prepares students for further study at the doctoral level; in some cases, it is a program that can follow completion of study in CIM’s Professional Studies Diploma.

DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTiST he Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Performance is intended for candidates with outstanding ability as performers in their chosen area of concentration who demonstrate deep and detailed knowledge of their major field, as well as comprehensive understanding of related subjects. The program is highly flexible, adapted to, and reflective of the needs of individual students. An applicant for admission to the DMA program must possess a MM degree or its equivalent, with a major in the same principal area in which admission is being sought. Although a minimum of one academic year in residence (two consecutive regular semesters) is required as a full-time student, applicants should expect to spend three years of full-time study in this program.

The primary focus of the DMA program in Performance is to prepare students to enter the profession as highly qualified teachers with the potential for long-term professional success. Graduates from the program are expected to have a comprehensive and thorough knowledge of Western music history and literature, music theory, pedagogy, performance practice, repertory. Additionally, graduates should themselves be highly accomplished performers with significant ability to develop individualized interpretations based upon ability to synthesize their accumulated musicianship and scholarship.

All candidates are expected to display measurable and substantial growth in their applied area throughout their programs. While CIM’s DMA is considered a performance degree, it embraces a significant academic component that challenges the student to maintain a continuous rate of musical growth while satisfying rigorous scholarly components.