CIM Debuts Pre-College Program

Securing its position as a leader in preparing young students for an advanced classical music education, the Cleveland Institute of Music has debuted its Pre-College program, which is designed to provide talented students with the opportunity to grow as musicians and learn about life in a conservatory style college curriculum.

CIM established the new program so advanced students entering grades 8-12 can gain valuable experiences and become immersed in the Institute’s rigorous coursework as they prepare appropriate repertoire for auditions for CIM’s highly competitive Young Artist Program (YAP) or later at the conservatory or music school of their choice.

Already at the forefront of pre-college education with such successful programs as YAP and the Musical Pathway Fellowship (MPF) for exceptional Cleveland area African American and Latinx classical music students through the Institute’s preparatory division, CIM’s Pre-College program strives for continued and growing excellence in musical performance and attracting and challenging the most talented, gifted and dedicated young musicians.

“The Pre-College program is designed to prepare students for advanced musical study and create the right opportunities for them to find success,” said Jerrod J. Price, executive director of preparatory, enrollment and pathway programs at CIM. “Our faculty are at the top of their field, with decades of experience placing students into elite music colleges and conservatories." 

The recently hired Johnnia Stigall, a seasoned program manager who came to CIM from the Sphinx Organization, will administer and facilitate the program.  

“In addition to natural talent and hours of practice, and the right instruction, prospective conservatory students benefit from experiencing an academically rigorous and competitive but welcoming college-like environment,” Price said.

An audition is required for students interested in enrolling in the program. On the CIM campus one to two times per week, students enrolled in the Pre-College program will receive:

• Weekly private lessons
• Classes in piano, music theory and Eurhythmics
• Harmony and ear training
• Individual guidance from experienced admissions staff for students preparing for college
• Access to all educational seminars and conservatory master classes and performances
• Complimentary tickets to almost every Cleveland Orchestra performance at Severance Hall
• Reserved seats for CIM Orchestra concerts at Severance Hall
• Full privileges at CIM’s Robinson Music Library
• Ensemble music and chamber music training provided by top faculty

“A new framework has been created for students that better serves their needs, incorporates teaching concepts aligned with the conservatory and empowers the next generation of classical musicians,” Price said.

To inquire about the program and learn more about the audition process for CIM’s Pre-College program, email preparatory@cim.edu or call 216.791.5000, extension 3.