Together with about 350 fellow students, you’ll be a part of a community dedicated to developing your musical voice and building your future as a musician. Here are a few things that set us apart.
Learn from World-Class Faculty
All of our faculty members are celebrated musicians and performers, and they include internationally acclaimed artists, dedicated coaches and educators, and the principals of the Cleveland Orchestra. They've cultivated their own successful careers as musicians, and are committed to passing on that experience by teaching students to the highest professional standards.
Live in a Vibrant Community
You'll experience an exceptionally creative environment in one of the most culturally rich neighborhoods in the country, University Circle.
Home to museums, parks, gardens, restaurants, and prestigious libraries and educational institutions, there will always be something going on nearby.
Prepare for Your Career in Music
From the Cleveland Orchestra or from opera houses around the world, to the stage of Carnegie Hall, our alumni win auditions and jobs in some of the most prestigious orchestras, opera companies, ensembles and academic institutions. CIM faculty provide superior technical training balanced with guidance for students to develop their musical voice and build their career in music.
Experience a Team Atmosphere
Our students constantly challenge and inspire one another. Our educational process is collaborative and supportive. You will learn through ensembles and small-group instruction as well as one-on-one coaching. You'll also study with teams of faculty, individual instructors, internationally recognized visiting artists, and peers, as well as have unprecedented access to the Cleveland Orchestra.
Add a Major or Minor
Get the focused study of a small independent music conservatory with the option to double major or minor at a top-tier university with 11,000 students. Our unique partnership with Case Western Reserve University means you can complement your musical studies with classes in one of their 95 undergraduate or 135 graduate programs.
Perform Early and Often
You'll get experience performing in front of audiences from your very first semester to help you develop confidence on stage. CIM performance spaces provide opportunities for intimate concerts, fully staged operas and full orchestras.
All students have tons of opportunities to perform in the more than 300 concerts and events we put on each year, as well as at less formal gatherings — like open mic nights in the local community, where CIM students often cheer on friends and try out sounds and techniques they've been working on.