University of Cincinnati College‑Conservatory of Music (CCM)
General Information
Overview
The University of Cincinnati College‑Conservatory of Music (CCM) is a leading institution devoted to the performing and media arts, situated within the broader public research environment of the University of Cincinnati. Founded in 1867, CCM combines rigorous artistic training with academic depth and real-world production experience. Its integration into a major public university allows students not only to immerse themselves in intensive conservatory-style practice, but also to benefit from cross-disciplinary resources, research, and scholarship.
CCM is home to state‑of‑the-art performance venues, recording studios, rehearsal spaces, and theaters, providing students with professional-level facilities to refine their craft. Each year, CCM presents nearly 1,000 performances, ranging from opera, theater, dance, and jazz to media and chamber music, giving students a wealth of performance opportunities. With a student body drawn from dozens of U.S. states and multiple countries, CCM fosters a diverse and vibrant artistic community where future leaders of the arts are educated.
Contact Information
Address: 290 CCM Boulevard, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45221‑0003, United States
Phone Number: +1 (513) 556‑3737 (Graduate Admissions)
Email Address: ccmadmis@uc.edu for admissions inquiries
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1867 (as Cincinnati Conservatory of Music) |
| Motto | Juncta Juvant (“Strength in Unity”) |
| Type | Public conservatory within a public university |
| Accreditation | NASM, NASD, NAST, NASAD, Higher Learning Commission |
| Dean | Peter Jutras, PhD |
University Rankings
| Ranking Region | Rank / Notable Recognition |
|---|---|
| U.S. / National | CCM is consistently ranked among top performing‑arts programs; for example, it is ranked #7 on Playbill’s “Top 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway” for the 2024–25 season. |
| Global | While CCM is primarily evaluated on national artistic standings, its faculty, alumni, and programs are internationally recognized through performance tours and global collaborations. |
University of Cincinnati College‑Conservatory of Music Academics
Faculties / Departments
CCM encompasses a variety of specialized departments focused on the performing and media arts. Key departments include:
- Instrumental Performance (Strings, Winds, Brass, Percussion)
- Vocal Arts / Opera
- Composition & Theory
- Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, Wind)
- Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media
- Music Education
- Musicology / Music History
- Collaborative Piano / Accompanying
- Music Business / Arts Leadership
- Musical Theatre
- Acting / Theatre Performance
- Theatre Design & Production
- Dance / Ballet / Contemporary Dance
- Media Production (Audio, Video)
- Arts Administration
Courses and Programs / Majors
CCM offers a wide spectrum of degree programs across undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the majors and programs include:
- Bachelor of Music (BM) in performance, composition, education, jazz, etc.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre, Acting, Ballet / Dance, Theatre Design
- Master of Music (MM) in performance, education, conducting, composition
- Master of Arts (MA) in Musicology, Arts Administration
- Artist Diploma (AD) for advanced performers
- Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in performance, conducting
- PhD in Music Theory, Musicology
- Graduate Certificate in Music Pedagogy
- Minors in Media Production, Music
Online Learning
While CCM’s core conservatory programs rely heavily on in-person training, it does offer hybrid or remote options in certain contexts, such as recorded audition submissions, virtual interviews, and pre-screening for admissions via CCM’s Acceptd portal.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Range / Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate GPA | ~3.2 / 4.0 (average for admitted undergraduates) |
| GRE | Not universally required; for some graduate programs, GRE is not required |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Detailed, publicly reported retention and graduation percentages specific to CCM are not clearly isolated from the overall University of Cincinnati data. However, CCM’s small size, audition-driven admissions, and intensive conservatory-style training contribute to a committed and engaged student population. Many students complete their degrees within typical time frames for conservatories, supported by faculty mentorship, frequent performance opportunities, and academic advising.
University of Cincinnati College‑Conservatory of Music Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission into CCM is highly competitive, particularly for performance and theatre programs. While the average admitted undergraduate GPA is around 3.2, admission decisions rely less on standardized test scores and more on audition or pre-screening performance, artistic potential, and portfolio. CCM’s process prioritizes artistic demonstration over SAT/ACT, and in many cases, audition performance or pre-screening may strongly influence admission outcomes.
Acceptance Rate
| Years / Category | Acceptance Rate Estimate |
|---|---|
| Overall CCM | ~13‑20% (varies by year and department) |
| Program-Specific | Rates can be lower in highly competitive majors such as Ballet, Musical Theatre, and Conducting, depending on studio demand and audition volume |
Application Requirements
Applying to CCM involves more than standard university admission metrics: students must submit pre‑screening materials appropriate to their discipline, which typically include audio or video recordings (e.g., monologues, musical selections, compositional work), a resume or artistic CV, and, in some cases, statements of purpose. Those who pass pre-screening may be invited to a live audition or interview. For undergraduates, auditions usually take place in January or February via in‑person or recorded submissions. Faculty then evaluate applications and audition/interview results to make admission decisions. Graduate applicants may also need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. For some programs, GRE is not required.
Application Process
- Complete the University of Cincinnati application (undergraduate or graduate)
- Upload pre‑screening materials via CCM’s Acceptd portal by the deadline
- Wait for invitation to audition / interview (if selected)
- Attend audition / interview (on campus or via recorded format)
- Receive admission decision based on artistic review and academic credentials
Important Deadlines / Dates
| Deadline | Event |
|---|---|
| Early December | Pre‑screening materials due via Acceptd |
| January / February | Auditions and interviews held (on campus or virtually) |
| Mid‑January | Applicants invited to select audition / interview slots |
Essay Prompt
For some non-performance degrees (e.g., BA in Music), CCM requires a 300‑word personal essay explaining why the applicant is interested in the degree, how their musical interest and academic goals align, and how CCM could support their aspirations.
Scholarships
All CCM applicants are automatically considered for talent-based scholarships based on their audition or pre-screening performance. Additional funding may come through departmental awards, teaching assistantships (for graduate students), or university-based merit scholarships. Alumni and donors support CCM-specific funds such as the Dean’s Innovation Fund and the CCMpower community, which help provide travel, project funding, and performance opportunities.
Tuition / Costs
| Student Type | Tuition + Fees (2024‑25) |
|---|---|
| Ohio Resident / Reciprocity | US$15,476 per academic year |
| In‑State Metro (KY / IN) | US$16,076 per academic year |
| Non‑Resident | US$31,060 per academic year |
| Graduate In‑State | US$17,757 per year |
| Graduate Out-of-State | US$29,499 per year |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
CCM’s student population is diverse in terms of geography and background: for Fall 2024, total enrollment was 1,319 students, with 815 undergraduates and 504 graduate students. Students hail from 41 U.S. states and 41 countries, reflecting strong international representation (about 23% of the student body).
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
While CCM does not publicly break out detailed statistics on low-income or disability status specifically within the conservatory, many students benefit from university-wide financial aid, merit scholarships, and talent-based awards. CCM’s inclusive audition process seeks to identify potential over purely economic or demographic metrics, and financial support through CCMpower and other scholarship funds helps support students on need or talent basis.
Student Body Breakdown
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 1,319 |
| Undergraduate Students | 815 |
| Graduate Students | 504 |
| International Students | ~23% |
University Diversity
CCM’s commitment to diversity is evident through its international student population and its broad geographic representation. Drawing from over 40 U.S. states and more than 40 countries, CCM ensures a vibrant global community of artists. This cross-cultural mix enriches the learning environment, exposing students to a variety of musical traditions, performance practices, and creative perspectives. Faculty and guest artists come from diverse backgrounds too, contributing to an inclusive artistic ecosystem that celebrates multiple genres and disciplines. The conservatory’s audition-driven admissions help ensure that students are selected based on artistic potential, regardless of socioeconomic status, further supporting diversity. CCM also engages in outreach through pre-college programs and CCM Prep, offering training and performance opportunities to younger or underrepresented artists.
Average Earnings
CCM graduates often go on to professional careers in performance, composition, media production, teaching, and arts administration. As a conservatory within a public university, CCM provides strong networking and practical experience through performances, internships, and collaborations. Many alumni have landed roles on Broadway, in orchestras, opera houses, theaters, and film/TV productions. CCM was ranked #7 by Playbill for most represented colleges on Broadway during the 2024-25 season, which speaks to the real-world success of its alumni. In addition, CCM fosters entrepreneurship via its arts leadership and business programs, helping graduates create their own opportunities, whether in performance, education, or production. While specific average salary data is not published by CCM, the conservatory’s reputation, combined with its rigorous training and broad exposure, positions its graduates strongly in creative industries worldwide.
University of Cincinnati College‑Conservatory of Music Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
CCM’s faculty is composed of 116 full-time and 151 part-time members, supported by approximately 53 staff. Many faculty are active performers, composers, educators, and industry professionals, which bridges academic instruction with practical, real-world artistry.
Faculty Expertise and Achievements
CCM’s faculty includes celebrated performers, composers, theorists, and directors. For example, the Ariel String Quartet (faculty-in-residence) brings international chamber expertise to students. Notable past faculty have included avant-garde composer John Cage, who served as composer-in-residence. Faculty achievements are broad: many hold significant awards, publish scholarly research, record professionally, and collaborate globally. Their expertise spans classical performance, jazz, musical theatre, media production, and more, ensuring students receive well-rounded training from world-class mentors.
University of Cincinnati College‑Conservatory of Music Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
CCM is located on the University of Cincinnati’s main west campus within an urban environment, giving students access to a vibrant city with arts, culture, and performance opportunities. Housing options for CCM students typically align with university housing, including traditional residence halls, apartment-style living, and specialized housing close to arts facilities. Popular dorms among CCM students include Siddall Hall, which is very close to CCM, and Calhoun Hall; others may choose to live in U‑Square, a more modern apartment-style building. Living near campus helps students easily access rehearsal rooms, performance spaces, and late-night practice opportunities, which is essential for conservatory life.
Transportation
CCM’s location on UC’s west campus provides strong access to public transportation, campus shuttles, and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Students commuting to CCM can take advantage of Cincinnati’s public transit system, including buses. On-campus, the CCM Village is well-connected to other parts of the university, and students often walk or bike between dorms, practice rooms, and performance venues. Given CCM’s integrated campus environment, mobility is very manageable, and resources like parking garages make commuting feasible for students who drive.