College-Conservatory of Music

College-Conservatory of Music
Name	College-Conservatory of Music
Established	1867
Type	Public
Parent	University of Cincinnati
Dean	Stanley E. Romanstein
City	Cincinnati
State	Ohio
Country	United States

College-Conservatory of Music. It is a premier performing and media arts institution within the University of Cincinnati, renowned for its comprehensive training in music, dance, theater, and electronic media. Founded in the 19th century, it has grown into one of the nation's leading conservatories, consistently ranked among the top institutions for the arts. The school's legacy is built on a blend of rigorous professional training and academic scholarship, producing generations of influential artists, scholars, and educators.

History

The institution originated from two separate schools: the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, founded in 1867 by Clara Baur, and the College of Music of Cincinnati, established in 1878 under the guidance of George Ward Nichols. These two entities operated independently for decades, with the conservatory initially based in the Mount Auburn neighborhood and the college attracting notable early faculty like conductor Theodore Thomas. In 1955, facing financial pressures, the two schools merged to form the College-Conservatory of Music, which subsequently became a part of the University of Cincinnati in 1962. A pivotal moment in its expansion was the 1999 opening of the state-of-the-art Corbett Center for the Performing Arts, a facility made possible by a landmark gift from J. Ralph and Patricia Corbett.

Academics and programs

The school offers a wide array of degrees, from bachelor's to doctoral levels, across its core divisions. These include highly regarded programs in orchestral instrument performance, voice, music theory, musicology, music education, jazz studies, piano, organ, composition, conducting, theatre design and production, acting, musical theatre, dance, and electronic media. The curriculum emphasizes a conservatory-style, professional training model within the context of a major research university, allowing for interdisciplinary study. Unique offerings include the renowned Doctor of Musical Arts degree and the pioneering Brontë research project in music cognition.

Facilities

The primary home for the institution is the sprawling Corbett Center for the Performing Arts, a complex containing multiple performance and rehearsal venues. Key stages include the 750-seat Patricia Corbett Theater, the 400-seat Robert J. Werner Recital Hall, and the flexible Cohen Family Studio Theater. The complex also houses the Baur and Watson rehearsal halls, the Gorno Memorial Music Library, and the Thomas E. Gaunt Family Center for Electronic Media. Additional facilities include Dieterle Vocal Arts Center and the historic Mary Emery Hall, which originally housed the College of Music.

Notable alumni and faculty

Its alumni network includes a profound number of influential figures in the arts, such as soprano Kathleen Battle, conductor Keith Lockhart, jazz artist Al Hirt, and The New York Times music critic Anthony Tommasini. The musical theatre program has produced stars like Faith Prince, Karen Olivo, and Jason Danieley. Distinguished past and present faculty have included composers Miklos Rozsa and John Corigliano, pianist Eugene Pridonoff, voice teacher David Adams, and Broadway legend Patti LuPone. The legacy of transformative leadership is strongly associated with longtime dean Warren George.

Performance ensembles and opera

The school maintains a vibrant and extensive performance calendar driven by its many ensembles. These include the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra, the Wind Symphony, and the Jazz Ensemble. Vocal and choral groups are highlighted by the Chamber Choir and the University of Cincinnati Chorale. The CCM Opera program is internationally recognized, presenting fully staged productions with orchestra each season, ranging from standard repertoire by Mozart and Puccini to contemporary works. The Percussion Ensemble and the Musical Theatre program's mainstage shows also contribute significantly to the performance landscape.

Accreditation and rankings

It is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Association of Schools of Theatre, and the National Association of Schools of Dance. Consistently ranked among the top conservatories in the United States, it frequently places highly in surveys by outlets like U.S. News & World Report, particularly for its programs in musical theatre, opera, conducting, and jazz. The strength of its musical theatre program is often cited as the best in the nation. This accreditation and recognition affirm its standing as a leading institution alongside peers like the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Eastman School of Music.

Category:University of Cincinnati Category:Music schools in Ohio Category:Conservatories of music in the United States