CIM Fast Facts
Click on any of the topics below to get a snapshot of the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Location & Travel
CIM is located in University Circle, a unique cultural, educational, and scientific center four miles east of downtown Cleveland. Contained within its park-like 500 acres are over thirty institutions that, together, constitute one of the largest diversified cultural complexes in the world. Situated nearby are:
CIM is also adjacent to the campus of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Through a cooperative arrangement with CWRU, CIM students have access to university courses and facilities.
The Cleveland metropolitan area is served by:
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Founding
CIM was originally founded in 1920. For information on the beginnings of the Institute, please visit our History section.
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Enrollment
CIM currently enrolls approximately 450 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students and approximately 1,500 Preparatory and Continuing Education Students.
This Conservatory includes:
- 55% undergraduates and 45% graduates.
- 25% international students.
- 15% students from Ohio.
- 60% students from other US states.
First- and second-year undergraduate students are required to reside on campus. Other undergraduate and graduate students live off-campus in housing that is close to CIM.
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Degrees & Certificates Offered
Degrees:
Bachelor of Music
Master of Music
Doctor of Musical Arts
CIM collaborates with Case Western Reserve University in a Joint Music Program, providing the resources of both a professional music school and a large university. CWRU music students study performance and music theory at CIM; CIM students take courses in music history, music education and liberal arts at CWRU and may undertake double-degree study in music education or other non-music areas.
Non-degree Certificates:
Artist Certificate (undergraduate)
Artist Diploma (graduate)
Professional Studies Diploma (graduate)
Young Artist Program (Pre-college program for gifted students planning a career in music.)
CIM also offers a number of special programs, such as study abroad programs with the Paris Conservatoire, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Royal Northern College of Music.
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Enrollment Information
Majors are available for study in all degree and non-degree programs unless otherwise specified.
| Department |
Quota |
Annual Openings (est.) |
| Collaborative Piano (MM, DMA, AD, PS) |
15 |
4 |
| Audio Recording (BM) |
8 |
2-3 |
| Bassoon |
8 |
2-3 |
| Cello |
45 |
11 |
| Cello & Suzuki Pedagogy (MM) |
4 |
2 |
| Clarinet |
8 |
2-3 |
| Composition (BM, MM, DMA, PS) |
10-12 |
4 |
| Double Bass |
12 |
3 |
| Dalcroze Eurhythmics (BM) |
4 |
1 |
| Flute |
8 |
2-3 |
| Guitar |
12 |
3 |
| Harpsichord |
4 |
1 |
| Horn |
10 |
2-3 |
| Harp |
6 |
2 |
| Oboe |
8 |
2-3 |
| Orchestral Conducting (MM, PS) |
4 |
2 |
| Organ |
8 |
2 |
| Piano |
60 |
15 |
| Timpani & Percussion |
12 |
3 |
| Tuba |
4 |
1 |
| Trombone & Bass Trombone |
12 |
2-3 |
| Trumpet |
8 |
2-3 |
| Viola |
45 |
11 |
| Violin |
90 |
22 |
| Violin & Suzuki Pedagogy (MM) |
4 |
2 |
| Voice |
50 |
12 |
Approximately 1,100 people apply for 150 undergraduate and graduate openings, of which 60 to 70 are freshmen.
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Graduation & Retention Rates
Graduation Rate: 81% of entering freshmen graduate within 5 years.
Retention Rate: More than 95% of non-graduating students re-enroll for continuing study.
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Control & Accreditation
Privately supported, CIM is accredited by the following organizations:
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
Phone (312) 263-0456
National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, Virginia 20190
Phone (703) 437-0700
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Faculty & Staff
Faculty: CIM utilizes the talents of 185 full- and part-time faculty members (including 38 current and five retired members of The Cleveland Orchestra, plus 13 from the CWRU Music Dept.)
For a list of our staff with biographies, click here.
Staff: CIM's professional staff includes 79 full- and part-time employees.
For a full list of staff members and contact info, please click here.
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Alumni
Alumni of the Cleveland Institute of Music consists of more than 3,000 graduates representing all 50 states and 46 foreign countries. CIM currently has 35 alumni performing in The Cleveland Orchestra. 80% of CIM graduates are employed in a music field.
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Concerts & Events
Concert Series: Close to 500 events are presented each year; the majority are free and open to the public.
More than 100 concerts each year feature students, faculty and visiting artists: the CIM Orchestra, CIM Opera Theater, New Music Ensemble, Chamber music, Faculty recitals, PianoFest, and Family concerts (Opera, Family, PianoFest and some special events charge nominal admission). For a full list of upcoming events, click here.
Student recitals: More than 300 student recitals are presented each year. For a full list of upcoming student recitals, click here.
Master Classes: Distinguished visiting artists work with CIM students on a regular basis. Check the calendar often for upcoming Master Class opportunities.
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Financial
96% of students receive scholarships, grants, work-study, and/or loans that an significantly reduce cost.
Tuition: $33,750
Room & Board: $10,860*
*Varies with personal choice
Operating Budget: $21,418,000
Endowment: $25,500,000
Economic impact: $90 million annually on the State of Ohio (2003 est.). You can view the Economic Impact report here.
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Facilities
Main building: Teaching studios and practice rooms.
Mixon Hall: Brand-new, state-of-the-art recital hall, seats 250.
Kulas Hall: Seats 540.
Robinson Music Library: Collection includes 52,000 scores and books on music; 23,000 AV materials (10,000 CDs); linked to CWRU library system via fiber optic system.
Music Store: Located downstairs in the Main Buildings, the music store offers sheet music, music accessories, books, CIM merchandise, and other items.
Hazel Road Annex: Faculty studios and practice rooms.
Cutter House Dormitory: Located adjacent to the Main Building, houses 100 conservatory students.
Technology Learning Center: Provides students and faculty with access to music technology for composition, music copying and orchestration, as well as Internet access.
Audio recording studios: Support state-of-the-art digital recording and CD production for the Audio Service and Audio Recording degree program, including a one-of-a-kind THX-certified studio.
For more on CIM's facilities, please see our facilities page, or visit our Robinson Music Library or Music Store pages.
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Distance Learning
Distance Learning: Innovative Distance Learning programs at CIM connect in real time to teachers and students throughout the world through high-speed videoconferencing technology Videoconferences are complemented with in-class and Web-based activities. Conservatory students participate in performances and master classes in collaboration with the New World Symphony, Royal College of Music in London, Manhattan School of Music and many other quality venues.
CIM is an affiliate member of the Internet2 high-speed network. CIM offers many exciting Distance Learning programs for Pre-K through high school. In addition to a full array of programs in music, CIM offers a series of interdisciplinary programs, designed to enliven and reinforce core curriculums that address academic content standards in science, math, language arts, history and geography. More than 500 programs are presented each year reaching 11,000 students.
For more on CIM's Distance Learning programs, please visit our Distance Learning section.
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Campus Security
These reports are part of the Cleveland Institute of Music's overall effort to provide important information about personal safety to the CIM community. It has been prepared in compliance with the Federal Crime awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (the Clery Bill). Ongoing reports as they become available are posted for our students, faculty, and staff on password-protected intranet.
The CIM annual campus security reports below are in PDF format.
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