Cleveland Institute of Music Names Violinist Igor Pikayzen to Celebrated Violin Faculty

Professor Pikayzen is accepting students for Fall 2026  

Expedited application process 

Fast-Track Auditions with Rolling Admissions Decisions 

Guaranteed minimum Conservatory scholarship awards of $30,000 

Immediate Provisional Scholarship Offers Within 24 Hours of Audition 

Apply Now – Limited Studio Availability 

CLEVELAND, February 27, 2026 – CIM proudly announces the appointment of outstanding artist-educator Igor Pikayzen to the faculty as associate professor of violin. Pikayzen brings a rare synthesis of virtuosity, musical insight, and mentorship to the studio. Known for his technical brilliance and richly expressive artistry, he has earned recognition on major stages worldwide and as a recording artist while building a reputation as a teacher who develops not only exceptional players, but compelling, individual artists. His arrival further strengthens CIM’s commitment in the Conservatory and Academy divisions to preparing students to fulfill their dreams and potential. 

“Our appointment of Igor Pikayzen represents exactly the kind of artistry, pedagogical excellence, and innovation that defines this institution,” shared CIM Executive Vice President and Provost Scott Harrison. “Igor represents global performance experience, technical command, and a personalized approach to teaching. As a forward-looking performer and educator tuned into the future of classical music, he will empower young violinists to reach the highest   standards of musicianship and creativity while learning how to build meaningful, sustainable careers in music.”  

Award-winning Russian-American violinist Igor Pikayzen is widely recognized not only as an acclaimed soloist, but as a deeply committed and sought-after pedagogue. Praised internationally for his “astounding technical ability and a majestically lush tone” (Strad), Pikayzen brings the same artistry, precision, and musical insight that define his performances into the teaching studio. A frequent guest professor at leading universities and conservatories across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, he is known for cultivating technical fluency, interpretive depth, and artistic individuality in his students. Pikayzen serves as the Artistic Director of the Adria Academy Festival in Montenegro, where he mentors emerging artists from around the world. He comes to CIM from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. 

Alongside his pedagogical work, Pikayzen maintains an active international career marked by major orchestral collaborations, recital appearances, and acclaimed recordings, including recent releases featuring works by Glazunov and Tchaikovsky with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He has appeared as soloist and recitalist in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Toronto Performing Arts Center, National Concert Hall in Taipei, Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, Cadogan Hall in London, National Center for the Arts in Mexico City, Le Bourget in Montreal, Teatro del Lago in Chile and countless others. Grandson of legendary Soviet violinist Viktor Pikayzen, he was born in Moscow and trained at The Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music and served on the faculty of the Brooklyn Conservatory. A top prizewinner at numerous international competitions, Pikayzen is a Violin Channel Artist and the founder of the Edelio Festival. His multifaceted career as a performer and educator reflects a dedication to shaping the next generation of musicians for artistic and professional success. 

Apply Now 

Students may apply to study with Professor Pikayzen through an expedited application process here. Students accepted into new Conservatory degree programs with these teachers will receive a minimum guaranteed scholarship award of $30,000 for the 2026-27 school year.