Did you know CIM was founded by a composer, Ernest Bloch? That means composition has been at our core ever since 1920.

You'll build on that legacy to write sophisticated and meaningful music for the twenty-first century. As you find your own voice and learn how to shape the architecture of a piece, you'll also expand your musical taste and judgment.

Internationally recognized composers will meet with you in seminars, symposia and master classes. Through our unique partnership program you'll be paired with student performers and filmmakers who help bring your work to life on the stage and screen.

As a performance major, you can double major in Composition in our bachelor's, master's and artist diploma programs. Contact us to learn more.

Learn about CIM's Electronic Music Studio

Alumni Success

Our grads have been accepted for further study at:

  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Cornell University
  • Guildhall School, London
  • Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
  • McGill University
  • Yale University

Meet Louis Chiappetta

comp alumni

Louis Chiappetta, student of Keith Fitch, received a Fulbright Foundation Grant in 2011, the year he graduated from CIM. His work has premiered at top venues, notably Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall and Aspen Music Festival. His awards include the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and American Academy of Arts and Letters. Chiappetta continued his studies at Cornell University and premiered work at the 2015 Musica nova Helsinki Festival. 

Concerts and events

Mar 19 Tue
7:30 pm
Junior Recital: D'aci Knight, viola
Strings, Conservatory Student Recitals
Mar 20 Wed
7:30 pm
Insiders: She-e Wu
Faculty Recital, Concert Series
Mar 22 Fri
3:30 pm
First Master of Music Recital: Christopher Kim, cello
Strings, Conservatory Student Recitals
Mar 22 Fri
5:30 pm
Senior Recital: Micah Northam, horn
Brass, Conservatory Student Recitals
Mar 22 Fri
7:30 pm
Second Master of Music Recital: John Fawcett, violin
Strings, Conservatory Student Recitals