Grow, create and perform.

Create something new and find opportunities to showcase your talent and make lasting friends. At CIM, you’ll find faculty and mentors who are invested in your education and growth as an artist.

In the summertime, we offer specialty programming in music theory and composition; private lessons for all ages, including adult learners; and host the Sphinx Organization’s Performance Academy for young string musicians.

Learn more about CIM’s Summer Programs for the opportunity to create, discover and collaborate with other musicians.

Cleveland International Piano Institute for Young Artists

Presented by Piano Cleveland and the Cleveland Institute of Music in partnership with the Lang Lang Foundation, this unique institute will provide exceptional training for pianists ages 11-18. Students will learn from high-level faculty through private lessons and masterclasses, as well as take part in workshops on competition preparation, applying for higher musical education, and building a musical career.

Faculty includes Cleveland Institute of Music professors Kathryn Brown (Head of Piano and Institute Director), Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Daniel Shapiro, Sean Schulze, and Gerardo Teissonniere, Soyeon Kate Lee (The Juilliard School), Piano Cleveland President Yaron Kohlberg, Zsolt Bognar (pianist, host of Living the Classical Life), and jury members from the CIPC for Young Artists (Ran Dank, Kevin Kenner, Alexander Korsantia, Janet Landreth, Vanessa Latarche, Yong Hi Moon).

Click here for more information.

Modern Snare Drum Competition

The Modern Snare Drum Competition, hosted by the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), is open to ages 26 and under, and aims to promote snare drum literature. Under the new direction of Marc Damoulakis, CIM faculty member and Cleveland Orchestra principal percussionist, and Jerome LaCorte, CIM Ensembles Manager, this annual competition will continue director Tom Sherwood's work to educate the percussion community on a wide array of snare drum repertoire, including newly commissioned works.

The competition is divided into two Divisions:

Division I - Three Rounds  (age 26 years old and under)
Division II - Two Rounds  (age 19 years old and under)

Application deadline is April 21, 2023
First round video submissions are due May 1 2023.
Semi and Final rounds will take place live in Mixon Hall on June 10-11, 2023

Application Fees:  
Division I - $150
Division II - $125

Apply to Division I | Apply to Division II

If you have any questions, please contact Jerome LaCorte at jerome.lacorte@cim.edu.

North Coast Harp Institute

About

The North Coast Harp Institute offers harpists an intensive training experience and features topic seminars and masterclasses, as well as optional private lesson opportunities. Social events and meals with fellow harpists will also be part of the NCHI experience, with plenty of time for causal interaction with colleagues and founding director Yolanda Kondonassis. 

The event will feature two morning seminars, two afternoon masterclasses and optional private lesson opportunities with Yolanda Kondonassis. Seminar Topics will include: Audition Preparation, Practice Techniques, Performance Strategies, Body Care and Preventing Injury, Harp Technique, Musical Development, and more.

Age Range: 14 - 24
Students outside of this range may be considered at the discretion of Ms. Kondonassis.

Fees

  • Performing Participants (will play in masterclasses): $1,425
  • Non-Performing Participants (will not play in masterclasses but will attend all events): $1,100
  • Optional Private Lessons with Yolanda Kondonassis on June 15 or June 18: $125

*Fees are all-inclusive (Housing, Meals, and all Masterclasses and Seminars)

Housing for accompanying parents is available in the Residence Hall, but will be on a separate floor from the participating harpists.

Applications will be accepted until April 1. No audition video is required. Participants will be admitted in the order of application submission date as long as spaces are available. Participants will be notified of admission no later than May 1.

Private Lessons for Children and Adults

We are now taking applications for private lessons during Summer 2023! Click here to learn more about our options for private lessons during the school year.

For pricing information, visit this page.

Sphinx Performance Academy

Sphinx Performance Academy (SPA) is a full-scholarship intensive summer chamber music and solo performance program with a focus on cultural diversity, for string musicians ages 11-17. Curriculum includes lessons, masterclasses, recitals, career enrichment sessions, and mentorship  tailored to each student. SPA Cleveland Institute of Music offers a chamber music and solo repertoire focus for violin, viola, and cello.

All accepted applicants for the Sphinx Performance Academy will receive a full scholarship to the program, including room and board.

Click here for more information.

Young Composers Program

The Young Composers Program (YCP) is a one-week course offering students ages 14-19 the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of contemporary music and composition. The program is directed by CIM's head of composition, the highly regarded composer and teacher Keith Fitch. YCP helps composition students learn about the field of new music while developing creative and professional skills.

This year's YCP will be running June 18-24, 2023.

Application Information

Applications for Summer 2023 are now open! If you would like to be considered for Early Decision, applications are due March 30. Otherwise, the general application deadline is April 15.

Applicants are required to submit CIM's online application and the accompanied materials listed here:

  • Required scores: Include scores of 1 to 3 original works. Works “in progress” are acceptable, but at least one work must be complete. Mark all scores clearly with the composer’s name. Your score(s) will be scanned and uploaded to your online application. Please do not send original manuscripts—send only photocopies, printouts or PDFs. The Young Composers Program is not responsible for lost or damaged scores. Scores should be appropriately legible.
  • Reference letter: Applicants should ask a music teacher or mentor who is familiar with their musicianship to write a brief reference letter addressing the applicant’s talent, desire, work habits and reliability. Multiple references are allowed. Reference letter(s) will be submitted online along with the application.