Cleveland Institute of Music

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) is a prestigious conservatory located in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. It was founded in April 1920 by a group of founders who each contributed $1,000 to establish a school of music dedicated to providing the best musical education to students of all types. CIM officially opened on December 8, 1920, at 3146 Euclid Avenue, with the esteemed composer Ernest Bloch serving as the first musical director and Martha Bell Mrs. Franklyn B. Sanders as executive director. The mission of CIM, as articulated by Bloch, emphasized the importance of a musical education that would develop qualities of appreciation, judgment, and taste, as well as stimulate understanding and love of music. In 1922, the institute moved to 2827 Euclid Avenue and established a Preparatory Division to nurture young musicians' sense of rhythm and critical listening skills. The 1950s marked a period of significant growth for CIM, with Ward Davenny taking over as director in 1955. By the end of the decade, the institute had outgrown its facilities, prompting the construction of its current site at 11021 East Boulevard in University Circle. Victor Babin became director in 1960, overseeing the expansion of studio facilities and the acquisition of 20 new Steinway grand pianos by 1965. The 1980s saw further development under the leadership of David Cerone, who served as president from 1985 to 2008. During his tenure, CIM experienced rapid growth and offered a full orchestral curriculum to more than 400 conservatory students. An expansion plan was developed to provide an acoustically advanced performance space and alleviate overcrowded conditions. In the 2000s, CIM launched a $40 million campaign to add additional performance, practice, and teaching space. The campaign was successfully completed in 2007, leading to the opening of the Lennon Education Building, Mixon Hall, the Robert and Jean Conrad Control Room, and the Robinson Music Library. Joel Smirnoff, a former first violinist of the Juilliard String Quartet, succeeded Cerone as president in 2008 and served until 2015. In 2016, Paul Hogle, who had previously served as executive vice president of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, was appointed President & CEO of CIM. Under his leadership, CIM initiated an in-depth strategic planning process, resulting in the adoption of Blueprint:100 in 2017. This plan focuses on reducing the size of the student body and the cost of education over time. CIM has had a series of distinguished presidents, including its founders Ernest Bloch and Martha Bell Mrs. Franklyn B. Sanders, as well as notable figures such as Beryl Rubinstein, Ward Davenny, Victor Babin, Grant Johannesen, David Cerone, Joel Smirnoff, and Paul Hogle. Today, CIM is recognized for empowering the world's most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential. The institute's graduates are highly sought-after musicians, occupying prominent positions in major orchestras worldwide, including more than half of the members of The Cleveland Orchestra. CIM is also the largest presenter of free performances, master classes, and community concerts in the Midwest, furthering its mission to provide exceptional musical education and contribute to the cultural wealth of the community it serves.