CIM unveils CIM Summer Institute, bringing world-class training under one unified banner

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), one of the world’s preeminent conservatories, proudly announces the launch of the CIM Summer Institute.  

This exciting new initiative unites and expands CIM’s celebrated summer programs under one dynamic umbrella, increasing opportunities for young musicians from elementary school to graduate level to study, perform, and collaborate at the highest level. 

“The CIM Summer Institute represents an exciting evolution of our summer programming,” said Scott Harrison, CIM’s Executive Vice President and Provost. 

“We’re providing students and aspiring professionals with a more connected, world-class experience that introduces them to the same artistry, rigor, and inspiration that define CIM year-round. It’s a powerful statement of our commitment to cultivating the next generation of exceptional musicians.” 

The CIM Summer Institute brings together the school’s renowned summer offerings in piano, chamber music, brass performance, and more — creating a cohesive structure that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. 

“It’s all too easy, when you’re studying music seriously, to stay in your own world,” said violist Jennifer Arnold (BM ’03, PS ’05, Vernon), program director of the CIM Summer Institute. “By connecting our programs, we’re encouraging our students to actively engage with and learn from their colleagues.” 

The new Summer Institute will convene in two sessions in summer 2026, from June 12- 21 and July 5–12, bringing in students from around the globe. It will be followed by a third week dedicated to the local community with two levels of the Academy Day Camp. 

As part of the Institute, CIM will continue to offer a wide range of elite training opportunities, including the Lang Lang Foundation Young Scholars Summit, Chamber Music Institute at CIM (CMI@CIM), the CMI Advanced String Quartet Program, the CIM Brass Lab, and the Young Artist Piano Seminar. 

Each of these programs is led by top faculty and pairs intensive, one-on-one instruction with collaborative ensemble experiences — including private lessons, masterclasses, rehearsals, and public performances — providing an immersive, conservatory-level learning environment. 

For elementary and middle school students, the Academy Day Camp offers the opportunity to spend a full week immersed in musical exploration and development, offering a taste of the Academy at CIM.  

Music FUNdamentals, for students entering grades 2 to 6, focuses on the building blocks of melody, harmony, and rhythm while Ensemble FUNdamentals, for students entering grades 6 to 8, focuses on the development of ensemble skills to prepare students for success in orchestra and band.  

Applications for 2026 Summer Institute programs open Nov. 11 and close April 1, with priority consideration for those who apply before Feb. 1. Full details and online applications are available at cim.edu/prep/summer. 

The non-refundable application fee is $25 through Dec. 15 and $40 thereafter. A $300 enrollment deposit is required upon acceptance (applied toward tuition), except for the Academy Day Camp.  

Limited merit- and need-based financial aid is available; applicants may request consideration when applying. Questions may be directed to CIMSummerInstitute@cim.edu. 

2026 CIM SUMMER INSTITUTE PROGRAMS 

Lang Lang Young Scholars Summit 

Dates: June 13-18, 2026  

About: During the third annual intensive presented by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation and led by faculty pianist Antonio Pompa-Baldi, 15 outstanding young scholars from the U.S., China, and Europe will gather at CIM for a week of sessions with CIM’s renowned piano faculty.  

Chamber Music Institute (CMI@CIM) 

Dates: June 13-21, 2026 

About: Faculty members Eun-song Koh (violin), Jennifer Arnold (viola), and Daniel Pereira (cello) preside over this popular intensive for intermediate to advanced string players ages 12 to 24. The program features daily chamber music coaching with faculty artists, at least one private lesson, masterclasses, and music enrichment classes. The session culminates in a performance on June 20 or 21 by all participating groups.  

CMI Advanced String Quartet Program 

Dates: June 13-21, 2026 

About: Professional chamber musicians and CIM faculty members Todd Phillips (violin) and Si-Yan Darren Li (cello) lead this advanced program for musicians ages 18 and up. Participants may apply as individuals or pre-formed ensembles but also may be assigned to a group. Students will enjoy daily coaching sessions, masterclasses on solo repertoire, and playing in a conductor-less chamber orchestra led by Phillips. The program concludes with a public performance by all ensembles on June 21.  

A limited number of Advanced String Quartet fellowships are awarded to highly accomplished young musicians who demonstrate exceptional musical ability and commitment to chamber music. Fellowships cover full tuition and on-campus housing. Recipients are responsible for the $500 dining fee. Fellows are responsible for their own travel to/from the program.    

Young Artist Piano Seminar 

Dates: July 5-11, 2026  

About: CIM’s Young Artist Piano Seminar is a week-long intensive designed to inspire and challenge advanced pianists ages 10 to 18. Under the guidance of award-winning faculty pianist Gerardo Teissonnière, young artists from around the world will refine their performances of advanced repertoire, deepen their musical and technical understanding, and elevate their performance skills. The program includes daily lessons and masterclasses, Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Piano Literature classes, a student showcase performance, and a piano concerto competition. 

CIM Brass Lab 

Dates: July 6-10, 2026  

About: This selective program, led by faculty member John Sebastian Vera (trombone), is a chance for high school musicians and incoming college freshmen to take their skills to the next level. Students on trumpet, horn, trombone, and tuba will spend a week studying brass fundamentals and solo and chamber music repertoire with leaders in their fields. The week will culminate with a public performance on July 10.  

Academy Day Camps 

Dates: Aug. 3-7, 2026 

Program hours: 8:30am-4pm 

Registration is limited to 50 students in each level. 

Music FUNdamentals – Entering Grades 2-6 

About: In this unique, music-focused day camp, students will explore composition, improvisation, and core musicianship through engaging and fun activities. Prior knowledge of music is not required. Each day will include choir singing, movement-based eurhythmics, composition, guest performances, and outdoor activities. 

Ensemble FUNdamentals – Entering Grades 6-8 

About: Middle-school students who are enjoying their school band or orchestra will be inspired by this program conceived specifically for them. Prior experience on a band or orchestra instrument is required. Each day will include large ensemble rehearsals and small group coaching sessions with CIM faculty, along with introductory sessions in music theory, eurhythmics, and guest performances.  

Application, audition requirements, and tuition information for all programs is available at cim.edu/prep/summer.