Cleveland Institute of Music Appoints Eun-song Koh Assistant Professor of Violin

CIM alumna and experienced educator brings a record of student achievement and a commitment to developing the next generation of violinists

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) has appointed violinist and educator Eun-song Koh (BM '16, Sloman) as Assistant Professor of Violin, effective with the 2026–27 academic year. Koh, who has served as guest faculty at CIM since 2025, will continue her work with the Institute in this expanded role and is currently accepting students for the Conservatory and Academy.  

Koh brings a longstanding connection to the Institute, extensive performance experience, and a strong record of developing young musicians at the pre-collegiate and collegiate levels. Her teaching emphasizes the integration of technical proficiency, musical expression, and the discipline and resilience necessary for a successful career in music. 

“Eun-song brings an exceptional combination of artistic insight, pedagogical experience, and a demonstrated commitment to each student’s specific needs,” said Scott Harrison, Executive Vice President and Provost of CIM. “As a CIM alumna, she understands the Institute’s distinctive educational environment and the transformative impact that rigorous training and dedicated mentorship can have on a young musician’s development. We are delighted to welcome her to the faculty in this expanded role and look forward to the contributions she will make to our Conservatory and Academy violin programs.” 

Koh earned her Bachelor of Music degree from CIM, studying with David Updegraff and Jan Mark Sloman, before completing a Master of Music degree at Northwestern University. At Northwestern, she received the Eckstein Fund Grant and the Grace Fox Congdon Scholarship in recognition of her musical and academic achievements. Her approach to teaching was further shaped by her work as a teaching assistant to Sloman, whose expertise in violin performance and pedagogy influenced her development as an educator. 

As a performer, Koh has appeared internationally in orchestral and chamber music settings. She served as concertmaster of the Orford Music Festival Orchestra, including during an international tour to South Korea, and as principal second violinist of the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, performing in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Her chamber music experience includes working with members of the Emerson, Tokyo, Miami, Cavani, and Dover string quartets. 

Koh has also built an extensive teaching career, serving on the faculty of the Interlochen Summer Arts Academy, where she taught violin and coached chamber music, and working with Bolivia Clásica, where she taught, led workshops, and performed. 

Her students have earned recognition in national and international competitions, including multiple top finishes in the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Competition in the junior and senior divisions. They have also won first-place prizes in concerto competitions and received honors at the Chicago International Violin Competition, with some earning invitations to international competitions, including the Spohr International Competition. 

Koh’s students have been accepted to and gone on to study at prestigious institutions such as the Juilliard School, the Colburn School, the New England Conservatory, the Cleveland Institute of Music, Northwestern University, and the University of Southern California, among others 

In her teaching, Koh combines high expectations with an encouraging, individualized approach, helping students develop the technical command, interpretive depth, and self-discipline needed to realize their artistic potential. 

“I am excited to continue my work at CIM in this new role and to contribute to a community that has played such an important part in my own musical journey,” said Koh. “My goal as a teacher is to help each student discover their individual artistic voice while building the technical foundation, musical understanding, and resilience needed to grow as an artist. I look forward to working with the next generation of violinists and supporting them as they pursue their ambitions, both at CIM and beyond.” 

Koh will begin her appointment as assistant professor of violin in the 2026–27 academic year and is accepting students.  

Prospective students interested in studying violin with Eun-song Koh may contact CIM’s Office of Admission for information about applying and auditioning.