Cleveland Institute of Music Names Tom Landschoot and Jeffrey Noel Lastrapes to Esteemed Cello Faculty

Cleveland Institute of Music Names Tom Landschoot and Jeffrey Noel Lastrapes to Esteemed Cello Faculty  

Each is accepting students for Fall 2026 Expedited application process 

Fast-Track Auditions with Rolling Admissions Decisions 

Guaranteed minimum Conservatory scholarship awards of $30,000 

Immediate Provisional Scholarship Offers Within 24 Hours of Audition 

Apply Now – Limited Studio Availability 

CLEVELAND, February 20, 2026 – A dynamic new chapter begins for cello studies at the venerable Cleveland Institute of Music. This Fall 2026, Tom Landschoot joins the CIM faculty as Professor of Cello and Jeffrey Noel Lastrapes as Director of Academy Strings and Professor of Cello. Known for their transformative teaching and compelling performances, both are now accepting students eager to study with two of today’s most exciting musical voices. 

 “We are thrilled to welcome Tom and Jeff to our cello faculty,” shared CIM Executive Vice President and Provost, Scott Harrison. "Both are deeply committed educators and extraordinary artists whose insight, rigor, and mentorship will elevate our Conservatory and Academy students’ playing to the highest level. Their combined experience and musical leadership will be invaluable in preparing the world’s most talented cello students not only to refine their artistry, but to compete successfully for today’s top-echelon music careers.” 

Tom Landschoot comes to CIM from Arizona State University, where he has served as professor of cello and earned ASU’s prestigious Herberger College of Fine Arts Distinguished Teaching Award. Tom teaches at the legendary Meadowmount School of Music, has served on the faculty of colleges and festivals worldwide, and given master classes at conservatories and universities throughout Asia, the U.S., Europe, and South America. He has performed as a soloist or collaborator with numerous orchestras worldwide, and his recordings are available on labels including Summit, Organic, Kokopelli, ArchiMusic, and Centaur Records. 

Since 2013, he has been a member of the Rossetti Quartet, collaborating with renowned ensembles including the Takács and Arianna Quartets and members of the Cleveland, Vermeer, and Tokyo Quartets. 

Tom Landschoot's cello students at Arizona State University have achieved notable career success, with many securing positions in professional orchestras, pursuing advanced degrees at prestigious institutions, or establishing themselves as active performers, educators, and chamber musicians. 

Jeffrey Noel Lastrapes will take on the dual roles of Director of Academy Strings and Professor of Cello after serving on the faculty of Texas Tech University since 2008. He will continue to serve on the cello and chamber music faculty at the iconic Interlochen Arts Camp, a post he has held since 1996. As a soloist, Lastrapes has appeared with numerous orchestras and has also participated in major summer festivals around the world. Lastrapes has recorded works including the complete Bach Cello Suites and appears on Centaur and New World Records. He frequently gives master classes and lectures at renowned institutions worldwide, and, in 2025, he was named the Phyllis Young Outstanding Studio Teacher of the Year by the Texas String Teachers Association.  

Despite being visually impaired, he actively inspires others with disabilities through his accomplishments, including completing marathons and maintaining a low golf handicap.  

As an award-winning studio teacher at prestigious programs, Jeff’s students have benefited from high-quality instruction and have pursued successful careers in music performance, education, or related fields. 

Apply Now 

Students may apply to study with Professors Landschoot or Lastrapes through an expedited application process here. Students accepted into new Conservatory degree programs with these teachers will receive a minimum guaranteed scholarship award of $30,000 for the 2026-27 school year.  

CIM Applied Cello Faculty 

Bryan Dumm, Cellist, The Cleveland Orchestra 

Tom Landschoot, Professor of Cello, Cleveland Institute of Music 

Jeffrey Lastrapes, Director of Academy Strings and Professor of Cello, Cleveland Institute of Music 

Si-Yan Li, Director of Chamber Music, Cleveland Institute of Music 

Ida Mercer, Executive Director, Cleveland Cello Society 

Daniel Pereira, Director of Academy Performance Studies, Cleveland Institute of Music 

Richard Weiss, First Assistant Principal, The Cleveland Orchestra 

Wei Yu, Principal Cello, Detroit Symphony Orchestra 

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