Cleveland Institute of Music Names Violist Sheila Browne to Esteemed Viola Faculty

Cleveland Institute of Music Names Violist Sheila Browne to Esteemed Viola Faculty 

 Browne 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 – CIM proudly announces the appointment of celebrated artist-teacher violist Sheila Browne to its faculty as professor of viola. Renowned for her artistry, pedagogical excellence, and commitment to nurturing emerging musicians, this exceptional educator brings a wealth of performance and teaching experience to CIM. This appointment reflects the CIM’s continued dedication to providing students with world-class mentorship, empowering them to refine their craft, expand their artistic voices, and confidently pursue their professional musical dreams and potential. 

“Our foremost responsibility is preparing students for successful, sustainable performance careers,” shared CIM Executive Vice President and Provost Scott Harrison. “Sheila brings not only extraordinary musicianship, but also a deep understanding of the professional landscape developed over years of teaching and performing internationally. Her mentorship will equip students of all ages with the technical command, musical sophistication, and professional readiness needed to perform, create, and share music at the highest levels.” 

Sheila Browne is internationally recognized as both a distinguished performer and a deeply committed pedagogue. Known for her versatile artistry and uniquely expressive viola voice, Browne has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in major venues across six continents, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Concertgebouw, Royal Festival Hall, Teatro Colón, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. A champion of new music, she has recorded extensively for leading labels, premiered concerti written for her, and collaborated closely with prominent composers and artists.  Alongside her performing career, Browne has established a reputation as an inspiring mentor whose teaching blends technical rigor, musical imagination, and a holistic approach to artistic development. 

Browne has presented viola and chamber music masterclasses at many of the world’s leading institutions, including Juilliard, Eastman, CIM, New England Conservatory, Rice University, and major conservatories throughout Europe and Asia. A former Teaching Assistant to renowned pedagogue Karen Tuttle at Juilliard, Browne later pursued advanced studies with Kim Kashkashian in Germany as a recipient of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarship and earned her Master of Music at Rice University. Her students have been accepted into top viola programs worldwide and hold professional positions across the global music landscape. Browne has served on the faculties of the Tianjin Juilliard School, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and other leading institutions, and currently serves as Distinguished Artist-in-Residence at Lynn Conservatory. Her career reflects a sustained dedication to guiding emerging musicians toward artistic excellence and lasting professional success. 

Apply Now 

Students may apply to study with Professor Browne 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.