History

CIM is one of just seven independent conservatories of music in the United States and one of three devoted exclusively to classical music performance. Its graduates command the most celebrated and revered stages in the world as soloists, chamber musicians, and ensemble members; compose meaningful, award-winning new repertoire; and are highly sought-after teaching artists, administrators, and thought leaders. More than half of the members of The Cleveland Orchestra are connected to CIM as members of the faculty, alumni, or both, and CIM alumni occupy hundreds of chairs in major orchestras worldwide. The school’s increasingly diverse student body benefits from access to world-renowned visiting artists, intensive study with CIM’s stellar faculty, and the rich curriculum offered by CIM’s partner Case Western Reserve University. A leader among its peers, CIM is the largest presenter of free performances, master classes, and community concerts in the Midwest, hosting hundreds of events each year on campus and at locations regionwide, including Severance Music Center. 

1920s 

The dream of a conservatory in Cleveland, Ohio became a reality in April 1920 when a small group of founders from the Fortnightly Musical Club contributed $1,000 each to establish a "school of music where every type of student could find opportunity for the best musical education." 

The Cleveland Institute of Music officially opened its doors on December 8, 1920 at 3146 Euclid Avenue in a grand house with grand ideals. Ernest Bloch, the esteemed Swiss-American composer that Pablo Casals heralded as "the greatest composer of our time," was named the first musical director, and Martha Bell (Mrs. Franklyn B.) Sanders became executive director. The mission, proclaimed by Mr. Bloch, relayed the forethought that has guided the Institute throughout its history: "Musical education, in addition to the thorough study of technique, ought above all else, to develop qualities of appreciation, judgment and taste, and to stimulate understanding and love of music."

In 1922 CIM moved to 2827 Euclid Avenue and established a Preparatory Division "to awaken the feeling for rhythm and develop the sense of observation and discrimination among school-aged Clevelanders beginning the study of music." 

1950s

Ward Davenny became the new director in April 1955 during a period of major growth for CIM. Surviving the depletion of its own forces to the war effort but burgeoning beyond its very walls, CIM needed a new home, which it eventually found at its present site at 11021 East Boulevard in University Circle, the rapidly growing cultural and educational heart of Cleveland. The doors to the new building opening in 1961.

In 1960 pianist Victor Babin took the helm, joining the faculty alongside his wife Vitya Vronsky, his partner in one of the greatest piano duos of the 20th century. By 1965, studio facilities needed to be expanded, and 20 new Steinway grand pianos arrived from New York. "We now have about 120 pianos, mostly Steinways, including two 9-foot concert grands," beamed director Babin.

Following years of collaboration, CIM and its neighbor Case Western Reserve University launched the Joint Music Program, a relationship still unprecedented among a Conservatory and an R1 University. The program provides students of both institutions with access to faculty and academic and artistic offerings across the campuses. 

1980–90s

David Cerone was appointed director in 1985. Mr. Cerone brought his expertise as a violin pedagogue and performer to the Institute. His tenure firmly established CIM as an international force in the classical music world. He recruited a string of legendary faculty to teach at the school and started the Young Artist Program, which bridged the gap between the Preparatory and Conservatory levels for the most promising teenage musicians.

CIM was growing rapidly, offering a full orchestral curriculum to more than 400 Conservatory students. A plan was developed to construct an addition to the University Circle facility that would provide an acoustically advanced performance space and relief from the overcrowded conditions.

Cerone retired in 2008 and was subsequently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from Cleveland Arts Prize and appointed Emeritus Faculty by CIM, alongside his wife and fellow violin faculty member Linda Cerone.

2000s

On March 20, 2001, the formal resolution was made to commit to a $40 million campaign to add that much-needed additional performance, practice and teaching space. On September 30, 2007, campaign co-chairs Dick Pogue and Barbara Robinson announced that the goal was met, with the support of over 1,000 donors.

In 2007, CIM celebrated the completion of its expansion project with the opening of Mixon Hall, its stunning new recital venue; Lennon Education Building, Robert and Jean Conrad Control Room, an audio recording and production facility; and Robinson Music Library.

In April 2008, Joel Smirnoff was introduced as CIM's new president. Previously holding the position of first violinist of the Juilliard String Quartet, Mr. Smirnoff served as president until 2015. 

Today

In 2016, Paul Hogle was appointed President & CEO; he was previously executive vice president of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and a recognized leader in fundraising and educational programs in the orchestral field. In 2023, Crain’s Cleveland Business named Hogle a Notable in Education Leadership.

Shortly after Hogle's arrival, CIM embarked upon an in-depth strategic planning process which ultimately engaged hundreds of faculty, staff, students, trustees, donors, alumni, funders and community leaders. Blueprint:100 (the resulting plan) was adopted in 2017 and centered around the prevailing requirement that CIM must intentionally reduce the size of the Conservatory student body and the cost of education over time. 

As result, the CIM Board adopted the Tuition Promise. Recent years at CIM have witnessed the opening of 1609 Hazel, a state-of-the-art residence hall and practice facility; the introduction of the Robinson Orchestral Career Fellowship; the launch of the Academy, a reinvigorated approach to comprehensive, sequential, and performance-based Preparatory training, alongside the Musical Pathway Fellowship to promote opportunities for Black and Latinx youth across Cleveland; partnerships with leading national organizations advancing equity in the arts, like the Sphinx Organization, Gateways Music Festival, and Equity Arc; collaborations spanning Cleveland’s top artistic institutions, from the Cleveland Orchestra to Cleveland Museum of Art to Piano Cleveland/Cleveland International Piano Competition to Cleveland Institute of Art; and rapid growth in fundraising and scholarships as part of CIM’s Second Century Campaign.

CIM Presidents/Directors

• Ernest Bloch (1920-25)
• Mrs. Franklyn (Martha Bell) Sanders (1925-1931)
• Herbert Elwell (acting director only during Rubinstein’s war service) 
• Beryl Rubinstein (1932-1953)
• Ward Lewis (Interim, 1943-44; 1954-55)
• Ward Davenny (1955-1960)
• Victor Babin (1960-1972)
• Martha Joseph (President, Board of Trustees)
• Grant Johannesen (1974-1985)
• David Cerone (1985-2008)
• Joel Smirnoff (2008-2015)
• Paul Hogle (2016-present)