Company Overview

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), founded in 1920 with composer Ernest Bloch as the founding director, is one of just seven independent conservatories of music in the United States, one of three devoted exclusively to classical music performance and the only nestled in America's heartland. CIM's campus - in the world-class center of innovation in healthcare, education and arts & culture known as University Circle - offers an incomparable environment for learning, study and artistic development.

CIM empowers the world’s most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential. Its graduates command the most celebrated and revered stages in the world as soloists, leading roles, chamber musicians and ensemble members; compose meaningful, award-winning new repertoire; produce Grammy Award-winning recordings; and are highly sought-after teaching artists, administrators and thought leaders.

A testament to the excellence of a CIM education, 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 collegiate and pre-college student bodies benefit 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.

CIM's 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. The Institute's diverse talent tapestry uniquely positions CIM as the future of classical music.

All CIM students benefit from access to world-renowned visiting artists and conductors, intensive study with CIM's stellar faculty and the rich curriculum offered by CIM's partner Case Western Reserve University, embraces the school's mission to empower the world's most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential by offering extensive experiential opportunities for students to foster the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition into a professional career.

CIM is an integral part of Cleveland's art community, presenting nearly 600 free performances and master classes on campus each year, and hundreds more at locations throughout the region, including Severance Hall, which is widely regarded as one of the world's finest concert halls. Students and faculty engage with partners including The Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Institute of Art and other cultural, educational and community organizations to create classical music that is as vibrant and varied as the city of Cleveland..

Job Summary

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) invites applications for a full-time faculty appointment in Piano beginning July 1, 2024. Responsibilities include teaching applied piano majors (undergraduate and graduate) within the Conservatory, as well as pre-college Academy students. In addition, as Director of Academy Piano Studies, this person will provide leadership and direction in developing curriculum and standards for piano students across all levels of the Academy, from beginners to advanced. In alignment with CIM’s mission, vision, and institutional learning goals, the faculty member will contribute to the musical life of the Cleveland Institute of Music by actively participating in recruitment, auditions, hearings, juries, masterclasses/symposia, and recitals. The teaching load balance will be approximately two-thirds Conservatory and one-third Academy students, with some time devoted to duties as Director of Academy Piano Studies. Candidates should have a proven record of successful recruiting and teaching of outstanding students in a conservatory or university music school, at the college and/or pre-college levels, as well as a noted reputation as a performer.

Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, please submit a cover letter (including a brief statement of your teaching philosophy), curriculum vitae, links to 2-3 video recordings of solo or concerto performances, and 3 to 5 references with contact information. Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

CONSERVATORY TEACHING

Over the course of their degree or diploma at CIM, prepare each student comprehensively and sequentially to perform at the highest standards of artistic and technical excellence in pursuit of their desired career outcomes.
Teach weekly applied lessons to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as studio classes as assigned.
Prepare students for regular participation in performances.
Prepare students for various assessment requirements that exist within the Curriculum.
Participate and contribute meaningfully in faculty meetings.
Assess students as member of faculty panel during performance juries and auditions.
Participate in recruitment activities as assigned and work with department head and Office of Admission to develop recruitment strategies.

ACADEMY TEACHING

As Director of Academy Piano Studies, work with the Associate Dean and lead the Academy piano faculty in recruiting students of various levels and stages of development, from beginners to advanced, building and promoting a curriculum, performance standards, events, and assessment points that establish the Academy at CIM as a regional and ultimately national destination for advanced pre-college piano students likely to continue their studies at the top collegiate levels, within an environment and with resources that support inclusive, equitable learning for all students.
Teach weekly applied lessons to Academy students, as well as studio classes as assigned.
Teach students enrolled via CIM’s Musical Pathway Fellowship, which provides resources and mentorship to help Black and Latinx students thrive during their musical studies.
Prepare students for regular performance participation.
Prepare students for various assessment requirements that exist within the Academy curriculum.
Maintain regular communication with students, families and staff.
Participate and contribute meaningfully in faculty meetings.
Assess students as member of the faculty panel during performance juries and auditions.
Participate in recruitment activities as assigned and work with the Academy staff to develop recruitment strategies.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

A qualified candidate will possess:

A master’s degree in piano performance (DMA preferred) or demonstrated relevant experience.
A minimum of 7 years of experience working with students of various ages and abilities.
A track record as a successful solo, chamber, and concerto performer.
An awareness of various pedagogical approaches.
An extensive knowledge of the diverse repertoire necessary to teach students of varying levels, backgrounds, and experience.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate is an excellent musician whose experience and passion are oriented towards guiding, developing and nurturing the growth of musicians of all ages. This role requires excellent communication skills, creativity, and flexibility.

Critical Thinking: Solving problems on your own using creative thinking and making informed decisions using thoughtful analysis.
Problem Solving: Effectively and swiftly making objective decisions.
Teamwork: Working dependably and flexibly within a team environment, consistently demonstrating a high level of reliability, responsibility, and trustworthiness.
Interpersonal Skills: How you communicate and interact with those around you.
Intrinsically Motivated: Positive and passionate about your job and motivated by internal forces.
Responsiveness: Consistent and timely response in communications, planning and decision-making.
Committed to CIM’s mission, vision, values and Institutional Learning Goals.
Curious, creative, and imaginative in one’s own artistry and aspirations.
Familiar with trends and best practices in higher education and musical pedagogy, with a firmly developed personal approach to teaching and student development.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; responsive to all stakeholders.
Organized, disciplined, reliable, and driven.
Able to take concrete steps to build a more diverse and equitable future of classical music.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

The successful candidate will need to be available to teach on Saturdays as determined by the CIM Academy curriculum, in addition to teaching collegiate students on weekdays.

Benefits and Perks

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance..
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts..
Retirement with a matching contribution after one year of service.
Company paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Tuition discount for employees and dependents.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000

The Cleveland Institute of Music embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will create an inclusive climate for students of all races, ethnicities, and genders. We strongly encourage women and underrepresented minorities to apply. CIM is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer; we support and practice non-discrimination in all areas of employment regarding gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or military status.

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