The Cleveland Institute of Music enrolled more than 150 new students for fall 2026, the second-largest entering class in over a decade and the largest since the pandemic. CIM set internal targets of 120 students (goal) and 135 (stretch), exceeding both for the second consecutive year. The incoming class arrives from four continents, 15 countries, and 28 states, with seven students from Ohio.

CIM awarded $5.4 million in tuition assistance to the incoming class, which the institution said is the highest scholarship commitment in its history. The endowment has doubled since 2016. Students will pursue studies in piano, strings, winds, brass, percussion, voice, organ, classical guitar, saxophone, and composition at the undergraduate, graduate, diploma, and doctoral levels.

President and CEO Paul W. Hogle said interest in new studio faculty drove applications and transfer interest this cycle. Incoming students include transfer admits from the Eastman School of Music, Juilliard, and conservatories in Lyon and Beijing.

Source: Cleveland Institute of Music