The Department is a leader in composition, supporting a resource center for composers and the Cleveland Contemporary Players. Another strength is in preparing students to become teachers.

All students study with a world-class faculty that includes members of the Cleveland Orchestra, Red (an area orchestra), the Cleveland Lyric Opera Orchestra, and The Venner Trios. Students have the opportunity to hear hundreds of concerts and recitals each year both on and off campus. Our facilities include a large concert and recital hall, three large rehearsal rooms, a state-of-the-art recording studio, an instructional computer lab and two digital composition studios.

The location in downtown Cleveland provides easy access to Severence Hall, Playhouse Square, museums, art galleries and other performance venues.