University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music - CCM

08/28/2026

CCM alumnus William R. Langley recently received a 2026 Career Assistance Award from the Solti Foundation U.S., an award given to young conductors to further their professional endeavors.

Langley (MM Orchestral Conducting, '18) is one of 16 conductors to receive the award this year. He currently serves as Resident Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Staff Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Langley returns to CCM this spring to conduct CCM Opera: Ariadne auf Naxos (April 15-17)!

UC College-Conservatory of Music alumnus William Langley recently received a 2026 Career Assistance Award from the Solti Foundation U.S., an award given to young conductors to further their professional endeavors.

08/22/2026

WGUC's Cincinnati Spotlight recently spoke with UC College-Conservatory of Music Composition professor Mara Helmuth about her upcoming faculty recital, "Sparkling Streams: Music for instruments and computer," on September 1.

Professor Mara Helmuth spoke with Cincinnati Spotlight about her upcoming faculty recital on Cincinnati Spotlight.

08/21/2026

“Ben thought music put good into the world and his parents have really lived that mission for more than 20 years. They’ve taken all the love and passion they had for Ben and given it to everyone else’s kids,” says Maggie Perrino, assistant dean for CCM Prep.

Ben's parents, Susan Carlson and Phil Berne, together with Ben’s cousin, David Berne, have made a $1.7 million estate gift to establish the Ben Carlson-Berne Endowed Fund for CCM Prep at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music - CCM.

Read the family's story: https://on.uc.edu/4xctNck

08/20/2026

Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at CCM!

With more than 130 different performances and events, there is something happening at CCM nearly every week of the school year!

Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). With more than 130 different performances and events, there is something happening nearly every week of the school year!

07/28/2026

CCM welcomes Avery Bargassé as our new Assistant Professor Educator of Musical Theatre Voice. He displays an impressive command over a variety of vocal styles offering a unique blend of sound all his own.

Bargassé has enjoyed a rich singing career as both a concert and recording artist. He has been heard singing the theme song of HBO series “The Wire,” appearing as a musical guest for then-senator Barack Obama, singing as an opening act for R&B/Soul singer Gladys Knight, and in 2021 singing as a solo artist honoring George and Amal Clooney. In line with his vocal versatility, Bargassé has also shared the stage with both Andy Williams and Josh Groban as a background singing artist. Equally at home in the classical arena, his notable concert appearances include singing the prisoner in Beethoven’s “Fidelio,” tenor soloist in Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” and a featured soloist in selections from Carlos Simon’s “Good News Mass” all with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Bargassé has made musical appearances with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Soulful Symphony. In addition, Bargassé has enjoyed a continued professional relationship with Cincinnati Opera as a core chorister for seven seasons.

Bargassé has previously served as an adjunct faculty member at CCM, and he will officially begin his new role at CCM on Aug. 15, 2026.

Read his full bio → https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2026/07/ccm-welcomes-new-musical-theatre-faculty-member-avery-bargasse.html



📸 New CCM faculty member Avery Bargassé. Photo/provided

07/22/2026

CCM Media Production is heading to LA! Join Dean Pete Jutras and Media Production Division Head Kevin Burke for a special reception celebrating the professional achievements of our Bearcat community.

This year’s program features a screening of current student work, an update on the state of the division and opportunities to connect with alumni and friends of the college. Registration required.

When: 6:30–9 p.m., Thursday, July 30
Where: Solotech Los Angeles Studios | 1017 N. Las Palmas Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90038

Register online: https://www.alumni.uc.edu/get-involved/college-networks/ccm/summer-in-la.html

07/22/2026

CCM welcomes Brandon Kelly as our new Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre Dance. Kelly is a choreographer, director and educator whose work spans Broadway, regional theatre and major entertainment brands.

As a New York City transplant for 15 years, he has served as Assistant Choreographer for "Come From Away" (Broadway/National Tour). His choreography credits include "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre), "Come From Away" (Virginia Rep.), "Hard Road to Heaven" (Bucks County Playhouse/World Premiere), "The Drowsy Chaperone" (Short North Stage), "Escape to Margaritaville" (Ogunquit Playhouse/Regional Premiere), "Jersey Boys," "The Bridges of Madison County" (SSMT), "RENT" (Conn. Repertory Theatre) and "Cinderella" (CCM).

Already a familiar face at CCM, Kelly previously served as an Artist in Residence for Musical Theatre Dance during the Spring 2026 Semester. He officially begins his new role at CCM on Aug. 15, 2026.

Read his full bio → https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2026/07/ccm-welcomes-new-musical-theatre-faculty-member-brandon-kelly.html



📸 New CCM faculty member Brandon Kelly. Photo/Zach Cossman

07/17/2026

Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at the making of an original, student-created music video in CCM's XR Studio.

Media Production student Gabriel Peters' capstone project is to create a music video for his original song "DEATH/LIVE." He is the music composer and XR designer, as well as one of the musicians.

This mini doc takes viewers inside his creative process as he works to complete his capstone project. Peters graduated with a BFA in Media Production in spring 2026.

Learn more in our feature story: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2026/07/watch--the-making-of-a-music-video-in-ccms-xr-studio.html

07/07/2026

CCM Opera and Voice alumni, let's celebrate! 🎶

Join the CCM Alumni Network July 10–11 for a reunion weekend filled with performances, connection, and Bearcat pride. Reconnect with fellow alumni, enjoy special performances, explore campus, and celebrate the CCM Opera and Voice community.

Registration is open. Advance registration is requested by July 8.

Learn more and register: https://www.alumni.uc.edu/get-involved/college-networks/ccm/opera-reunion.html



📸 Photo by Mark Lyons. CCM's production of "Cendrillon." Watch the full performance on CCM's YouTube Channel!

Meet the cast and creative team who brought this production to life on stage, view our digital program for "Cendrillon": https://www.ccm.uc.edu/programs/2025/November/cendrillon.html

06/30/2026

CCM welcomes Joshua Adewole Kerobo, PhD, as our new Assistant Professor of Musicology/Ethnomusicology. Kerobo is an ethnomusicologist, saxophonist and African percussionist hailing from the Northern region of Edo State in Nigeria, as well as Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kerobo’s research in ethnomusicology focuses on African popular music and youth political engagement in Nigeria's Fourth Republic (1999-present). His research also explores Black music development in Cincinnati, music and Black/African religious subjectivities, and sonic affect and discursive citizenship in national sporting events. In addition to being a published scholar, Kerobo is also a musician with a dedication to community engagement.

Read his full bio → https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2026/06/ccm-welcomes-new-ethnomusicology-faculty-member-joshua-adewole-kerobo.html

Kerobo’s faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026.