New assistant professor of violin appointed at Cleveland Institute of Music

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) has announced the appointment of violinist and educator Eun-song Koh as assistant professor of violin, with her tenure set to begin in the 2026–27 academic year. This role marks a significant step in Koh’s ongoing association with CIM, reflecting her deep roots as both an alumna and a valued faculty contributor.

Koh’s journey with CIM began as a student, where she completed her Bachelor of Music degree under the mentorship of David Updegraff and Jan Mark Sloman. She subsequently advanced her studies with a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University, earning prestigious accolades such as the Eckstein Fund Grant and the Grace Fox Congdon Scholarship during her graduate tenure. Her academic progression was further complemented by her role as a teaching assistant to Jan Mark Sloman, indicating early involvement in pedagogy.

In addition to her academic achievements, Koh has cultivated a robust performance career. She has performed extensively in orchestral and chamber music settings worldwide. Notably, she held the position of concertmaster at the Orford Music Festival Orchestra, where she participated in an international tour to South Korea. Her orchestral experience also includes serving as principal second violinist with the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, performing in major Asian cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Koh’s chamber music collaborations have involved working alongside members of several esteemed string quartets, such as the Emerson, Tokyo, Miami, Cavani, and Dover quartets. This breadth of experience underscores her versatility and commitment to high-caliber performance artistry.

Her teaching credentials extend beyond CIM. Koh has contributed to the Interlochen Summer Arts Academy as a violin instructor and chamber music coach. Moreover, she has engaged with Bolivia Clásica, where she delivered violin lessons, led educational workshops, and performed, further broadening her international teaching impact.

Since 2025, Koh has been serving as guest faculty at CIM, a role that has allowed her to connect with students and the institution’s community ahead of her formal professorship. She is currently accepting students for both the Conservatory and Academy programs, signaling her active involvement in cultivating emerging violin talent.

Koh’s appointment is notable not only for her personal accomplishments but also for her intimate understanding of CIM’s culture and expectations. Having been shaped by the institute’s educational environment, she brings a unique perspective that blends rigorous technical training with artistic development. Her approach emphasizes nurturing each student’s individual artistic identity while fostering resilience and comprehensive musicianship.

This transition to a permanent faculty position at CIM represents a continuation of Koh’s commitment to music education and performance. By investing in the next generation of violinists, she aims to support their artistic ambitions within the institute and beyond, contributing to the sustained excellence of CIM’s violin program.

Details about the full scope of her future curriculum and specific initiatives at CIM remain forthcoming, but her appointment aligns with the institute’s tradition of integrating accomplished performers and educators into its faculty. As Koh assumes this new responsibility, her blend of performance experience and pedagogical dedication positions her as a significant influence in shaping violin education at one of America’s premier conservatories.