Get to know CCM’s newest faculty and staff members

CCM welcomes new faculty and staff for 2026-27

UC’s College-Conservatory of Music will welcome a variety of new faculty and staff members to its roster of distinguished performing and media arts experts, researchers and educators this fall.

The following new appointments have been announced as of May 4, 2026. We will announce additional appointments throughout the spring and summer.


New Full-Time Faculty

The newest full-time members of CCM’s faculty will begin their appointments in Fall 2026. Those faculty members are:

Headshot of Liza Stepanova

Liza Stepanova

Associate Professor of Piano

Headshot of Danbi Um

Danbi Um

Assistant Professor of Violin


New Full-Time Staff

The following staff also recently joined CCM:

Headshot of Seth Chastain

Seth Chastain

Financial Administrator for CCM Prep

Headshot of Brianna Meinecke

Brianna Meinecke

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions


About CCM’s Faculty

At CCM, tomorrow’s arts luminaries work with today’s industry leaders. Our internationally recognized faculty members work with students from around the world. CCM students receive personalized mentorship from professors who guide their individual scholarly, creative, musical, performing and teaching growth.

Who are our faculty members? CCM professors are Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning performers and designers, ASCAP and BMI Award-winning songwriters and composers, as well as Fulbright Scholars. They are members of major American orchestras, as well as directors and conductors for the world’s leading opera houses and summer festivals. They are researchers, educators, choreographers, technicians, filmmakers and playwrights, as well as experts on health and wellness for artists. They have published widely-used textbooks and produced multimedia for US presidents. They have been featured on major broadcasts like Good Morning America, the Today Show and the Tonight Show, to mention just a few of their accomplishments.

Cincinnati is our city

Cincinnati is our extended classroom, lab, career network and a place to explore, learn and serve. UC’s urban location gives students unmatched access to real-world learning, artistic inspiration and vibrant culture. Our research and community engagement continually benefit the city we call home.


Explore the Queen City.


Featured image at top: A May 2026 photograph of the CCM Village. Photo/Curt Whitacre

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