Eun-song Koh to Join Cleveland Institute of Music
The violinist will serve as an assistant professor starting in the 2026-27 academic year.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Classical
The Cleveland Institute of Music has appointed alumna Eun-song Koh as an assistant professor of violin for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year. Koh, who has been guest faculty since 2025, is currently accepting students for the Conservatory and Academy.
Why it matters
This appointment secures a familiar instructor for the institution, as Koh previously earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the school and studied under Jan Mark Sloman there.
Koh joins the faculty with extensive professional experience, having previously served as concertmaster of the Orford Music Festival Orchestra and principal second violinist of the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra.
The players
Eun-song Koh
She is an accomplished violinist who holds a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and is returning to her alma mater as a faculty member.
Cleveland Institute of Music
This is a world-renowned music conservatory located in Cleveland that provides training for students pursuing careers in professional music performance.
Jan Mark Sloman
He is a distinguished violin pedagogue who served as a primary mentor to Koh during her time as an undergraduate student.
The details
Koh brings significant teaching experience to the position, including past faculty service at the Interlochen Summer Arts Academy and teaching work in Bolivia. During her undergraduate studies at the institution, she served as a teaching assistant to Jan Mark Sloman.
Timeline
Koh began serving as guest faculty at CIM in 2025.
Koh will begin her role as assistant professor in the 2026-27 academic year.
Industry Dynamics
The hire reflects a broader trend among top-tier music conservatories to integrate alumni back into the faculty to maintain continuity in teaching methods. This move preserves the institution's historical pedagogical approach while integrating new perspectives from Koh's experience in international performance and teaching.
Prospective students for the Conservatory and Academy may now apply to study under Koh beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. Her current status as guest faculty allows for ongoing student recruitment ahead of her official professorship.
The takeaway
Prospective students looking for specialized violin instruction should monitor faculty rosters for upcoming enrollment cycles. Building a relationship with a mentor early remains a common and effective strategy for students pursuing a competitive conservatory track.
Further reading
Find more updates on local musical education at Cleveland Classical.
