Professors tell us that the disorderly Cleveland Institute of Music has fired its best viola teacher with immediate effect and without reason.
Students of Mark Jackobs have been left without a teacher for the rest of the school year.
Mark Jackobs has played in the Cleveland Orchestra for 31 years.
We gather that Juilliard has summarily fired a…
The death has been communicated of Walfrid Kujala,…
When Ontario’s Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony went bust in September…
The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra’s president and managing…
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By this time next year, they’ll be blowing through donor money to fly in teachers from everywhere but Cleveland, while keeping family members in do-nothing jobs and blubbering about a “moonshot.”
As an alum it pains me to say this – CIM students should drop out en masse. Other schools should be rolling out the recruiting carpet for them. This place doesn’t care about you, only the creeps in charge. NEC, MSM, Juilliard, Northwestern, Indiana, etc. should be straight-up advertising and offering scholarships. The students are the ones losing, we should take care of them.
Where do people like Paul Hogle come from, anyway? The Jerk Store? The “I-never-got-accepted-to-music-school-so-I’ll-take-it-out-on-those-who-do” Discount Emporium? What do they get out of this? While I’m sure Hogle is making decent money, this isn’t exactly “burn everything down, I’m set for life” money…. so I don’t seem to see the long game for even him here.
RIP CIM. Makes me sad, but America in 2024 seems to be little more than a circle of vultures, voraciously circling and hunting for the next endowment to raid…
Hogle is making around 500k I believe, pretty decent
Agree with you except for the second paragraph. Those schools are only marginally better at best. It’s a systemic problem, the greed of those running these institutions.
There is no school other than CIM that has had a faculty-staff turnover of 120. CIM is unique in its greed, and apparently in its ignorance and its hubris as well.
Paul Hogle is in his 60s and makes something like $600k a year. It’s definitely set for life money…
It’s insane he makes that much especially at a struggling institution. What’s the justification?
Perhaps there is more here tgan actially meets the eye & things are being left out to protect everyone. Until you know ALL the facts, your comment is unjustified.
Hey Susan! How are you able to have time to post here? Don’t you have a school to continue ruining?
CIM alum here.
Mark Jackobs is a fantastic teacher and a treasure of a human being.
A quick recap of Paul Hogle’s tenure: the Cavani Quartet, Peter Salaff, Michael Sachs, and Mark Jackobs all out. Scores of students and alumni are alienated and angry.
Conclusion: Paul Hogle is a failure and needs to just disappear.
CIM alum as well. I was a guitarist, but my wife studied with him. I don’t know what happened here, but Mark Jackobs is a good guy.
I think the school is in total disarray and the people in charge should all be fired. They are ruining its reputation.
Mr Lebrecht,
As a CIM alum with deep inside knowledge of the school’s issues over the past several years, the reporting on Slipped Disc is breathtakingly one sided.
Why don’t you do some digging on how Mr Jackob’s students have done professionally over his tenure. You might find a disconnect between the angst in the comments below and actual outcomes.
For sure, the board and administration are displaying self control and professionalism, unlike the hyperbolic cries of the heart that are routine in these pages.
Is it really possible that there is no other side to the CIM story? Unlikely.
By way of analogy, it is the case that a newly installed dean at a top 20 medical school fired 10 of 15 department chairs within the deans first year in leadership. This was fairly recent, and there were no sit ins, no votes of no confidence, no whining. That’s real academia. And guess what, outcomes improved almost immediately.
Anonymous
Found Hogle’s alt username.
Oh please, what are you selling. No wait, never mind. I can guess.
Interesting that you claim to have “deep inside knowledge of the school’s issues over the past several years” to knock down the reporting but then only offer tautological analogies to support your contention that there’s another side to the story without actually saying what that other side is. Thought you had “deep inside knowledge”!
Thx Kyle.
First, in 2014 CIM came very close to being shut down by the Higher Learning Commission for almost 40 different deficiencies. These issues ranged from a lack of documented academic standards, a lack of reported outcomes, a lack of standardized syllabi, inadequate governance, and the list goes on.
This woeful condition led to the board at the time being forced to come to grips with the systemic issues that led up to the accreditation challenge.
The first thing the board did was acknowledge the fact that CIM was suffering, and a key driver of the suffering was occurring at the intersection of the then President and the faculty leadership. The general viewpoint was an entrenched “everyone move along, there is nothing to see here” head in the sand apathy.
That history is documented, publicly available and very true.
Second, given this dire situation, what is remarkable, actually, is the high number of faculty leaders from that time period that STILL have jobs at CIM.
Out in the real world, that doesn’t happen.
Anonymous
Dear Anon. I understand what you wrote because I was there when the institution was at the brink of losing its accreditation. But you can’t fix stupid with more stupid. You can’t fix toxic with more toxins. There was a better way to do this, and this is not it. And THAT is how the real world works.
Hi Anonymous,
For the sake of clarity, I’m wondering if you can elaborate on this “disconnect” between Mark Jackobs’ students and professional success. As a currently member of the CIM community, I can attest that this simply isn’t true—in fact, one of Mr. Jackobs’ former students recently won the 2023 Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra viola section auditions, which is a world-class orchestra. This seems like a stark contrast to the argument made above. I invite you to provide some concrete examples of how Mr. Jackobs’ students have failed to succeed during his tenure at CIM.
Additionally, since you are a CIM alum with deep inside knowledge of the school’s issues, I assume you must know about the rampant and systemic chaos that has been plaguing the Institute as of late—including but not limited to an impressive lack of institutional knowledge that has created ample problems for both students and faculty, and a toxic work environment for many students and faculty that is governed by a very real fear of retaliation and blacklisting. I have witnessed genuine fear by both groups of individuals to speak up, because the risk of getting the sack feels (and now, certainly is) all too real. The “cries of the heart” you and I have read on so many recent threads, letters, and posts (which I would more accurately describe as genuine frustration and anger born out of an active and tangible defense of the students and their best interests) is as vocal as it currently is because a) CIM is currently facing a myriad of crises, several of which pose existential threats to its existence, and b) the recent actions and words of several upper administrators and board members have effectively muzzled what has been occurring as of late. It is pointless to compare our situation to that of a top 20 medical school because they are completely different. In our case, the result is the current, desperate response.
While you are certainly entitled to your beliefs, I wish to pose the same question that you’ve asked above: is it really possible that there is no other side to the CIM story? You are absolutely correct in that there is almost always more than one side to any story. But I invite you to also consider the following: if CIM was truly prospering as much as members of the board and upper administration claim via official postings, then why are we in the situation we currently face, where discontent is at what I can only assume to be an all-time high among faculty and a great majority of the students? The fact of the matter is that a school as illustrious as CIM (like any other world-class program) is only so because of a) the programs it offers, b) its teachers, and c) its students. Replace these, and the Institute becomes CIM in name only. There are two sides to this story, it is imperative to hear both. After all, the faculty and students are without a doubt the two most important bodies at the school.
Sincerely,
A current CIM community member
If there were “no sit ins, no votes of no confidence, no whining” then it’s a different situation than CIM. This is not “real academia” and no – outcomes at CIM have by no means improved, the board and administration are not “displaying self control and professionalism,” and when nearly unanimous votes of no-confidence occur, professors leave (and go to Curtis, no less!), members of the best orchestras in the world are let go, and students feel so violently betrayed they want to share their story publicly, there is a significant difference from the example given, and a significant problem exists that you want to sweep under the rug.
I do agree with you, though, in one respect. Slipped Disc and many other outlets should do a deep dive into what’s going on at CIM…many, MANY others. New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, papers in Chicago, LA, SF, etc. should definitely do a deep dive. This has become a national, even international, story, and if I were running the place I’d realize how bad this is looking with each passing day.
As a person who also has “deep inside knowledge of the school’s issues over the past several years”, I can tell you this is NOT “real academia” – if you didn’t see it happening with your own eyes, you wouldn’t even believe it’s real at all!
I was just told that there was a negative comment about Mark Jackobs’ teaching posted on some music site and I immediately dug this up. I have never commented on a website, I do not have any social media, and never will. But as Mark Jackobs’ stand partner in The Cleveland Orchestra and a colleague in the viola department at CIM for 30 years, I feel compelled to respond. Mark is not only one of the best orchestral players I know, he is also one of the most effective viola teachers in the field, and a man of unfailing commitment and integrity. Let no one suggest otherwise. Without a doubt, losing Mark is a profound loss for our school. While the drama at CIM is complex -and anyone who says it is simple is either ignorant or deceitful- Mark Jackobs’ history IS simple: he is a man of character and one of the most dedicated musicians I have ever met.
Let’s add to that list 1) the recent faculty vote of No Confidence in Hogle and Harrison (roughly 90%) and 2) the restructuring (i.e. dismantling) of the community music department.
In addition to being a badass violist, Mark Jackobs is a person of integrity and character. When people like Mark Jackobs and Michael Sachs are out, it further clarifies the priorities of this administration. I wouldn’t send my child there.
What hasn’t been reported is that the percentage of total faculty who voted was just over fifty percent. So the “90%” so oft cited is really 90 percent of 50 percent. Half the faculty apparently couldn’t be bothered to even vote.
As perhaps the only representative of people operating in The Real World here, math is important, and we can’t conclude anything if only half the variables are plugged in.
Could half the faculty not “be bothered to even vote” or are half the faculty freaked out beyond all recognition, as there is a culture of relative terror and retribution at play, with many faculty worried about losing positions that help to support their families? From my sources, the administration values only loyalty; any dissent is met with brute force and a total lack of intellectual curiosity concerning the betterment of the institution.
Oh Susan, I hope that you were more careful with numbers when you ran your fertility business. 91 votes out of 148 current faculty members = 61.4%. – The Real World
It’s like this, Susan. Those who did not vote were most likely in fear of losing their jobs. Those who did vote are no doubt on a “hit list” you and Hogle keep in your desks. Not voting does not imply faculty could not be bothered. It simply means they apparently were bullied into not having their voice heard.
Not to mention all the wonderful staff who have left under Hogle’s regime, leaving almost no institutional history or knowledge in place. CIM is a shell of what it was just a few years ago.
This is so sad! As an alum, when I was studying at CIM, it was a beacon of encouragement, by the Faculty and Administrative Staff, with the goal of bringing out the best, creative artistry, with all students!
Peter Salaff was my chamber music coach one summer at Aspen, nearly half a century ago. A gifted teacher and a wonderful human being.
Peter Salaf and the Cavani Quartet were my child’s chamber coaches thru two degrees. Said “child” is now employed as a full time professional musician. Thanks in no small part to the fine training received in required chamber music courses and, of course, excellent studio teaching. Thanks for the tribute you posted.
Incredibly sad situation to me as a parent who donated for years. No longer.
The Stein family, bless their hearts, just gave 5 million to CIM. I noticed in the article about the donation, that they had specifically targeted the money for special things: Kulas Hall renovation, organ restoration, scholarships, etc. Thankfully, they designated where they wanted their funds to go rather than write a check for the administration to use for legal fees!
Not so much a failure as a highly successful vandal and iconoclast, it seems.
And why fired?
When the hell is the board going to wake up? You are letting a great institution and more importantly, its world-class faculty and students be destroyed by the whims of a few power-hungry, incompetent dictators. How much more do Susan Rothmann, Paul Hogle, and Scott Harrison have to do before you do your job and protect the school? How many more students, alumni, and faculty have to speak out before you realize that maybe the over 1,000 people who have voiced their severe disapproval have a point and that maybe the story you’re getting from these 3 wannabe dictators isn’t the truth? Being a board member of an institution of higher learning is a tremendous responsibility. It isn’t just some notch on your resume. WAKE UP AND TAKE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GUIDE AND PROTECT THE SCHOOL SERIOUSLY. SHAME ON YOU FOR LETTING IT GET THIS FAR.
It makes me sad to see a once fine school in such disarray. As the parent of a music major currently in college who considered CIM I am relieved my kid is not there. I hope CIM can get back on track.
You’re just sour because your kid wasn’t good enough to get accepted to CIM.
And who said they didn’t get accepted by CIM?
Oh, really, Dr. Susan Rothmann Phd.? Dr. Phd?
You have no idea whether this kid was accepted into CIM or not, and it really doesn’t matter. The point is (as I’m sure you’re aware) no parent would want to have a kid studying there under this regime. What an absolutely asinine comment!!!
Unbelievable! (but not really)
At least the board chairman’s son, listed as an “Interdisciplinary Artist-In-Residence” is safe:
https://www.cim.edu/faculty/jeremy-paul
WTF does someone like this do for students?
Isn’t it illegal to be paying a Board member’s family?
In any case, it sure seems like it’s terribly unethical, if not outright illegal.
Stupid to be firing a violist of this caliber, and I’m sure we’ll see more firings soon!
What does that even mean? Interdisciplinary artist in residence? what a farce
Bogus job…a letter went out a while ago asking faculty to find work for this guy. You just can’t make this stuff up!
I would report that to the IRS.
It’s akin to embezzlement, and should be reported to somebody. Definitely smells.
This is a shocking, unjustified, undignified and likely retaliatory move by a feckless administration that has systemically damaged the once sterling reputation of the Cleveland Institute of Music. Mark Jackobs is one of the most respected and successful American viola pedagogues with a 31 year legacy at CIM. Those of us who know Mark are crazy about him, as are his students to whom he dedicates himself fully. Shame on this “leadership” for dismissing one of it’s greatest assets. The students are the ones who are suffering the most from the administration’s consistent selfish and childish actions, borne of their own insecurity.
How has this situation lasted so long?
I’m a tuba player alumnus of CIM and even I knew what a legend Mark Jakobs was from day one of my studies there. His and the rest of the viola faculty’s successful students are legion, and in every major orchestra in the US.
What this brain-dead administration has done is beyond upsetting.
If he has been a member of one of the finest orchestras in the world for 31 years, there must be a significant reason, unrelated to his credentials, for firing him. Tragic!
That’s nothing but speculation, “Roger” – if you knew anything about what was going on in that school, you’d know hirings and firings have NOTHING to do with anything but loyalty to Rothman, Hogle, and co. What’s “tragic” here is the way a mere handful of know-nothing non-musicians have destroyed what was once a first class music school. Tragic and disgraceful.
Watch that I ordered
I would like to know the reason for his dismissal. My daughter was one of his students for several years and has always spoken very highly of him.
Somebody had to get the axe for the 90% “no confidence” vote 2 weeks ago. Hogle and Board chair are the most narcissistic ppl on the planet. They were NOT going to let this slip by. Mark has always been involved with faculty senate in some way b/c of his great personality & ability to work with ppl. They saw this as a threat they needed to eliminate. He is just one of those ppl who worked for the good of the kids & faculty; the current admin. is all about themselves and wielding power regardless of what they destroy.
Why is Hogle even still there? And what really sucks is if he’s let go, ge undoubtedly walks out with a huge severance “because his career has suffered” or some such. He can retire. Get him gone. Too much money out the door for committee in return. WTH?
Well look at the bright side. At least dissidents don’t get defenestrated in Cleveland. Not yet anyway.
Hogle and top administration must resign now. They are mercilessly discarding the very talent on which CIM is built. Pathetic, embarrassing. Cut off the Hydra’s head and let artists do what they do best.
Why don’t the Faculty members resign en masse and set up a new independent organisation, minimising red tape, maximising inclusivity and offering an empathetic approach to student welfare and career development?
I remember Mark from our time together at Eastman back in the 80s. Already a very fine violist then and a lovely guy. I wish him the best.
Maybe the Faculty members should resign en masse and set up an independent organisation, possibly an LLP, with minimal overheads and bureaucracy, maximum inclusivity and a strong focus on empathy with the students?
Antwerp Smerle:
You ARE kidding, right?
People who play in one of the greatest orchestras in the world really have the time to:
– find a new building, or complex of buildings
– deal with financing the property
– deal with financing faculty
– deal with financing administrative staff
– deal with all the legalities of setting up a new school
– deal with insurance and other necessities
– create pr materials, website, etc. for a new school
– get accredited
…just for starters.
…is that really practical???
…should faculty HAVE to do this???
…I don’t think so.
Sorry for duplicate messages – I thought the first was lost in cyberspace.