CLEVELAND, OH - The Cleveland Institute of Music announced on June 1, 2021, that their distinguished faculty member Marshall Griffith is retiring after nearly 50 years of service. Griffith taught in both Conservatory and Preparatory Division. Upon his retirement, Griffith stated that he had always been proud to become a part of CIM. The institute helped him and other learners improve their musical works, perform countless musical performances, and become professional musicians.
He added that his teachers had a significant impact on him, and he hoped he also had the same impact on his students. CIM President and CEO Paul W. Hogle gave his remarks upon Griffith’s retirement, saying that Griffith had many contributions in terms of music or academics to CIM in addition to his exemplary teaching and mentoring of students.
Hogle honored Griffith for his dedication with the distinction of Faculty Emeritus, which will be conferred during the institute’s Honors Convocation on June 1.
Diane Urista, Ph.D., Head of the Curriculum Division at CIM, also honored the retired teacher, “Marshall generously gave of his time—inside and outside the classroom—to help his students reach their fullest potential. Thanks to his inspired guidance and musical expertise, many of them have gone on to have highly successful careers of their own.”
After completing his master’s degrees in 1977, Marshall Griffith began teaching music theory and improvisation in CIM. He also taught roles in composition and eurhythmics as the need arose.
A passionate lecturer, Griffith has given presentations on jazz improvisation, classical improvisation, drama, and music, as well as Golden Section and Chiastic proportions in music, writing for percussion, the solo works for violin by J.S. Bach, and Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”.