Eastman School of Music

09/02/2026

SCHOOL NEWS | We are immensely grateful to alumnus David Damschroder ’77E (MM)—distinguished music theorist, educator, and author—for investing in the next generation of doctoral students pursuing careers in performance, scholarship, teaching, or some combination of all three.

His bequest will establish an endowed fellowship that supports emerging scholars pursuing the highest levels of music research, along with a symposium fund that helps bring leading scholars and guests to Eastman through partnerships with professional organizations.

“I propose to enhance the support and resources available for students whose passions and proclivities will help to keep the tonal repertoire thriving,” shares Damschroder.

Learn more:

Supporting doctoral scholars and enriching the exchange of ideas, Damschroder's planned gift will help ensure Eastman remains a leader in music theory and pedagogy.

09/01/2026

Today is September 1, which means that applications are officially OPEN at the Eastman School of Music!

Channeling Rimsky-Korsakov’s celebratory “Procession of the Nobles” (played beautifully here by the Eastman Saxophone Project) we are excited to get to know our applicants and hear all about your musical journeys! 🎥 youtube.com/watch?v=NMUHEwxRwLY

Apply now and join us in Rochester, fall 2027! Visit our Admissions website for more information: esm.rochester.edu/admissions

Eastman Saxophone ProjectChien-Kwan Lin, directorLandon Chang, as...

08/31/2026

Anyone else still thinking about how fun Welcome Week was?! 🥳

As we settle into these first days of the semester, please mark your calendars for Eastman’s Convocation on Thursday, September 3 at 2:30 PM in Kilbourn Hall. Following remarks from our leaders, the program will introduce Bridget Kibbey, our new associate professor of harp, in performance!

08/28/2026

…and so it begins! ✨ Introducing the Eastman Class of 2030–here’s to an awesome semester!

📸 Keith Bullis

08/27/2026

POV: You’re an RA during Eastman’s Welcome Week! 🫶

Remy Collins, a third-year voice student, shared her camera roll with us + answered a few questions to help our newcomers settle into life on campus!

Q: What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting college?
A: These are some of the most fundamental years of your life! The roadmap you set for yourself regarding your habits as a person—and as a musician—during the next four years will shape you for the rest of your lives and career. Keep how you treat yourself and others in mind and *always* stay open to learning new things!!

Q: Any tips for adjusting to life on campus?
A: Build yourself a sustainable and motivating routine! Try different things, schedule in your practice time, and don’t forget to schedule some *me time* too. Explore all that ESM has to offer and get familiar with downtown Rochester!

Q: What do you think the biggest difference is between high school and college?
A. Definitely the freedom. You’re a full-fledged adult now—take time to explore who you’re becoming and choose classes that interest you to help foster that.

Q: What are some good ways to meet people/make friends?
A: Oh, definitely clubs, organizations, and SLC based events!! Don’t forget, there are clubs and student organizations over at URochester’s River Campus, as well—it may be a breath of fresh air to get out of downtown and hang out with River Campus students, too!

Q: What are you most looking forward to doing with new students as a Resident Advisor?
A: Hosting events the students are interested in and going to watch their performances!!! And I know all of the RAs feel the same way… don’t hesitate to let your RA know when you’re performing and what fun events you want to see at the SLC!

08/26/2026

Our Student Living Center is bustling with the newest Eastman class, and we are *thrilled* that they’re finally here! 🥳

Shout out to all the helping hands who made these two move-in days so smooth!

08/24/2026

Dear Class of 2030, welcome to your newest stage… figuratively and literally! ✨ From classrooms to performance halls, we can’t wait to see and hear all that you’ll bring to the Eastman community.
 
Follow along with the excitement this week, as we kick off the academic year with our new and returning students!

08/21/2026

OUT NOW! 💥 We're thrilled to share the release of "IN PLAIN SIGHT: The Black Anthology" on Lexicon Classics, now available to stream on all major platforms.

Featuring outstanding Eastman students alongside acclaimed faculty artists Joshua Conyers, Nicole Cabell, and Kiera Duffy, this double album showcases selections from the "Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers," shining a light on one of the nation’s richest but most overlooked musical traditions.

Created at the Eastman School of Music and recorded at the University of Rochester's Hajim School of Engineering, the project brings together more than 40 students and faculty in a powerful celebration of musical legacy, collaboration, and artistry.

Listen to IN PLAIN SIGHT today:

In Plain Sight | Lexicon Classics - a new independent classical music label that was built by artists, for artists. We embrace recordings that are unique, musicians that have something to say and projects that are truly collaborative.

08/20/2026

Did you know that Spider-Man came to Eastman?! 🕷️

In 2013, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” took over Main Street—including the stretch right outside Eastman Theatre—to film action sequences and chase scenes.

With Peter Parker back in theaters, we had to revisit the time he swung by Rochester! 🎬

Spider-Man

08/20/2026

The making of IN PLAIN SIGHT: The Black Anthology | In this third and final chapter, we meet more students featured on the album and hear about what it was like to work with their peers and professors. Isa Apodaca ’26E, from the studio of Joshua Conyers, shares how important it was to record this anthology: “As a Mexican American I am often not singing repertoire from my own heritage, so shining light onto underrepresented composers is beyond an honor.”

IN PLAIN SIGHT is released this Friday, August 21 on all major streaming platforms! Don’t miss it!

🎥 Video produced by Lexicon Classics.

Watch the full story on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DMj08BMJWjY?is=TVueCSKa9L9-nyxu