Eastman School of Music

09/08/2026

For Your GRAMMY® Consideration ✨ Eastman School of Music’s “IN PLAIN SIGHT: The Black Anthology” for Best Classical Compendium.

This landmark recording—showcasing the depth of talent in Eastman’s voice students and faculty—shines a light on one of America’s richest but most overlooked musical traditions: the art songs of Black American composers.

Featuring 40+ vocalists and instrumentalists, including opera superstars Nicole Cabell, Kiera Duffy, and GRAMMY®-nominated Joshua Conyers, this double album brings together works of extraordinary sophistication and emotional range.

“Whatever draws you in at first, keep listening. You’ll find beauty in these songs, both the words and the music, and in the sensitive, striking performances that have been recorded here.” (CITY Magazine)

Released on August 21, 2026 by Lexicon Classics.

Learn more & listen here: esm.rochester.edu/go/for-your-consideration/

09/05/2026

Prof. Lubman approved this post as long as we tell you to come see Musica Nova and Eastman Percussion Ensemble on 9/18 😅

Event details: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/esm-event/musica-nova-and-eastman-percussion-ensemble/

09/03/2026

SCHOOL NEWS | The Eastman School of Music is upgrading the technology in our beautiful and historic Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre thanks to a generous $1,000,000 NYS grant, gifted to us by Senator Cooney.

“Kodak Hall has been the centerpiece of the arts and culture scene in Rochester and a driver of economic growth downtown for over a century,” said Senator Cooney. “From RPO concerts and [Eastman] student performances to the Rochester International Jazz Fest, this is a storied venue that serves as an intersection of world-class productions for all Rochesterians and visitors to enjoy."

The funds are being used to install a new projector and new audio equipment — a benefit to all who enter the space, from the musicians to the patrons.

This is the FIRST installation of this technology in the world, and we are excited to welcome audiences to experience it!

Watch the video below to hear from the teams behind the upgrades!

The Eastman School of Music is upgrading the technology in our beau...

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!