Eastman School of Music

History

The Eastman School of Music, located in Rochester, New York, is a prestigious institution for higher education in music. Founded in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman, the school has become one of the most respected music schools in the world. Eastman, who was also the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company, envisioned a comprehensive music school that would contribute significantly to the cultural life of the community and the nation.

The school was established as part of the University of Rochester and has maintained a close relationship with the university since its inception. The first director of the Eastman School of Music was Alfred Klingenberg, who was succeeded by Howard Hanson in 1924. Hanson's tenure, which lasted until 1964, was marked by significant growth and development, including the establishment of the Eastman Theatre and the Sibley Music Library.

Academic Programs

The Eastman School of Music offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in performance, composition, music education, and music theory. The school is known for its rigorous curriculum and high standards of excellence.

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in various disciplines, such as:

• Performance (instrumental, vocal, and jazz)
• Composition
• Music Education
• Music Theory
• Musicology

The undergraduate program emphasizes both academic and performance excellence, requiring students to participate in ensembles, recitals, and juries.

Graduate Programs

Graduate students can pursue Master of Music (MM), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The graduate programs are designed to provide advanced training and research opportunities in areas such as:

• Performance and Literature
• Conducting
• Composition
• Music Education
• Music Theory
• Musicology

The school also offers a unique Master of Arts in Music Leadership program, which prepares students for leadership roles in the music industry and arts organizations.

Facilities

The Eastman School of Music boasts state-of-the-art facilities that support its academic and performance programs. Key facilities include:

Eastman Theatre

The Eastman Theatre, now known as Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, is a historic concert hall that seats over 3,000 people. It hosts numerous concerts, operas, and other performances throughout the year. The theatre is also home to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

Exterior view of the Eastman Theatre building with its grand architectural design.

Exterior view of the Eastman Theatre building with its grand architectural design.

Sibley Music Library

The Sibley Music Library is one of the largest academic music libraries in North America. It houses an extensive collection of scores, recordings, books, and periodicals, providing invaluable resources for students and faculty.

Eastman Community Music School

The Eastman Community Music School offers music instruction to students of all ages and skill levels. It serves as a bridge between the Eastman School of Music and the broader community, fostering a lifelong love of music.

Faculty and Alumni

The Eastman School of Music is renowned for its distinguished faculty, many of whom are internationally recognized performers, composers, and scholars. The faculty's expertise and dedication to teaching have contributed significantly to the school's reputation for excellence.

Notable alumni of the Eastman School of Music include:

• Renée Fleming, soprano
• Charles Strouse, composer
• Jeff Beal, composer
• Maria Schneider, jazz composer and bandleader

Research and Innovation

The Eastman School of Music is committed to advancing the field of music through research and innovation. The school's faculty and students engage in a wide range of research activities, including:

• Music theory and analysis
• Historical musicology
• Ethnomusicology
• Music education pedagogy
• Composition and performance practice

The school also hosts conferences, workshops, and symposia that bring together scholars and practitioners from around the world to share their knowledge and insights.

Community Engagement

The Eastman School of Music is deeply committed to community engagement and outreach. Through various programs and initiatives, the school seeks to enrich the cultural life of the Rochester community and beyond. Key community engagement efforts include:

• Concerts and performances open to the public
• Educational programs for schools and community groups
• Partnerships with local arts organizations
• Outreach initiatives that bring music to underserved populations

International Collaborations

The Eastman School of Music has established numerous international collaborations and partnerships with institutions around the world. These collaborations provide students and faculty with opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and global learning. Notable partnerships include:

• Exchange programs with leading music schools in Europe and Asia
• Joint research projects with international scholars
• Participation in international music festivals and competitions

See Also

• Juilliard School
• Berklee College of Music
• Curtis Institute of Music
• Manhattan School of Music
• New England Conservatory