Advantages of Studying at ECMS

Free Accompanying Service

To encourage all of our students to participate in recitals each year, each student who registers for private lessons for the full semester will be granted two rehearsal coupons per semester (valued at $30 per semester). Furthermore, the School covers the cost for accompaniment for the recital itself, as well as for juries, exams, master classes, and studio recitals (valued on average at $30-$40 per semester).

Concerts and Recitals

Concerts and recitals are the lifeblood of any music school. Eastman Community Music School students are welcome to attend hundreds of concerts at the School each year. All but a few are free of charge. Community Music School students also have numerous opportunities to perform in public recitals and concerts. Many of our graduating seniors are offered the opportunity to perform a senior recital at Eastman before leaving us.

Sibley Music Library

With a student ID card, our students receive Sibley Music Library checkout privileges. The Sibley Music Library at Eastman is considered to be the largest and best music library in the Western hemisphere.

Advising

Diploma requirements and schedule options are available online in our Diploma Center.  If you have further questions, you are encouraged to schedule an appointment with theory chair Margaret Henry (585.274.1962) or with ECMS director Howard Potter (585.274.1402) at any time of the year.

Assessment

Studio teachers, in consultation with each student, prepare a Student Progress Report each semester. Students receive letter grades. Classroom teachers also give semester grades as well, which are included in the report cards.

Juries

Eastman Community Music School encourages all of its students to participate in the jury process. This is an opportunity to perform for a panel of our faculty members, providing objective feedback about your progress, and also helping prepare you for future auditions. Younger students may instead choose to play for just one teacher. Most exams and juries will be scheduled during Spring Festival Week.

Transcripts

The University of Rochester maintains official transcripts of all our students. At your request, they will be forwarded to the colleges of your choice at no charge. Please allow 7-10 business days for processing your request.

ID Cards

The Community Music School issues identification cards to its students. They are necessary for access to several areas of the campus. They also entitle the bearer to free admission to many Eastman School of Music concerts that are not free to the general public, to Sibley Music Library for checkout purposes, and to a parking discount at the East End Garage.