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The application deadline for undergraduate and graduate admissions is December 1st for June (Graduate only) or September of the following year. Graduate applicants in composition must submit a portfolio of works for review by the Composition Department faculty in addition to other application materials (applications, transcripts, test scores, others). See the official Eastman School of Music admissions information for complete details. Application forms and other relevant materials for graduate and undergraduate applicants can be found here.

Admissions decision notifications are delivered between around mid-March and mid-April following review of submitted materials as well as auditions and/or on-site interviews. MM and DMA composition applicants who are invited to Rochester to interview will be scheduled for an instrumental or vocal audition on the same day as the interview.

Admissions Contact Information

Admissions Office
Eastman School of Music
26 Gibbs Street
Rochester, NY 14604-2599
Toll-Free Phone: 800.388.9695 (U.S.A. and Canada)
Phone: 585.274.1060
Fax: 585.232.8601
E-mail: admissions@esm.rochester.edu

APPLYING

Do I need test scores?

On the undergraduate level, SAT or ACT scores are required only from home-schooled applicants. These scores are optional for other applicants. However, since part of our admissions decision is based on academic performance, test scores help support an application. We prefer SAT scores.

• All MA, PHD, and MA/PHD applicants must provide GRE General Test scores.

My native language is not English. Must I take the TOEFL?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required from ALL non-native English speakers (international students, U.S. citizens, and permanent residents). Test results must be received by the application deadline. We cannot make an admission decision without a TOEFL score.

When are application materials available? May I use last year's forms?

You may not use outdated forms because application materials are revised each year. Students must apply by the December prior to the year in which they will begin studies. The application for degree study at Eastman is generally available in September, in paper and here on our web site.

Does Eastman have an Early Decision program for undergraduate applicants?

Eastman does not have such a program. Due to the extremely small numbers of applicants that we are able to admit, we audition all of our applicants before making final admission decisions. Most applicants know by mid-April if they have been accepted, and what their financial aid package may be. According to standard ethics, freshman applicants have until May 1 to decide whether they will accept an offer of admission.

Do I have to apply to Eastman if I applied to the University of Rochester?

YES. Unlike some schools, the process of application and admission to Eastman is not joined to the undergraduate admission process at the UR College. Eastman has a separate application form, different admission criteria, earlier deadlines, and distinct financial aid. The rule is: If you want a Bachelor of Music degree, apply to Eastman. If you want a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree, apply to the College. And if you want both a BM and a BA or BS, you must apply to both Eastman and the College.

Do I have to apply to the University of Rochester if I just want to go to Eastman?

NO. If you only want a Bachelor of Music degree from Eastman, you only apply to Eastman. That is, you complete the Eastman application, meet our deadlines, and take our audition.

AUDITIONS

What time is my audition?

Auditions in Rochester last an entire day. You will receive a letter confirming your audition date, and you must be available from 9 am to 6:00 pm on that day. 

This is to accommodate both the large number of auditionees and the many different appointments that may be scheduled. (Examples of such appointments are interviews, group meetings, auditions/interviews for Graduate Awards, etc.) More information on scheduling can be found here.

Because several thousand students apply to Eastman each year, it is very difficult to change an audition date once it has been confirmed. If a request must be made, it must be done in writing to the Admissions Office, with a payment of the $50 rescheduling fee. Note that Eastman faculty CANNOT approve changes in audition dates. No changes will be made after Feb. 1.

VISITING EASTMAN

Where is Eastman located?

The Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester is located in downtown Rochester, New York. The School is in the Eastman Theatre building. (Or, said another way, the Eastman Theatre is in the School of Music.) Directions can be found on here, or by calling the Admissions Office at 585-274-1060.

So how far is New York City?

New York City is about 350 miles from Rochester. You can get there by plane, train, or automobile – even by bus. While Rochester is much smaller than New York City, Eastman is at the heart of the Rochester music scene. There are three professional orchestras in easy reach (Rochester Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic, and Syracuse Symphony). Because the free-lance base here is much smaller than in New York City, there can be more opportunities for students in Rochester than in a larger city.

FINANCIAL AID

How much of a scholarship will I get?

Individual amounts of scholarship vary, and may come in the form of merit scholarships, Eastman need-based grants, or U.S. government loans, grants, or work-study. For undergraduate applicants, notice of financial aid is mailed with the student's letter of acceptance. Graduate students receive notice of Graduate Awards either with their letter of acceptance or shortly thereafter. Note that we encourage all applicants to seek outside scholarship support as well. For more information, visit the Financial Aid section of this site.

What kind of financial aid do you have for undergraduate students?

Undergraduate applicants may apply for merit-based financial aid, need-based financial aid, both, or none. Decisions for merit awards are made based on faculty recommendation for admission and the applicant's academic record. To qualify for need-based awards, the applicant (and family) must complete the FAFSA and PROFILE.

What kind of financial aid do you have for graduate students?

All graduate financial aid is merit-based, and comes in the form of Graduate Awards. Applicants complete the Graduate Award application as part of the application for admission, indicating particular work specialties for which they are qualified. On their audition/interview day at Eastman, appointments are scheduled for Graduate Award interviews. Graduate Awards are made by the associate dean of graduate studies, based in part on recommendations from the faculty.

Graduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may qualify for federal loans or work-study grants. A brief Eastman application must be completed, as well as the FAFSA.

ENROLLING AND LIVING HERE

Where do Eastman students live?

All Eastman undergraduates are required to live in the Student Living Center for the first three years. Freshmen share rooms; after the first year students have single rooms. The SLC is directly across the street from the School. It is a new 14-story highrise, is completely wired for internet access, and includes a cafeteria and snack bar.

Eastman graduate students generally find housing in close proximity to the School with little trouble. The Dean of Students Office, located in the Student Living Center, maintains an apartment book to aid graduate students with their search.

Undergraduate students who also are pursuing a degree in The College on the main campus may choose to live either in the Eastman Student Living Center, or in a dorm on the main campus.

When can I move into the dorm?

The dorm is open for move-in just prior to orientation, normally in late August.

When is orientation?

Eastman orientation occurs just prior to the start of the Fall semester. There are separate and joint orientation activities for international students, undergraduate students, graduate students, and Rogers Scholars. These activities include placement testing and general orientation, as well as social events. After placement testing, new students are able to register for classes. Read more in "Clef Notes."

Is Eastman on semesters or quarters?

The Eastman academic year is in two semesters. The Fall semester runs from around Labor Day until just before Christmas. After a break of several weeks, the Spring semester begins in January and continues until early May. Very few collegiate-level courses are offered during the Summer term, mainly graduate music education courses.

Academic Calendar

Do I have to sign up for a practice room?

No, you do not. There is no practice room sign-out procedure; rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most rooms have upright pianos and mirrors. Grand pianos are reserved for piano performance majors; percussion, harp, and double bass students use their assigned practice rooms for instrument storage as well. Lockers are available for smaller instruments.

May I take classes at the University of Rochester?

Since Eastman is one of the professional schools of the University of Rochester, all Eastman students are students of the larger university as well. Eastman students may elect courses that are offered on the main university campus, subject to any course prerequisites and the recommendation of their advisers-just as students at the main campus may enroll in courses at Eastman. An Eastman student who wants to obtain a second degree from the University of Rochester (that is, in addition to a music degree from Eastman), must apply directly to that degree program. This is not necessary, however, in the case of elected individual courses.

How do I get my student visa?

The process of obtaining a visa to study in the United States is regulated by the U.S. government. The University of Rochester, of which Eastman is a part, has an International Services Office (ISO) that issues the Certificates of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66). The International Student Secretary at Eastman coordinates paperwork between Eastman students and the ISO.

A student must first be accepted into a degree program at Eastman before completing ISO paperwork. As part of this paperwork, all international students must prove they have the financial resources to study in the U.S.; proof may include scholarship support from the School, or from the student's home country, as well as family funds and sponsor support.

Once all the paperwork is completed by the student, the ISO issues the Certificate of Eligibility. It is then the responsibility of the student to go to the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country to obtain their student visa. In some countries, this process may take several months. Therefore, international students are urged to begin the visa process as soon as they can, to ensure a timely start to their studies at Eastman.