EASTMAN AT A GLANCE
- About 500 undergraduates and 400 graduate students are enrolled.
- Over 2,000 applications are received each year, and about 135 first-years and 125 graduate students enroll.
- The student/total faculty ratio is 6:1.
- Students come from almost every state, and approximately 25% are from foreign countries.
- Sibley Music Library is the largest academic music library in North America, with 344,000 books and scores, and 84,000 recordings.
- Eastman alumni are members of all leading American orchestras, as well as respected orchestras around the world, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Hong Kong Symphony Orchestra, and the New Zealand Philharmonic.
- Five Eastman-trained composers and three former professors have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music.
- Eastman alumni have won Grammy Awards, including Renée Fleming, William Warfield, and Maria Schneider.
- Eastman composition graduates have won the Prix de Rome, Guggenheim Fellowships, the Bearns Prize, the Charles Ives Award, and major awards from ASCAP and BMI.
- Eastman students have won many high-profile competitions, including the BBC Young Musicians Competition, NSO Young Soloist Competition, and the Russian-American Music Association Young Virtuosos Competition.
VISITING EASTMAN
Where is Eastman?
The Eastman School of Music is located in downtown Rochester, NY, and includes the newly renovated Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.
Directions
Information: 585.274.1000
Where is Rochester, NY?
Rochester is in beautiful western NY state, approximately 350 miles from New York City (which is easily accessible by plane, train, bus, or car). Rochester is a vibrant small city, the second largest economy in NY state, and home to a thriving live music and arts community. We are home to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and an hour’s drive from both the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Syracuse Symphony. Learn more at VisitRochester.com.
How can I arrange a visit to the School?
The Eastman Admissions Office offers information sessions and tours for prospective students several times per week. If you are interested in scheduling a visit, please click here for more information.
May I meet with a faculty member while I’m there?
We encourage prospective students to meet with Eastman faculty, however, the Admissions Office does not make appointments for faculty members. Once you know the date of your visit, contact the faculty member or department directly for an appointment. Visit the department pages for a listing of faculty within each department, or view our faculty database.
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 live in single rooms. The SLC is located directly across the street from the School. The 17-story high rise is wired for internet access, includes a cafeteria and snack bar, a 24-hour computer lab, a recital room, and a satellite office of the University Health Services.
Eastman graduate students generally find housing in close proximity to the School with little trouble and at a reasonable cost. Eastman maintains an off-campus housing database 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 residence hall on the River Campus.
Is Eastman on semesters or quarters?
Two semesters: Fall and Spring. College-level courses offered during the summer term are mainly graduate and professional development courses. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for more information.
Do I have to sign up for a practice room?
No. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most of our 135 practice rooms have grand or upright pianos and mirrors. Grand piano rooms are reserved for piano majors.
Where do I store my percussion, harp, tuba, or double bass?
Percussion, harp, tuba, and double bass students use their assigned practice rooms for instrument storage as well. Lockers are available for smaller instruments.
Can Eastman students take classes at the University of Rochester?
Yes. Since Eastman is one of the professional schools of the University of Rochester, Eastman students may elect courses that are offered on the main university campus, subject to any course prerequisites. An Eastman student who wants to obtain an additional degree from the University of Rochester must apply directly to the College. This is not necessary, however, in the case of elected individual courses or an academic minor.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
How do I get the rest of my questions answered?
- Read the viewbook, which you can request here.
- Search this website.
- Call us at 800.388.9695 or 585.274.1060
- Email the Admissions Office