Professional Development Committee Funds for Faculty, Individual Students, and Chamber Groups
The Professional Development Committee (PDC) awards funds for significant professional opportunities for faculty and students. This is a competitive application process that includes funding in three categories: faculty, individual students, and chamber groups. Examples of opportunities funded include:
- Presenting a paper at a regional, national, or international conference
- Presenting a workshop, clinic, or masterclass at a state or national conference
- Competing in an advanced round of competition (semi-final or final rounds)
- Events for the premier of a composition or work
The application for PDC funds involves submission of a written proposal detailing both the opportunity and the associated costs, along with a written statement of support from the department chair (for faculty members) or from a faculty advisor (for students) submitting an application. No retroactive proposals will be accepted as outlined in the instructions.
Deadlines for proposals to be submitted are: Oct. 1, Nov. 1, Dec. 1, Feb. 1, Mar. 1, Apr. 1, May 1, and June 1. The committee will review proposals following each deadline. Should the PDC reach the limit of its funding before the end of the academic year, applications will be closed for the remainder of the fiscal year (through June 30). Applications for opportunities occurring in the months of July, August, and September must be submitted by the June 1 deadline.
All completed proposals should be emailed to the Office of Academic Affairs. If you have questions about the application and review process, please email academicaffairs@esm.rochester.edu.
***New for the 2024-2025 academic year***
Thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor, the Professional Development Committee is pleased to offer additional funding to support students with expenses related specifically to competitions. This funding would be over and above the funding limit of the standard award from the PDC, so students participating in instrumental, vocal, or chamber music competitions can expect additional funding to support their travel, lodging, and other expenses related to participating in a competition. The students do not need to do anything additional to apply for this extra funding, as the Professional Development Committee will continue to review applications using their existing process, as all students need to do clearly indicate the event is a competition on the application form. All other rules and regulations for PDC funding apply, and more information can be found on the individual student and chamber group application forms
Please click on the links below for the required application form and instructions.