Joan Beal sang in the Los Angeles recording studios for 30 years, appearing on hundreds of film and television scores, albums, and commercials.  She was vocal contractor and choral director for many composers, including Mark Isham, Christopher Lennertz, and her husband, fellow Eastman alum Jeff Beal (’85E.)  In 2016, Joan and Jeff endowed The Beal Institute for Film and Contemporary Media at Eastman, establishing a masters degree program in composition for visual media.  Now retired from singing professionally, Joan still enjoys collaborating with composers as a librettist.

Joan has served on the University of Rochester’s Board of Trustees since 2017, and as chair of Eastman’s National Council since 2020. She is currently co-chair of Eastman’s Centennial Campaign and enjoys being a mentor and connector for Eastman students and alumni. Jeff and Joan’s son, Henry Beal, is a Dallas-based composer, recording engineer and bassist.