Media only:
Katey Padden, Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator – Eastman School of Music
(585)451-8492, kpadden@esm.rochester.edu
Eli Campbell, Media & Events Coordinator – Eastman Community Music School
(585)274-1403, ecampbell@esm.rochester.edu
For more than a century, Eastman School of Music’s historic campus has attracted leading performers and teachers from around the world. With the launch of the Eastman Community Music School World Campus, the opportunity to join the school’s community, for individual lessons or classes, is now available to anyone, regardless of age or geographic location.
“The demand for top quality music education in communities around the country is far greater than the finite number of classrooms on our physical campus,” says Petar Kodzas, Associate Dean and Director of Eastman Community Music School. “Additionally, we know that many rural communities do not have access to specialized music instruction, and for other families, driving to a lesson is a challenge.”
For years, Kodzas and his staff received numerous requests for lessons or classes from parents who wanted to have their students study through the Eastman School of Music. Similarly, many high-school-age students who had moved on to college or relocated, wished to continue their instrumental and vocal studies.
“We have always desired to expand our campus beyond the restrictions of our physical location. ECMS has many former teachers who have moved outside the Rochester area who are eager to continue the teaching excellence of ECMS- now in a different city, or even country,” adds Kodzas. “The opportunity to offer ‘satellite’ locations and virtual lessons to any student needing positive and enriching study, from an elite teacher, is now at their fingertips.”
Eastman Community Music School’s dedicated teaching artists form an exceptional faculty and are experts in developing the musical skills of budding musicians considering a professional music career, in instructing beginning students of all ages, and in supporting adult learners. World Campus programs and lessons will be available to musicians of all ages and all skill levels.
“The Eastman Community Music School has grown tremendously over the years and is now firmly established as one of the nation’s leading pre-collegiate programs. With the technological advancements and lessons learned during the pandemic, we are well-poised to launch this special program and expand our offerings globally.” says Jamal Rossi, Joan and Martin Messinger Dean at Eastman School of Music. “The timing couldn’t be more perfect as ECMS, along with the Eastman School of Music, celebrates its centennial this year. The launch of Eastman Community Music School World Campus sets the stage for a new phase for Eastman, and the next 100 years of musical excellence.”
Explore this unique opportunity to enrich your family – and your community – through music. For more information, including instructors, course overviews, and more, visit: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/community/world-campus/
The three-semester-long Eastman Centennial celebration will begin in Fall 2021 and continues throughout 2022. Highlights include acclaimed guest artists performing alongside Eastman’s ensembles; national academic and music conferences; alumni events throughout the country; a television documentary produced in partnership with WXXI, and more. Pillar events include: “Opening of the Doors,” a community-driven celebration scheduled for March 3-6, 2022; “100 concerts to celebrate 100 years”; and a Meliora Weekend celebration in Fall 2022.
For up-to-date information on the Eastman Centennial, including feature stories, future events, videos, testimonials, ways to engage, and more, please visit our Centennial website at https://www.esm.rochester.edu/100.
###
About Eastman Community Music School:
The Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) provides opportunities for community members to learn, discuss, and celebrate music. As one of Eastman’s primary connections to the greater Rochester community since 1921, the school offers music lessons, ensembles, classes, and workshops to student of all ages and backgrounds. ECMS serves an average of 1,700 students per year ranging in age from 4 months to over 90 years old. From pre-school and early childhood programs, to college prep and diploma programs, to adult ensembles and classes, ECMS nurtures and inspires students at all levels.
About Eastman School of Music:
The Eastman School of Music was founded in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman (1854-1932), founder of Eastman Kodak Company. It was the first professional school of the University of Rochester. Mr. Eastman’s dream was that his school would provide a broad education in the liberal arts as well as superb musical training.
More than 900 students are enrolled in the Collegiate Division of the Eastman School of Music—about 500 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. They come from almost every state, and approximately 23 percent are from other countries. They are taught by a faculty comprised of more than 130 highly regarded performers, composers, conductors, scholars, and educators. They are Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy winners, Emmy winners, Guggenheim fellows, ASCAP Award recipients, published authors, recording artists, and acclaimed musicians who have performed in the world’s greatest concert halls. Each year, Eastman’s students, faculty members, and guest artists present more than 900 concerts to the Rochester community. Additionally, more than 1,700 members of the Rochester community, from young children through senior citizens, are enrolled in the Eastman Community Music School.