Orchestral Studies Diploma

What Are the Requirements?
How Can I Apply?
Required Audition Excerpts and Handbook
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Overview

Originated by the Eastman School in 1999, and in partnership with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), the Orchestral Studies Diploma in Strings (OSD) provides advanced students of violin, viola, violincello, or double bass an edge as they prepare for careers in today's competitive orchestral marketplace.

Those accepted as orchestral fellows gain on-stage professional playing experience and a deeper understanding of the orchestra's offstage operations.

The heart of the program is the opportunity to perform with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for ten weeks of classical subscription concerts. In addition, orchestral fellows learn the "business" side of what makes an orchestra succeed. They enroll in special classes taught by Eastman faculty and RPO musicians and staff, and serve an internship in the RPO's administrative office.

The 26-credit diploma is available to students enrolled in the Eastman MM or DMA program, or who have or are completing a BM at Eastman.

How will the diploma help my career?

Orchestral fellows learn more repertoire, work with major conductors,and polish performance skills by playing alongside professionals. Fellows also gain professional management experience by working on essential "behind the scenes" operations - such as concert programming, personnel management, development, and educational services.

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Diploma Requirements

Ten weeks per year of service as a player with the RPO for classical subscription concerts performing major works in the symphonic repertoire. (Players must join the Rochester Musician's Association, A. F. M. Local #66.) Each week of service includes four rehearsals and two performances. In lieu of paid compensation, student players receive a fellowship each semester of participation to help defray the cost of tuition and fees while studying at the Eastman School.

Courses that rigorously explore trends and issues facing symphony orchestras, such as "Realities of Orchestral Life." Other courses deepen the student's working knowledge of such areas as career skills, and fund-raising and development.

Courses in orchestral repertoire and studio lessons with Eastman faculty.

Management internship with RPO

Orchestral Studies Diploma Curriculum

ORC 420	RPO Practicum (3-6 weeks/semester) (2 cr. hrs/semester)	4 credits
ORC 421	Management Internships (1 full academic year) (required but noncredit courses)	0 credit (tuition waived)
ENS 400	Eastman Large Ensembles (3-4 concerts/semester) (1 cr. hr/semester)	2 credits
ENS 251/451	Orchestral Repertoire (2 cr. hr/semester)	4 credits
	Orchestral Studies required electives	6 credits
	A minimum of 3 credits must come from the Arts Leadership Curriculum, and OSD students are required to take Realities of Orchestral Life (1 credit) and How to Win an Orchestral Audition (2 credits). Courses may vary from half-semester ALP-type seminars to typical 3-credit hour academic courses. 2 credit hours of chamber music may be applied to the elective requirement.
460A	Studio Lessons	10 credits (beyond MM requirements)
	Final Jury Examination (mock orchestral audition) Student must have completed at least one semester of Orchestral Repertoire Class at the time of the Jury.	0 credit
	Total:	26 credits
Credit for courses in which a grade lower than "C" has been earned will not be counted towards the 26-credit requirement. Credits earned at another institution may not be transferred or applied towards the Orchestral Studies Diploma. Orchestral Studies Elective credits received at ESM before admittance to the OSD program may still be applied towards the elective requirement, with the permission of the Graduate Dean and the OSD Director. Graduate Policy on Arts Leadership Program Course Credits All graduate students can take Arts Leadership Program (ALP) courses for free by registering at the ALC 400 level. Graduate students in certain instances may also wish or be required to register for other than the ALC 400 level and pay regular tuition charges. Visit the Graduate Policy on ALP Course Credits page to find further details on whether or not a course may be used to fulfill certificate, diploma, or degree requirements.

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How To Apply

Complete the supplemental forms in addition to the Eastman application for the Orchestral Studies Diploma. Applicants are chosen by audition. The audition will consist of a solo plus required orchestral excerpts.

Download the OSD supplemental application form here, complete it, and send it with your application. The list of audition repertoire and excerpts can be obtained online here. Follow the instructions and you will be able to print the excerpts.

Once you have been scheduled for an Eastman audition, you will be notifed by the Office of Academic Affairs of your OSD Saturday audition time.The date is the Saturday following your Eastman audition.

For additional information please contact:

Academic Affairs Office
26 Gibbs Street
Rochester, NY 14604
Main Phone 585.274.1020
Fax 585.276.2150

Coordinator of the Orchestral Studies Diploma
Associate Professor of Strings - Orchestra Repertoire
Assistant Principal, Cello, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Kathleen Murphy Kemp
osd@esm.rochester.edu

Orchestral Studies Diploma Administrative Assistant
Diane Germain
dgermain@esm.rochester.edu

Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs
Donna Brink Fox
adean@esm.rochester.edu