Dedicated Instructors
Leading Artists
Click individual tabs below to explore more information
Music is a powerful force that connects us — join our community!
Become a part of the Eastman Community from ANYWHERE in the world!
ECMS is part of the Eastman School of Music, with 100 years of experience in community music education.
Online music classes and lessons are available to musicians of all ages and skill levels!
Learn from our world-class faculty with individualized, one-on-one, dedicated online instruction. Our faculty are top professionals in their fields, both as teachers and performing artists.
Explore and expand your knowledge of music with online courses in Music Theory and Music History. Our academic music departments are one of the top in the world and offer a comprehensive education in music.
Celebrate your accomplishments with the Certificate of Artistic Achievement. This certificate is awarded to recognize students who successfully complete a level 4 jury along with a comprehensive two-year study of music.
Testimonials
“I definitely recommend ECMS – it is one of the best music schools in the country with highly regarded faculty from the Eastman School of Music.” ~ Laurie
“My daughter enjoys her classes immensely and has learned so much. There was also a lovely recital at the end of the season, another great experience for learning about rehearsals and recital etiquette. It has been a great preparation for the next steps in her musical career.” ~ Lindsey
“Over the past years taking lessons at the Eastman Community Music School, my son has developed an artistic appreciation and expression. His teacher has very high standards, but is also flexible and understanding of the demands of school and work. Based on our experiences, the teachers here are great for beginners and advanced students alike.” ~ Keith
“My family has been a part of ECMS with our two daughters for several years and we have had a wonderful experience. The instructors are knowledgeable, fun, and provide age appropriate lessons. They encourage creativity and showmanship, and we have been impressed with how much our daughters learn each semester!” ~ Jamie
Welcome From Our Director
For more than a century, our historic campus has attracted leading performers and teachers from around the world. With the launch of the Eastman Community Music School World Campus, we invite you to join our community and improve your musicianship … wherever you live!
We have long standing in the Rochester community as a “brick and mortar” school. Our 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.
Please explore this exceptional opportunity to enrich your family – and your community – through music.
Best,
Petar Kodzas
Associate Dean & Director
Eastman Community Music School
World Campus Lessons
Learn from our world-class faculty with individualized, one-on-one, dedicated online instruction. Our faculty are top professionals in their fields, both as teachers and performing artists.
Whether you are looking to kickstart your musical journey or hone your performance and interpretive skills, students of all ages and skill levels are welcome to apply.
Individual lessons are one-on-one private instruction that range from 30, 45, to 60-minutes weekly. ECMS faculty listed under our “Faculty” tab above specialize in virtual teaching.
Explore the World Campus Tabs to check out other virtual offerings available to you.
Fall / Spring Semesters
The Eastman Community Music School is a part of the University of Rochester, and as such, students must sign-up by semesters. There are three semesters offered throughout the year: Fall, Spring, and Summer. For the complete Academic Calendar, click here.
Fall and Spring Semesters consist of 16 default lessons each, meant to provide continuity and structured growth for students. Students taking lessons in the Fall are automatically re-registered for the Spring semester, unless the student submits a written request to cancel before the semester begins.
Students are billed at the beginning of each semester for the complete number of lessons. Monthly payment plans are available.
Instructor Lesson Rates
30-min weekly
Instructor Rate
$40.25
($644 semester tuition)
45-min weekly
Instructor Rate
$59.50
($952 semester tuition)
60-min weekly
Instructor Rate
$74.57
($1,193 semester tuition)
Student Teacher Lesson Rates
30-min weekly
Student Teacher Rate
$28.88
($462 semester tuition)
45-min weekly
Student Teacher Rate
$41.88
($670 semester tuition)
60-min weekly
Student Teacher Rate
$52
($832 semester tuition)
Choosing between Instructor or Student Teacher
Instructors are professional artist-educators with extensive teaching experience across all ages and skill levels. They are dedicated instructors to our students and school, and have often been a part of the ECMS community for decades. Their experience and knowledge allows them to guide young students and adults alike through all stages of artistic development.
Student Teachers are Eastman School of Music graduate students who are among the best and brightest young performers in the world. They are part of our community for a limited amount of time, contingent upon their studies at the College. Students who are studying with Student Teachers should be prepared to change teachers upon the Student Teacher’s graduation, which will be coordinated with the ECMS Director and Department Chair to ensure a smooth transition.
Summer Semester
The Summer Semester consists of 8 default lessons. Summer students are not automatically enrolled and should submit a new registration form before the start of the term.
Instructor Lesson Rates
30-min weekly
Instructor Rate
$40.25
($322 semester tuition)
45-min weekly
Instructor Rate
$59.50
($476 semester tuition)
60-min weekly
Instructor Rate
$74.57
($596 semester tuition)
Student Teacher Lesson Rates
30-min weekly
Student Teacher Rate
$28.88
($321 semester tuition)
45-min weekly
Student Teacher Rate
$41.88
($335 semester tuition)
60-min weekly
Student Teacher Rate
$52
($416 semester tuition)
Discounts & Scholarships
ECMS is proud to offer a full breadth and depth of course offerings, which comprise a complete musical education. Learning is supported through various discounts, which can be found on here.
Theory and History
Composition
Eastman Summer
Online workshops are also available as part of the Eastman Summer program. Check out these offerings here.
Certificate of Artistic Achievement
Virtual students who are enrolled in two years of continuous individual lessons and have completed specific course requirements are recognized with the Certificate of Artistic Achievement.
Requirements:
- 2 years of continuous individual lessons
- participate in annual exams/juries (2 total)
- participate in one virtual recital each semester (4 total)
- 2 semesters of music theory courses (Music Theory & Aural Skills I, AP Theory, or individual theory lessons)
- 2 semesters of music history
Students who reach a Level 4 Jury by their last year qualify for Distinction.
Exams & Juries
Virtual students can participate in annual Exams and Juries, held each May. Exams are for Levels 4 and below, and are adjudicated by a single faculty member. Juries are for Levels 4 and above, and are adjudicated by a panel of faculty.
Exams and Juries should be completed over Zoom during the ECMS Exam Week. For select students where internet connection is an issue, recorded submissions are allowed.
Please consult your teacher for levels, repertoire requirements, and sign-up procedure.
Virtual Recitals
Share your music through our Virtual Recitals options:
Recorded Videos: Record your performance and be a part of the ECMS Virtual Recital Playlist.
Live Virtual Recital: Each semester, we host a live virtual recital where students can perform over Zoom for a live virtual audience.
Please consult your teacher for which option is most appropriate. Faculty should sign up their students via the Recital Sign-Up form.
Eastman Summer
Take advantage of our Eastman offerings by joining us for a wide variety of summer programs. Choose from online workshops, or take a trip to Rochester and visit us in-person.
Livestreaming Events
Most recitals at Eastman and ECMS are livestreamed to the public. Please check the Concert Calendar or Events Page for more information.
Masterclasses can be livestreamed at request. Please contact the ECMS Office for more information.
All ECMS Showcase Recitals are livestreamed and recorded.
