Diploma Program

The Eastman Community Music School’s Diploma Program represents a comprehensive musical training, encompassing a well-balanced blend of individual and ensemble instruction, performance, and academic coursework. The program allows for individualized flexibility while maintaining a rigorous standard of excellence. Students are required to fulfill requirements in the following areas:

• Individual lessons
• Exams, juries and performances
• Academic coursework
• Ensembles

High school and adult students are eligible for the Diploma and the same rules/requirements apply for each group.

• Become a better musician
• Expand and deepen your understanding of music
• Challenge yourself
• Strengthen your college application
• Prepare for a career in music
• Gain the satisfaction of achieving recognition from one of the world’s great music schools

Depending on the number of years of study at ECMS and the amount of classes completed, students can earn:

• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• Pre-Collegiate Diploma

Students who are interested in pursuing an ECMS Diploma can click here to register as a candidate.  Students and parents may also contact the Diploma Coordinator by phone: 274-1400 or by email: community@esm.rochester.edu with any relevant questions.

• Students can contact the ECMS Office for updates on their Diploma progress at community@esm.rochester.edu. 
• Students will receive advising emails from the Diploma Coordinator at the end of their Junior Year and mid-way through their Senior Year.
• High school students can receive the Diploma only in their senior year (or the year declared as their final year of high school equivalent).
• Diplomas and Certificates are presented in person at the annual Commencement and Awards Ceremony.

• Instrument-specific Diploma: Awarded to students who satisfy all Diploma requirements and achieve curricular level 5 in a jury.
• Diplomas with Honors: Students who satisfy all Diploma requirements and achieve curricular level 6 by their junior year are eligible to perform an Honors Jury. If the Honors Jury is passed the student can then receive a Diploma with Honors.  This is the highest distinction that ECMS awards.  For complete information on the Diploma with Honors click here.
• Certificate of Advanced Achievement in Performance: is awarded to all students who achieve level 6 in a jury. Enrollment in and completion of the Diploma Program is not required to receive this Certificate.
• Certificate of Advanced Achievement in Music Theory: is awarded to students not enrolled in the Diploma Program who complete at least 4 years of theory coursework with straight A grades (at least one year has to include an Advanced Theory class).