Undergraduates may elect courses such as basic, intermediate, and advanced instrumental and choral conducting; wind ensemble repertory; choral repertory; and contemporary music performance practices. (Some courses require special approval for undergraduates.) Music education majors and organ performance majors are required to take conducting courses as part of their curriculum.

We offer MM/DMA Degrees in Conducting and Ensembles with a concentration in:

MM students specialize in either choral or orchestral literature and rehearsal techniques. A diploma in sacred music may be combined with a degree in choral conducting. The MM in orchestral conducting gives the aspiring conductor insights into the professional conductor’s workshop. Not only are advanced technical problems dissected and discussed, but emphasis is placed on rehearsal technique and the relationship between technique and rehearsing.

DMA conducting majors specialize in choral, orchestral, or wind conducting, but also conduct in areas other than their principal repertory. Regular tutorial sessions are given in conjunction with a significant amount of contact hours with the School’s ensembles. DMA conducting majors, while concentrating on a specialization, also conduct in areas other than their principal repertory. A feature of the conducting program is regular tutorial sessions, given in conjunction with a significant amount of contact hours with the School’s ensembles. In addition, a diploma in sacred music may be combined with a degree in choral conducting.

Eastman ensembles enjoy performing in the newly renovated Eastman Theatre and in the smaller, but exquisite, Kilbourn Hall. Many Eastman ensembles perform in outside venues in the Greater Rochester area. Concerts performed in the halls of local colleges, church sanctuaries, and in public schools are considered a vital part of our efforts to reach out to the community.

Our ensembles periodically travel nationally and internationally, representing the Eastman School in the global realm. The Wind Ensemble has toured Japan a number of times under the sponsorship of Sony Music Foundation, most recently in spring 2004. The Trombone Choir has performed in Washington, DC; the gamelan in Toronto; Musica Nova several times in New York; and the Eastman Chorale undertakes annual tours through different regions of the country.

Assistantships offered in the conducting and ensembles department include assistantships for teaching basic conducting courses and assistantships for conducting the major large ensembles at Eastman. Applicants may qualify for awards outside of the department as well. (Not all awards are available each year.)

All graduate students are expected to conduct as part of their professional training; they will teach or assist with conducting classes, lead occasional rehearsals and assist with ensemble preparation during each year in which the student receives a graduate stipend. The department views this service as integral to the degree and critical preparation for a career in conducting, in that it provides an opportunity for faculty mentoring and experience in the classroom, working with an ensemble, coaching, and performing in recitals and concerts.

Fall 2023 Conducting Masterclass

Orchestral Conducting Masterclass, Fall 2023
October 20-21, 2023

Participants will have the opportunity to conduct Eastman’s premiere orchestra, Philharmonia, rehearsing Bruckner Symphony No. 9, coached by Maestros Neil Varon and David Zinman.  6 conductors will be chosen to participate in the 2 day workshop, each conductor having a total of 40 minutes of podium time.  Additional discussion sessions will fill out the 2 day event.  Click on the above link for further details.