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 comprising more than 170 highly regarded performers, composers, conductors, scholars, and educators. They are Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy and EMMY Award 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 1,000 concerts to the Rochester community and beyond. Additionally, over 1,700 community members, from young children through senior citizens, are enrolled in the Eastman Community Music School.
Starting fall 2027, Eastman will offer a tuition-free Advanced Diploma in String Chamber Music Performance. Students enrolled in this intensive one-year program will work closely with the Grammy-winning Ying Quartet.
Eastman offers a range of exciting performances this November, from new music and jazz to opera and organ!
EOT’s “Candide” will take place from November 5-8, 2026 in Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music. Tickets are on sale now!
On Monday, October 5, Eastman Admissions will host Eastman Experience Day and the Upstate New York Music College Fair on the same day!
Shana Tucker, Ric’key Pageot, George Taylor, Herb Smith, Kersten Stevens, Matthew D. Morrison, and more lead a constellation of artists taking center stage at Gateways Music Festival.
With a new school year upon us, we are pleased to highlight some of the concerts and events taking place at Eastman this fall!
The Faculty Artist Series provides Eastman’s renowned faculty with a platform to showcase their exceptional artistry.
Eastman Opera Theatre’s 2026–27 season explores the “moments that transform us” through works by Bernstein, Humperdinck, and Jason Robert Brown.
New recording of art songs by Black composers on Lexicon Classics, featuring Joshua Conyers, Nicole Cabell, Kiera Duffy, and 30+ students.
Eastman’s 2026–27 season features outstanding students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists in our renowned venues, with 90% of 1,000+ performances free—welcoming the community to world-class music.