Before she ever stepped into a practice room, Lexi Kunz was a fourth grader behind a drum set, fueled by the arena-sized sounds of Def Leppard, Aerosmith, and U2. By fifth grade, she had added concert percussion. In high school, she was performing marimba in marching band and playing with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra—drawn in by the electricity of live performance and the endless colors of percussion. That early momentum carried Kunz to the Eastman School of Music, where she now studies under Professor of Percussion Michael Burritt ’84E, ’86E (MM) in the renowned Eastman Percussion studio.

Beyond the studio, Kunz serves as president of OSSIA New Music, Eastman’s student-led contemporary ensemble dedicated to championing living composers and expanding the boundaries of the concert experience. Whether performing Mahler with a full orchestra or collaborating on cutting-edge premieres, she brings the same curiosity and intensity that first took root behind a rock drum kit—an artist equally at home in tradition and innovation.

We spoke with Kunz about life inside the Eastman Percussion studio, the creative pulse of downtown Rochester, and why the next Philharmonia concert promises to be unforgettable.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the Eastman Percussion studio working with Michael Burritt?

Being part of the Eastman Percussion studio is truly a dream come true. I love the dynamic we have, how everyone is dedicated and passionate, yet we can still joke and hang out with each other. We are all friends, and it makes ensemble more easy-going and enjoyable.

A DREAM COME TRUE: Kunz is a fourth-year undergraduate student completing a dual degree at the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester.

I think we all attend Eastman for Professor Burritt, as I certainly do! My lessons are energetic, fast-paced, and inspiring. Practicing my instruments improves my playing for all ensembles. For example, the Eastman Percussion Ensemble, coached by Burritt, is intense. He expects only the best, and we begin to expect that out of ourselves.

The lineage of Eastman percussion alumni is impressive as well, and I feel confident I am learning skills from Burritt and my studio that will equip me professionally, and personally, in the long run.

What’s a fun fact about Eastman life that a prospective student might not otherwise know?

Eastman is in the heart of downtown Rochester, making it easy to access a ton of local restaurants and attractions! Within a five-minute walk of Eastman, there are about six coffee shops and eight restaurants. A 20-minute walk away can get you to the Memorial Art Gallery (free for University of Rochester students), the Rochester Museum & Science Center and Planetarium, the George Eastman Museum, the Farmer’s Market, and more! It can be tricky to make time for these events, but it’s so worth it to be able to explore Rochester.

Why should community members come to free Eastman events?

Eastman presents almost 1000 concerts per year, and almost all of them are free! As a student, I WANT to provide high-quality, exceptional music for the community. Community members should attend any Eastman concerts they’re interested in to hear.

What can you tell us about the upcoming Eastman Philharmonia concert?

Both pieces on Monday’s concert—Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 and Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D minor—will have the listener tear up, heart swell, and smile. Tales of mystery and darkness turn into triumphant rejoicing. You’ll hear the cello sing then watch almost 100 musicians perform in Mahler’s First Symphony. It’s a must-see!

Eastman Philharmonia
Monday, March 2, 2026
7:30 p.m. | Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre

(This is a livestreamed 4K multi-cam concert)