Create boldly. Explore deeply.
Eastman’s curriculum fuels curiosity and inspires creativity.
Eastman offers the following degree programs:
A four-year program designed to develop students’ performance abilities alongside their practical and academic skills. The core curriculum centers on applied lessons, ensemble participation, music theory, music history, keyboard proficiency, and humanities.
The master’s curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with opportunities for artistic and professional development, preparing students for careers in music or further studies.
The doctoral curriculum emphasizes both academic rigor and artistic excellence, preparing students for leadership roles in academia, performance, and the broader music profession.
A stand-alone diploma, providing students who have completed a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in music an opportunity to focus on performance, accompanying, or concertmaster studies with our artist faculty.
Bachelor of Music Core Curriculum
Every Bachelor of Music student, regardless of major, completes the following core curriculum, in addition to requirements for their major.
PERFORMANCE
• Weekly hour-long private lessons
• Large ensemble rehearsals and performances
• Chamber music/small ensemble rehearsals and performances
MUSIC COURSEWORK
• 5 semesters of Music Theory
• 3 semesters of Music History
• Piano Proficiency coursework
NON-MUSIC ACADEMICS
• First-year collegiate writing course
• 5 non-music courses
As part of the University of Rochester, you can customize your academic path with dual degrees, minors, and electives.
Dual Degree Program
Approximately 23% of Eastman’s undergraduate students pursue a dual degree with the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester’s School of Arts & Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering. Students who are interested in this option should plan to submit applications to both Eastman and the University of Rochester.
Institute for Music Leadership (IML)
IML creates career and leadership development opportunities for musicians on and off the stage. They offer courses to all students on topics relevant to the broader music profession. IML also hosts the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Certificate Program (ALP) an experiential program designed to complement a student’s primary area of study and provide professional development training to support student’s career goals.
Certificate Programs
Certificates are an ideal way for students to complement their program of study and add depth to their curriculum with enhanced engagement in a particular topic. Certificates are offered to students concurrently enrolled in a degree program and include topics such as The Art of Improvisation, Chamber Music, and World Music.