SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 | Congratulations to Eastman DMA student Veniamin Blokh for winning first prize in the Artists Category of the 2026 George Gershwin International Piano Competition, receiving a monetary prize and the opportunity to perform in concerts throughout the United States and abroad. He was also recognized with a Special Prize for Outstanding Performance…
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Congratulations to Eastman alumnus Austin Keck ’22E, ’24E (MM) for being named a 2026 recipient of the BMI Foundation’s Pete Carpenter Fellowship. Created for aspiring film, television, and video game composers, this annual, competitive residency includes a monetary award, intensive in-studio mentorship with established composers in Los Angeles and New York, and the opportunity to…
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Congratulations to Eastman student Jonathan Miller for having his new brass quintet, Freedom Suite, recently published by American Brass Press. The composition, which was premiered at this year’s Black History Month Recital in Kilbourn Hall, “is a three-movement reflection on the struggles people of African descent in America have faced in pursuit of gaining their freedom,” Miller says. A…
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Eastman School of Music alumni Luke Poeppel ’24E (MM), Brett Miller ’24E, ’26E (MM), and Nicholas Sharma ’17E, ’24E (DMA) are among 16 winners selected to receive the prestigious 2026 Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award. This coveted honor supports promising young American conductors as they develop their professional careers. Nicholas Sharma, who holds…
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Congratulations to Ian Larkin, from the studio of Professor Andrew McCandless, on winning a position in the trumpet section of the United States Navy Fleet Band following a competitive audition process. As a Navy musician, he will perform at official military ceremonies, public concerts, educational events, parades, and community outreach programs across the United States and around…
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Music Education graduate Chenxin Han ’26E (MA), winner of the 2025 Presser Graduate Award, has unveiled her project, Chinese Children’s Songs: An Open-Web Resource. The Presser Foundation’s Graduate Music Award is a prestigious honor that supports exceptional graduate music students with the potential to make distinguished contributions to the field. As an award recipient, Han…
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Congratulations to violist Brett Deubner ’90E, ’92E (MM) for being named Assistant Professor of Viola and Chamber Music Coordinator at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, beginning this fall. An internationally acclaimed soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, and educator, Deubner has performed with more than 90 orchestras in 14 countries. His…
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Congratulations to flutist Honor Hickman ’26E (MM) for winning this year’s Tallon Perkes Flute Competition that took place on May 8, 2026, in Hatch Recital Hall. Honor performed Mariposa by Valerie Coleman for her solo piece, in addition to the memorized Mozart concerto exposition and excerpts. All competitors also performed a commissioned etude by composer Evan…
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Congratulations to orchestral conducting alumnus Austin Chanu ’21E (MM), ’25E (DMA) for being named as the new Music Director of the Syracuse Orchestra after a two-year search! Hailed as “one of the great talents in the USA at the moment” by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Austin most recently served as assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra. …
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Congratulations to Dr. Zehao (Nick) Bai ’25E (DMA) for being named Assistant Professor of Piano at the Townsend School of Music at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, beginning this fall. A dynamic soloist and educator, he has performed and taught throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Before joining the Mercer faculty, Dr. Bai was…
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MAY 27, 2026 | Congratulations to Eastman graduate Joel Hoo on being selected as one of three winners of Nova Linea Musica’s NLM Score Call 2025. His composition, This Moment, will premier May 27, 2026 at The Checkout in Chicago, performed by the NLM Piano Trio under the mentorship of Grammy-nominated composer Clarice Assad. Joel recently…
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Congratulations to the winners of the 44th Annual Jessie Kneisel Lieder Competition that took place on Friday, May 8 in Kilbourn Hall: 1st place singer: Nicole Khouzami, soprano 1st place pianist (Ann Clark Fehn Memorial Prize): Derek Hamersly 2nd place singer: Marlena St. Jean, soprano 2nd place pianist: Derek Hamersly 3rd place singer: Jessica Kodsi,…
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Congratulations to fourth-year Eastman student Helen Freeman for winning the Principal Flute position with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. She will begin her appointment in September, performing with both the orchestra and their wind quartet. In addition to performing extensively with Eastman’s large instrumental ensembles, Helen has played numerous solo recitals and appeared with her…
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On April 21, 2026, Associate Professor of Music Teaching and Learning (MTL) Alden Snell ’06E (MA), ’13E (PhD) guest conducted the Nazareth University Wind Symphony’s spring concert, reuniting with his former student and Eastman alumna Anne Kunkle ’16E, ’22E (DMA), who was in attendance. Kunkle, now an applied saxophone instructor at Nazareth University, is the teacher…
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Congratulations to Xinyue Scarlett Zheng ’23E, ’25E (MM) and Xinyi Zeng ’22E, teaching assistants for Class Piano Program Coordinator Tony Caramia, who participated at the MTNA National Conference in Chicago, IL, on March 23, 2026. Their presentation, titled “How We Utilize Technology at Eastman to Improve the Class Piano Experience,” demonstrated innovative teaching strategies and technology-assisted approaches…
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Congratulations to Emily Freeman Brown ’89E (DMA) on receiving the 2026 Conductor’s Award from The Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University. Established in 1945, the award is the oldest continuing honor recognizing conductors for distinguished contributions to American music. Brown received a $5,000 prize and a citation from interim President, Claire Shipman. She joins…
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Congratulations to Eastman first-year PhD Theory student Brena Zhao for winning the 2026 Presser Graduate Music Award. This prestigious honor supports exceptional graduate music students with the potential to make distinguished contribution to the field and includes a substantial grant from the Presser Foundation for a professional-development project. Zhao will conduct in situ study of gamelan music in Bali, resulting…
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APRIL 14, 2026 | Congratulations to Eastman PhD Musicology candidate Paul David Flood on his appointment as Assistant Professor of Musicology at the University of Tennessee’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. His tenure-track begins in fall 2026. JANUARY 23, 2025 | Paul David Flood was the 2024 winner of the Presser Graduate Music Award,…
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The ASCAP Foundation has announced the 2026 recipients of the Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award, with works selected by a panel of ASCAP composer members for their significance, artistry, and compositional elements. This year’s winners include Eastman Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media students Sam Chandler and Israel (Izzy) Stone, along with alumni Rafael Enciso…
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Congratulations to Eastman piano student Jianyi Gu for being awarded First Prize in the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra Concerto Competition last month. In addition to a cash prize, she will be a featured soloist, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, with the orchestra during its 2026-2027 concert season. Jianyi is a candidate…
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Congratulations to organist James Jeffery for recently winning First Prize in the National Undergraduate Organ Competition, held in Ottumwa, IA. He received a $3,500 award as well as the $500 audience prize. James is an Organ Performance major at Eastman, where he studies with Professor David Higgs.
Congratulations to DMA piano student Steven Dong for winning First Prize at the Lewisville Lake Symphony International Piano Competition, held last month at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. In addition to a $2,000 cash prize, he will perform Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 1 with the Lewisville Lake Symphony on October 9, 2026, as part…
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APRIL 8, 2026 | Congratulations to Jerome Bell, a PhD candidate in Music Theory, on his appointment as Assistant Professor of Music Theory at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he previously served as a guest lecturer. APRIL 24, 2025 | Jerome was named a recipient of the Ball Dissertation Fellowship, awarded to only two…
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Congratulations to three Eastman students who were named among the 13 winners of the 2026 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition: Harrison Kim, clarinet; Jennelle Williams, French horn; and Chance Park, percussion. As winners, they will perform for a unique audience, receive national media coverage, and participate in workshops designed to help launch their professional music careers.…
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Congratulations to Eastman student Gege Bi for winning First Prize in the Organ Scholar Competition in Evanston, IL. In addition to a $5,000 award, she will perform in a solo recital in the fall. Gege is currently pursuing a master’s degree in organ performance, studying with Professor David Higgs.
Congratulations to Eastman PhD candidate Zekai Liu ’23E, ’25E (MM) for being a recipient of two prestigious awards in Music Theory. His paper, titled “Keyboard Distance: An Analytical Tool for Bridging Transformational Theory and Embodied Performance in Piano Music,” won Best Student Paper at the Texas Society for Music Theory’s annual conference, held in late…
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Congratulations to bass-baritone and second year Eastman student Jordan Oney for being selected as one of four winners in the 2025-2026 Schmidt Vocal Competition Undergraduate Award – Lower Division, receiving a cash award of $5000. This distinguished online competition celebrates the next generation of vocal talent, with participation in the Undergraduate Competition unlocking access to…
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Congratulations to Eastman Theory PhD students Ruixue Hu and Evan Martschenko for receiving honors from the national Society for Music Theory. Ruixue is a winner of the SMT-40 Dissertation Fellowship Award, which will support the completion of “Harmony in Diversity 和⽽不同: Theorizing Form, Performance, and Aesthetics in Traditional Qin Music.” Evan won honorable mention for…
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Congratulations to the winners of Eastman‘s second annual songSLAM, held on Saturday, February 7 in Sproull Atrium at the Miller Center. Hosted by Associate Professor of Vocal Coaching Alison d’Amato, participants in this year’s competition included Eastman alumni and students, with eleven world premieres launched with impeccable performances, embodying a wide range of styles, languages,…
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FEBRUARY 10, 2026 | Congratulations to Matthew Figel ’19E, ’22E (MM) for advancing to the Eastern Division of the Music Teachers National Association Young Artist piano competition where he won second place. DECEMBER 3, 2025 | Three Eastman students from the studios of Marina Lomazov and Joseph Rackers were recognized at this year’s New York State…
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Congratulations to first-year Eastman DMA student and classical guitarist Bruno Guedea ’25E (MM) for being accepted into the Guitar Foundation of America’s (GFA) 2026 Mentorship Program. As a mentee, he will participate in virtual career development workshops with leading figures in the classical guitar community, and attend the Guitar Foundation of America’s 2026 Convention and…
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Congratulations to concert organist and Eastman DMA student Aaron Tan on the release of ten recordings featuring works from the largely forgotten early 20th-century organ collection, L’Orgue Moderne, curated by French pedagogues Charles-Marie Widor and Alexandre Guilmant. Supported initially by a Mentorship Grant from the Institute for Music Leadership at the Eastman School of Music,…
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DECEMBER 10, 2025 | Congratulations to Eastman clarinetist and current master’s student Zhiwei “Victor” Ni ’24E for winning the clarinet position in the Albany Symphony Orchestra, beginning in 2026. He will join master’s clarinet student Daniel Ketter who currently serves as principal clarinet. Zhiwei is from the studio of Professor Michael Wayne. OCTOBER 21,…
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DECEMBER 9, 2025 | Congratulations to baritone saxophonist and woodwind doubler Allison Young, chosen as one of five winners of the Jazz Education Network’s 2026 Sisters in Jazz Competition. In January, Allison will attend the 17th annual JEN Conference in New Orleans where she will rehearse and perform with the selected quintet, directed by world-renowned…
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Congratulations to media composition graduate student Joe Osterstock, who has been recognized in the 2025 American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) competition. His piece Aria for piano trio earned second place in the Pat Williams Composing and Arranging division, along with a $500 prize. Joe is currently studying at the Eastman School of Music’s…
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Congratulations to Eastman School of Music students Alex Gagne and Austin Shilling for being top prize winners of the 2025 Nico Toscano Young Musician Competition, placing first in separate divisions. Each was awarded a cash prize of $400 and the opportunity to perform with the Cordancia Chamber Orchestra in 2026. A first-year student from the…
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Congratulations to Eastman DMA candidate and cellist Isaac Moorman ’24E (MM) for winning the Jack Heller Young Artist Competition in Tampa, Florida, with pianist and fellow DMA candidate Veniamin Blokh accompanying. As winner of the competition, he will receive a cash prize of $3000 and will be the featured soloist in 3 performances with the…
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Several Eastman alumni are recipients of this year’s Society for Music Theory awards which recognizes significant contributions to music theory, analysis, or history of theory. Congratulations to all! Chris Stover ’02E (MA) Citation of Special Merit: Edwin K.C. Li, Chris Stover, and Anna Yu Wang (editors) – “Music Theory in the Plural” (Music Theory…
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Congratulations to the Suen-Kam Guitar Duo, founded in 2019 by Kenneth Kam ’20E (MM), ’25E (DMA) and Shiuen-Huang Suen ’00E (MM), ’04E (DMA), for recently completing a concert and teaching tour across North and South Carolina, performing and giving masterclasses at Wofford College, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, Winston-Salem Suzuki School, Weaver Academy for…
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Congratulations to James Julian ’25E (MM) for accepting a Principal Clarinet position with the Opera Australia Orchestra where he will be performing at the Sydney Opera House. His one-year appointment begins this December. James earned a Master of Music degree in Clarinet Performance from Eastman, studying with Professor Michael Wayne.
OCTOBER 28, 2025 | Congratulations to DMA and Artists’ Certificate student Alexander Little for winning first place at the prestigious Albert Schweitzer International Organ Competition in Saarbrucken, Germany earlier this month, taking home a grand prize award of 15,000 euros. APRIL 15, 2025 | Alexander won first place and the “audience prize” at this year’s…
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Congratulations to Richard Cohn ’87E (PhD) for being appointed to a five-year term as European area research chair at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. Cohn, a specialist in music theory, will explore interdisciplinary approaches to musical time and examine the relationships among music, mathematics, computing, anthropology, and neuroscience for the MusicAnalytica project. Joining Cohn…
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Congratulations to Anthony LaLena ’19E (DMA), ’25E (PhD) for accepting a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Musicology at SUNY Geneseo, teaching courses on western classical music, jazz, and American popular music from the 1960s to present. He is also co-directing the continuo ensemble at Geneseo, a group that performs early music while exploring contemporary…
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Congratulations to Eleanor Price ’21E (MA), ’25E (PhD) for accepting a postdoctoral research fellowship at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium, sponsored by the Belgian American Educational Foundation, where she will pursue a research project titled, “Sang in Song: Wine, Students, and Violence in Motets on Par verité,” which examines Franco-Flemish student identity and musicking at…
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Congratulations to Eastman student Huiping Cai for recently taking top prize in the Vancouver Piano Sessions Concerto Competition, which welcomed pianists from around the world to submit a single movement, chosen from an official repertoire list. She was 1 of 3 competitors in her age category to advance to the finals, where she performed her…
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Congratulations to Eastman DMA candidate Andrew Johnson for recently winning the Alaska Pipe Organ Composition Competition, organized by Sitka Lutheran Church in Sitka, Alaska. Students from high schools, colleges, and universities nationwide submitted their works with specified criteria that entries must incorporate the melody Finlandia, by Jean Sibelius. Andrew’s composition, Fantasy on FINLANDIA, was awarded…
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Congratulations to alumni and students of the Eastman School of Music’s Composition Department on their appointments to prominent tenure-track positions beginning this academic year: Nicolas Chuaqui ’21E (DMA) has been appointed Assistant Professor of Composition and Electronic Music at Ithaca College where he also serves as Director of their Electroacoustic Studios. A dedicated teacher and committed…
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Congratulations to Eastman School of Music students Nathanael Kumar and Logan Wadley ’23E, ’25E (MM) for competing earlier this month (August) in the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival in Twin Lake Michigan, the country’s only annual solo competition for tuba and euphonium. Both advanced to the semifinal round after a preliminary adjudication of recorded…
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Congratulations to Zoë Johnstone Stewart ’01E, ’01 for being appointed Executive Director of the Guitar Foundation of America, where she has served on the Board of Trustees for the past five years. A distinguished performer, educator, and arts administrator, Zoë has performed extensively throughout the northeast United States as both a soloist and collaborator in…
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Congratulations to Staff Sergeant Evan Curatolo ’22E for his recent appointment as flute and piccolo with the West Point Band at the United States Military Academy, where he performs regularly with the premiere military band in concerts and ceremonies while also playing in various chamber ensembles. Prior to joining the band, Evan held substitute positions…
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Congratulations to Vanessa Rose ’98E for her recent appointment as President & CEO of New Music USA, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing new music in all its forms. Since earning her Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from Eastman, Vanessa has gone on to build an illustrious career in executive leadership, most…
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Congratulations to Johnny Wang ’24E (MM) who will be joining the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) this fall as Associate Principal and Eb Clarinet. Prior to this appointment, he was Acting Assistant Principal Clarinet with the North Carolina Symphony and performed with both TSO and the Buffalo Philharmonic. Johnny studied with Professor Michael Wayne while at…
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Congratulations to Lauren Wilson ’23E (PhD) for being named Associate Professor of Law at the University at Buffalo. As both a teacher and writer in the areas of intellectual property and law, her work focuses on the interactions between social and legal conceptions of ownership and authorship in creative media. Prior to joining the faculty…
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Congratulations to The Maple Quartet for placing second in the 2025 Frances Walton Competition that took place Saturday, May 31 at Seattle Opera’s Tagney Jones Hall. As 1 of 3 chamber ensemble finalists, each member of the Maple Quartet received an award of $250 and professional photography and video of their competition performance. Violinists Isabel…
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Congratulations to Alexander Straus-Fausto ’25E (ADIP) for being appointed Principal Organist and Associate Director of Music at the Church of the Epiphany in Miami, Florida, and Artistic Director of the Miami International Organ Competition, a prestigious triennial event recognizing young organists from around the world. Alexander most recently served as Assistant Organist at St. George’s…
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Congratulations to David Falterman ’24E (PhD) on his invitation to be a Teaching Assistant Professor in Music Theory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, beginning July 2025. David has served as Visiting Assistant Professor at Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio and as Visiting Instructor of Music at Knox College in Illinois.…
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Congratulations to Jonathan Heller ’17E for his outstanding performance in the 27th annual Lotte Lenya Competition, which took place on Saturday, May 3 in Eastman’s Kilbourn Hall. Selected from an initial pool of 260 applicants, Jonathan was 1 of 11 finalists to advance in the internationally renowned theatrical singing contest, taking home a prize of $3,000.…
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Congratulations to Sam Reenan ’18E (MA), ’21E (PhD) on his appointment as Assistant Professor of Music Theory at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), beginning August 15, 2025. Prior to this appointment, Sam served as Theory Coordinator and Director of Graduate Studies at Miami University where he was also an elected member of…
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Congratulations to Henry Cheng ’07E for being named the new Music Director of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (JCSO), following a rigorous selection process that began with an international search of more than 100 applicants. As 1 of 3 finalists featured in the Orchestra’s 18th concert season titled, Three Maestros, One Podium, he curated and…
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Congratulations to recent Eastman graduate Timothy Coene ’25E (MM) for winning the Tenor Saxophone position in the West Point Band, the United States Army’s oldest, active-duty band, officially established in 1817 on the grounds of the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. He will be enlisting in August 2025. Timothy earned his Master…
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Eastman DMA students Shangru Du and Jonathan Mamora are among an exceptional group of pianists competing at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, TX from May 21-June 7, 2025. The concluding rounds of this year’s competition include 28 musicians, narrowed from 340 applicants representing 45 countries. Those reaching the finals will have played four+ hours…
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Congratulations to recent Eastman graduate Alexander Lehmann ’25E for winning the Tallon Perkes Flute Competition on May 9, 2025, performing the Prokofiev Sonata first movement for his solo piece, in addition to the memorized Mozart concerto exposition and excerpts. The jury was comprised of this year’s clinician, Timothy Hutchins, principal flute of the Montreal Symphony,…
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Congratulations to Eastman students Zachary Costello (Master of Music candidate in Saxophone Performance), Kai Gray (undergraduate student in Percussion Performance), and Yanzuo Nicole Liu (Master of Music candidate in Performance and Literature) for winning the 36th Annual Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) Competition. As winners, they will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the YYPA Celebration…
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Congratulations to piano student Jiaxi Li for placing in the Arlington Philharmonic’s 2025 Young Artist Competition, winning second prize in the Peter Tannenwald Division and an award of $650. Jiaxi earned her Bachelor of Music in Applied Music from Eastman and is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree, studying with Professor Joseph Rackers and…
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Congratulations to Haniel Anugerah for being selected as one of six Piano Fellows at the Tanglewood Music Center for Summer 2025, where he will be collaborating with renowned conductors including Anna Handler and Andrés Orozco-Estrada. Haniel is currently completing his Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance and Literature, studying with Professor Joseph Rackers. Haniel…
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Congratulations to Eastman’s Jazz & Contemporary Media Department for being recognized in DownBeat Magazine’s 48th Annual Student Awards: Eastman Jazz Voice Ensemble Sara Gazarek, faculty Large Vocal Jazz Ensemble – Outstanding Performances – Undergraduate College Kiersten Conway on “Round Midnight” Outstanding Soloist Jack Snelling, “Under a Willow Tree” Christine Jensen, faculty Original Composition…
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Congratulations to the winners of the 43rd Annual Jessie Kneisel Lieder Competition that took place on Saturday, May 10 in Kilbourn Hall: Honorable Mention: Caleb Borick (pianist) 3rd place pianist: William Shi 3rd place singer: Emily Kondrat 2nd place pianist: Chaeeun Lee 2nd place singer: S Joshua Sheppard 1st place pianist (Ann C. Fehn Memorial…
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Congratulations to Harry Hwang ’21E (MM) for his recent appointment as Second Clarinet with the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. Harry earned his Master of Music degree in Performance and Literature from Eastman, studying with Professor Michael Wayne. He will begin playing with the SP&O later this spring.
Congratulations to second-year student Andrew Foster, who is pursuing a dual degree at the University of Rochester in Horn Performance from the Eastman School of Music and Chemistry from the College of Arts and Sciences. Andrew was 1 of 5 undergraduate students chosen nationally for the IRES CRYSTAL Dynamics program, a prestigious summer internship through…
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Congratulations to Zachary Costello, a first-year Master of Music student in Saxophone Performance, for being awarded the Grand Prize at the 2025 Naftzger Young Artist Competition. He is also a 2025 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition winner and won second prize in the 2025 Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition in Classical Saxophone. Zachary studies under Professor…
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Congratulations to Katherine “Kat” Jolliff, a senior undergraduate in the studio of David Higgs, for winning First Prize and Audience Prize at the National Undergraduate Organ Competition in Ottumwa, IA, on Sunday, March 30, 2025. She was chosen along with two other finalists from many recorded auditions. Kat has won numerous competitions in recent years,…
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Congratulations to Jonathan Mamora, a DMA piano candidate studying with Professor Douglas Humpherys, for winning first prize and the gold medal at the Hilton Head International Piano Competition on March 17, 2025. The prize includes a $20,000 cash award, another Carnegie Hall concert, and a second recording contract on the Steinway and Sons label. Jonathan…
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Congratulations to several Eastman students who placed at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Competitions that were held earlier this month (March) in Minneapolis, MN. Saxophonist Austin Shilling, from the studio of Professor Chien-Kwan Lin, won the Young Artist Woodwind competition. Violist Vivienne Lucier, from the studio of Professor Masumi Per Rostad, won second place…
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Congratulations to Colin Mann ’18E (MM), ’25E (DMA) for being appointed Associate Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Georgia. Colin is a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting, studying with Professor William Weinert.
Congratulations to Hanisha Kulothparan, a PhD student in Music Theory, for accepting the position of Assistant Professor of Music Theory in the Arthur Satz Department of Music of the University of Rochester. The job comes with a secondary appointment in the Eastman Music Theory department.
Congratulations to Ethan Blake, a Master of Music student in the studio of David Ying, for winning the assistant principal cello position in the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. It is the third chair in the section and his responsibilities will vary from blending appropriately to leading the cello section when needed. Ethan will join the orchestra…
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Congratulations to Noah Kahrs ’19E (MA), ’24E (PhD) on his appointment as assistant professor of music in music theory at The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Noah earned degrees from Eastman in both music theory and music composition. His tenure-track position begins on August 1.
Congratulations to Xiaoliang Qian, a DMA piano candidate in the studio of Marina Lomazov, for winning the first prize and audience choice award at the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition. In addition to a cash award, Xiaoliang will perform with the orchestra in the 2025-26 season.
Congratulations to Jacob Eichhorn, a PhD candidate in Music Theory, for winning the 2025 Dorothy Payne Award, named for alumna and legendary former Eastman professor Dorothy Payne ’56E, ’67E (MM), ’74E (DMA). This award is given annually to the best student paper delivered at The Music Theory Society of the Mid-Atlantic conference. Jacob’s winning paper…
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Congratulations to Isabel Chen for winning the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra’s first-ever nationally advertised Young Persons Concerto Competition. She will be featured in the Orchestra’s fourth concert of their 2024-2025 season on Saturday, March 15 at 3:00 PM at Christ Church Episcopal in Cooperstown, NY. Isabel is completing her final year towards receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Violin…
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Congratulations to Yunxin (Dorothy) Nie for winning the Neva Stevens Pilgrim Award at the Civic Morning Musicals 48th Annual Competition for Singers, taking home a $500 prize. The competition was held on February 8 in Syracuse, NY. Dorothy is a second-year, undergraduate soprano from the studio of Professor Kathryn Cowdrick.
Congratulations to Evan Martschenko, a first-year PhD Theory student, for publishing an article in Music Theory Online, one of the discipline’s top peer-reviewed journals. Evan’s article, “‘Feel the Emptiness’: Micro-Schemata in the Music of Henryk Mikołaj Górecki,” demonstrates that a few key threads define Górecki’s compositional language even as his style ranged from Polish sonorism…
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Congratulations to Sō Percussion including Jason Treuting ’99E for winning Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance in the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc.’s 67th GRAMMY Awards that took place on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Jason earned his Bachelors in Music and the Performer’s Certificate at Eastman where he studied percussion with John Beck…
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Eastman’s songSLAM took place Saturday, February 1, with a standing-room only crowd in Sproull Atrium! Hosted by Associate Professor of Vocal Coaching Alison d’Amato and co-founder of Sparks and Wiry Cries Martha Guth, the celebration of new song works premiered fourteen composer-performer teams with a wide range of styles, texts, and duo collaborations. Winners were…
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Tenor Travon D. Walker ’21E has joined IMG Artists’ roster for general management, where he will be represented by Associate Artist Manager, Noah Sesling ’22E. Travon, a current second-year young artist at The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, graduated from Eastman with a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. Noah, also…
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Congratulations to Alexandra Rose Hotz ’20E (MM), ’23E (DMA) for winning the Joy In Singing’s 60th International Art Song Competition, where she received a cash prize and will be singing in a debut performance at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Alexandra is formerly from the studio…
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On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Monroe County Legislature presented baritone Holden Turner ’25E with a proclamation recognizing his achievements in music as the 2024-25 William Warfield Scholarship Fund recipient. Congratulations, Holden! “The legacy of William Warfield is deeply inspiring to me as a young artist,” says Turner. “It’s a privilege to honor his…
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Congratulations to senior horn performance major Morgan Chalmers for winning a position with the horn section of The United States Army Field Band, the touring ensemble of the Army music program. She will begin her appointment after she graduates in May 2025. Morgan is from the studio of Peter Kurau.
Congratulations to Yiran Zhao, a DMA conducting student, who is the winner of the American Prize in Composition in the college/university division for shorter works for chorus.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Freimuth ’96E on her appointment as professor of horn at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. Freimuth received bachelor’s degrees from Eastman in French horn and music education. She is currently the principal horn and Mary M. & Charles F. Yeiser Chair of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO).
Congratulations to doctoral student Angela Rubin on winning the first AMP Up Grant. Angela received funding to support her efforts in developing an audience for her DMA recital that took place on Sunday, November 24, 2024 in Kilbourn Hall. Learn more about Angela’s funding award and performance here.
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Congratulations to Ruixue Hu, a third-year Ph.D. student in music theory, for receiving Honorable Mention for the Society for Music Theory’s Diversity in Course Design Award. His award-winning syllabus, “Engaging with Timbre,” explores timbre in a wide range of global musical genres.
Congratulations to the winners of the Central New York Finger Lakes NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) chapter student auditions held at Buffalo State University on November 2, 2024, which included students from the voice studios of Joshua Conyers and Katherine Ciesinski: Treble Voices post High School: Evan Anderson, First Place 1st year Kai…
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Congratulations to Jazz Voice student Harrison Candelario, from the studio of Sara Gazarek, for being selected by the Recording Academy®‘s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team and the GRAMMY Museum® as a recipient of the Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship. Aiming to elevate the next generation of Black and Brown music creators, this scholarship offers a comprehensive…
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Congratulations to undergraduate jazz bassist Gavin Rice for winning the 2024 Young Talent Award from the Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Festival, a festival dedicated to the preservation of early jazz/popular music from the turn of the century to the 1930s. The award is given to a young musician ages 18–23 who shows extreme talent and…
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Timothy Long ’92E (MM), Artistic and Music Director of Eastman Opera Theatre, was featured in the New York Times today: “The Musician Building the Great Native American Songbook.” Long—a pianist, conductor and teacher—conceived his project to fill a cultural need: “There is no repertoire like this in existence.”
Congratulations to Evyn Levy ’24E (MM), from the studio of Michael Wayne, for securing the position of Second/Eb Clarinet with The Louisville Orchestra. Evyn is currently in her first year as a clarinet fellow with the New World Symphony in Miami (which she accepted in lieu of the principal job she won with the Arkansas Symphony…
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Congratulations to doctoral student Luke Poeppel ’24E (MM) for being named a David T. Beals III assistant conductor of the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra for their 2024/2025 season.
Congratulations to Jack Earnhart, a master’s student in Music, Teaching and Learning, for receiving an award at the Greater Rochester Excellence and Achievements in Technology event hosted by TechRochester on October 15, 2024 (pictured left). Recognized as a “leader and visionary” within the music industry, Earnhart’s company, which builds custom brass mouthpieces, was honored for…
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Congratulations to Erin Hannigan ’96E for her recent appointment as professor of oboe at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. During her time in Rochester, Hannigan studied under Professor Richard Killmer, who is Eastman’s oboe professor to this day. Hannigan is currently the principal oboist and Nancy P. & John G. Penson Chair of the…
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Congratulations to third-year tuba student Addilae Canning and first-year tuba student Jonathan Miller for being named S.E. Shires Rising Artists. As Rising Artists, they will participate in a two-year program in which they are mentored by internationally recognized teachers and performers via seminars and masterclasses.
Congratulations to violinist Paul Halberstadt ’20E on his appointment to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Paul is formerly from the studio of Professor Juliana Athayde.
Congratulations to violinist Angelina Phillips ’24E for winning the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s Associate Concertmaster audition. Angelina is formerly from the studio of Professor Juliana Athayde. “Having just started her MM at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University with Paul Kantor, (my former teacher!), this is an enormous accomplishment to be celebrated! Bravo!!!!” -Juliana…
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Congratulations to doctoral candidate Ryan Chan who was the First Prize and Audience Prize winner in the National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance (NYACOP) held in San Francisco during the 2024 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists (AGO). Ryan is a student of Minehan Family Professor of Organ, David Higgs.
Congratulations to clarinetist Seunghee Lee ’90E on the release of her new album, Intermezzo. About the album: Intermezzo, a term often used in opera, refers to a musical interlude that offers a pause for reflection and transition within the overarching narrative—a momentary break between acts. Experience the captivating melodies and rhythms of Michele Mangani, beautifully…
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Congratulations to Lauren Gibson, an undergraduate student in the inaugural class of jazz voice majors, on winning the 2024 Deborah Landon Memorial Jazz Scholarship from the Jazz Education Network. In addition to a $1500 award, the scholarship comes with one year of success coaching and a year-long membership to the JEN organization.
Isrea Butler ’04E ’06E (MM) was appointed Director of the School of Music at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas!
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Congratulations to recent graduate Serena Reuten ’24E (MM) for her appointment as the Omaha Symphony‘s next Assistant Conductor!
Congratulations to John Upton ’12E, student of Professor Richard Killmer, for his appointment as principal oboe of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra!
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Four-time Grammy nominee Curtis Stewart ’08E, ’08 received the 2025 Sphinx Organization Medal of Excellence!
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Congratulations to Alexandra Stokes, a current student of professors Bonita Boyd and Anne Harrow, for winning the acting piccolo position in the North Carolina Symphony!