Update for ESM Students-Moving Online for January

Dear Eastman Students,

Earlier this evening, as I was finalizing a message to the Eastman community about the implications for Eastman about recent messages from the University of Rochester President and Provost regarding the start of the spring semester (in person), an emergency meeting of the Deans Council was called to inform us of the decision to pivot immediately to online instruction.  As we have experienced before, changes sometimes occur with a dizzying immediacy due to COVID.

I have called a meeting of the Eastman COVID Management Team for tomorrow morning, at which time we will work to clarify precisely what the online instruction will mean for Eastman.  We recognize that this move to online instruction will impact everything including teaching, concerts, guest artists, degree recitals, and many other topics.  It is my goal to send specific information to our community by tomorrow evening. 

For now, I assure you that we will weather this latest challenge caused by COVID.  For the past two years, we have managed to keep our community safe while teaching, learning, and making music thanks in large part to your vigilance, adaptability, flexibility, and positive attitudes.  In spite of the fatigue that has accompanied the ongoing challenges, your willingness to care for and support one another has strengthened our community.  I thank each of you in advance for the efforts you have already put forward in response to COVID, and for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to navigate these rapidly changing conditions.

With my respect and appreciation,

Jamal Rossi

Joan and Martin Messinger Dean
Eastman School of Music