“Eastman will always hold a special place in my heart. The voice faculty was always so supportive of each and every student. It was a place I felt I could be creative and make mistakes. The academic standard is extremely high and challenged me to always be on my game. The camaraderie among students was one of the fondest memories I have from my two years in the masters program. I learned so much not only from my friends in the voice department, but from those in all departments. And I’ll never forget the opportunity of performing on a stage such as Kodak Hall accompanied by some of the finest young musicians in all the world. It was an unforgettable two years, and I continue to look back fondly at my experience.”

Matthew Grills
Matthew Grills MM ’12

“I’ve found in my few years after Eastman that there isn’t much room for self doubt, confirmed by my teacher’s words: “None of us performs without flaws and the music suffers if we focus on our flaws; breathing well comes from enjoyment and confidence, not just trying to get it right.” Young singers rely on their teachers for guidance in life as well as music. I believe Eastman maintains a faculty cognizant of the influence they have and who attempt at all costs to develop responsible musicians while encouraging them each day to be excited about making music.”

Julia Bullock
Julia Bullock BM ’09

“Eastman is the model to which all music schools should aspire. Eastman has a diverse range of fabulous performance opportunities to allow for creative exploration. Along with a strong foundation of artistic and practical tools, it was this freedom of exploration that molded me into the artist I am today. Receiving my Bachelor and Masters degree at Eastman provided me with memories I will hold dear for life, thanks to the brilliant and supportive faculty, many of whom I will forever consider a part of my extended family.”

Kathryn Lewek
Kathryn Lewek BM ’06 MM ’08

“My time at Eastman taught me many things as a student, a singer, and a budding professional. I learned that one cannot rely on talent alone. Hard work, preparation, and tenacity are all major tools necessary for having a successful career as a classical musician and as a current member of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus. I made lifelong friends and connections that I cherish everyday along with being helped to realize my future through each performance, class, and life experience. I learned not only about my weaknesses but my strengths as well.”

Liz Brooks
Liz Brooks MM ’02

“I really found myself at Eastman, as a singer, as a musician, as a person. I had so many rich and varied experiences. I was surrounded by students whose talents amazed me and whose ways of thinking expanded my vision. I had excellent instructors who nurtured my love of language, analysis, interpretation, exploring new repertoire, and who also encouraged me to trust my instincts. Perhaps most importantly, I left Eastman with the tools to be a smart and disciplined singer, and to that I owe very much to my voice teacher. She gave me a technique that would serve as a foundation for years to come, and she taught me to use that technique as a means for sending my message out into the world.”

Erin Morley
Erin Morley BM ’02