Your assigned Orientation Leader will communicate with you in the weeks prior to your arrival at Eastman, helping to prepare you for course registration and move-in.They will also help you meet fellow incoming students and serve as your point for any questions you have as you begin your journey at Eastman and the University of Rochester at large.
2026 Orientation Leaders:
Dominic Fiacco
Pronouns: He/Him
Class Year: Senior
Major: Organ Performance
Minor: German
Hometown: Poland, New York
Advice for new ESM students: Time management is key to reducing stress. I’d recommend putting your major commitments, especially classes and lessons, in Google Calendar. You might also want to schedule some of your practice time in your calendar. (At the same time, try to avoid over-practicing.) While extracurricular activities, such as joining clubs or working on-campus jobs, are enjoyable, make sure not to over-commit yourself, since rest and socializing are important. In short, try to create a schedule that looks sustainable for an entire semester. Above all, have fun and soak in the experience! Eastman has an incredibly supportive community, and we’re looking forward to welcoming you all.
Ira Hsiao
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class Year: Senior
Major: Piano Performance, German (Dual Degree)
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
Advice for new ESM Students: Although we’re all musicians, it’s important to remember that we’re all human first. We’ll all have our ups and downs, but always remember your why. Eastman is known for its community, so avoid isolating yourself, especially if and when you’re struggling. Remember to take care of yourself and don’t spread yourself too thin. You’ll be presented with a lot of great opportunities, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. As you begin your journey here at Eastman, embrace the joy you’re feeling. Save that joy in a metaphorical bottle so that you can revisit it on days where you might be feeling lost.
Levi Springer
Pronouns: He/Him
Class Year: Junior
Major: Trumpet Performance
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Advice for new ESM Students: Always carve out time to take care of yourself! Although it can sometimes feel like we are working like machines, we must remember that we are all humans. Take time to talk to people, have fun, and explore Rochester! We are allowed to be happy before we have everything figured out.
Natalia Noriega
Pronouns: She/They
Class Year: Junior
Major: Classical Trumpet Performance
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Advice for new ESM Students: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! This first week and first year will only be as good as you make it; be open to trying new things, make new friends, and of course, have fun!
Cole Pringle
Pronouns: (He/Him)
Class Year: Senior
Major: Trumpet Performance
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Advice for new ESM Students: Set timers for your laundry! That way the next person can use the machines, and no one will take your clothes out.
Cristian Yohannes
Pronouns: He/Him
Class Year: Junior
Major: Viola Performance
Hometown: Frisco, TX
Advice for new ESM Students: Arrive with the desire to want to grow and have grace on people and yourself through that process!
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Viola Performance
Hometown: Miami, FL
Advice for new ESM students: Really listen to your body! Your body will always tell you what it
can and cannot do. I have had many experiences where I had ignored the signs and kept going
and I ended up regretting it later. Therefore, you will have so much time on your hands to make
your own decisions, so don’t feel pressured to always be pushing and pushing. It’s ok to take a
break, especially if your body shows you it needs one!
Desmond Mulready
Pronouns: he/him
Class Year: sophomore
Major: Vocal Performance
Hometown: Kingston, NY
Advice for new ESM students:
Treat your practicing like your most important class that you can’t skip. Put it in your calendar like a class. Being consistent is the best way to improve!
That being said my other advice is to find hobby’s outside of music. Go to the gym, draw, knit, crochet, go on a walk, watch sports or shows with friends, play sports at Rampus (River campus). It’s important that music isn’t the ONLY thing you do or talk about.
Pronouns: She/Her
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Vocal Performance
Hometown: Schaumburg, Illinois
Advice for new ESM students: Always be willing to help and be there for your peers! In my opinion, meaningful memories with friends are built off of supporting each other through the worst times AND the best times. Whether that’s ta-ing/crying through aural skills together or putting your lungs to use and cheering on your friends at concerts, show up for each other!!
Alejandra Gaspar-Hulbert
Pronouns: she/her
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Voice Major and Language media and communications
Hometown: San Jose, Costa Rica
Advice for new ESM students: Remember to allow yourself to have fun.
Olivia Lieto
Pronouns: She/Her
Class Year: Junior
Major: Violin Performance and Music Education
Hometown: Beekman, New York
Advice for new ESM students: Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and talk to new people. I know it can feel intimidating, but you’ll make meaningful connections and friendships. School can get pretty overwhelming and it takes some time to get into a good groove. I find that using a planner and calendar makes it more manageable and keeps me productive. Make sure that you take time to explore and make memories with friends. There is more free time than you think!