Frequently Asked Questions

Can a River Campus student take lessons at Eastman?
Yes. Any student who performs at an intermediate level, reads music fluently, and qualifies by audition may study privately at the Eastman School. To access more information on the Eastman School lesson program for River Campus students, click here.

To download the Eastman School's private lesson application form, click here.

Here is a link to the River Campus-Eastman bus shuttle schedule.

Is there any charge for this instruction?
No. Private lessons for credit are covered in the full-time undergraduate tuition fee, which covers all instruction, regardless of the campus at which such instruction is taken.

Must I audition before coming to the University?
Though an admission audition is not required, prospective music concentrators are strongly encouraged to submit a CD or tape recording in order to supplement the admission profile. All auditions are held during orientation and the first few weeks of classes each fall and spring, and are scheduled through the College Music Department.

How good do I have to be to get lessons?
In order to receive credit lessons, students should read music fluently and perform at an intermediate level. Each department at Eastman determines the level required.

College credit is not appropriate for instruction at the beginning level. However, beginning instruction is offered through Eastman's Community Music School, without credit and for a fee. For more information, please call 585-274-1400.

With whom will I study at Eastman?
Depending on teacher availability and the proficiency of the student, a few students may study with faculty members. The majority of River Campus students will study with graduate teaching assistants.

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Can I play (or sing) in Eastman ensembles?
Possibly. Eastman's four jazz ensembles are open by audition to Eastman and River Campus students alike. If vacancies remain in the larger ensembles after Eastman students have been placed, qualified River Campus students may audition. There is, however, an excellent ensemble program at the River Campus which includes the University of Rochester Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, Men's and Women's Choruses, Gospel Choir, and Chamber Singers, as well as an active chamber music program, all of which have the option of being taken for credit. In addition, several student-directed ensembles include the Pep Band, Stingers Trombone Choir, and several a cappella singing groups.

How do I join a River Campus ensemble?
Auditions for all ensembles take place during orientation and the first few weeks of classes in September. Students may sign up for audition times on the large bulletin board in the second floor stairwell of Todd Union during orientation.

Where are the practice rooms?
Practice rooms on the River Campus are located in the basement of the Spurrier building. The building is generally open between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. Additional practice rooms with grand pianos are available in Strong Auditorium for music majors or those taking primary piano lessons with faculty at the Eastman School of Music. The rooms are kept locked; students may borrow keys from the Music Department with a $10 deposit.

Do you have storage space for large instruments?
Yes. We have a limited number of rooms for both practice and storage of percussion equipment. These rooms are made available on a first-come, first-served basis to students participating in ensembles or taking lessons at Eastman.

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Suppose I want to "major" in music. What are my choices?
Essentially two: (1) the Bachelor of Arts with Music Concentration, a liberal arts degree program offered by the College Music Department; or (2) the Bachelor of Music degree offered through Eastman.

What's the difference?
The Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in music is intended for those students who can meet both the intellectual and musical challenges of a program that emphasizes the broad experience of a liberally educated person. The concentration comprises a balanced program of academic study, private instruction, and ensemble experience, with 40-60% of the courses in a student's overall program taken in music. Visit our Academics page for more information.

Bachelor of Music students pursue a major in performance, composition, music education, jazz studies, or music theory. Music studies comprise 80-90% of the programs, the remainder being in the humanities and other academic areas of choice.

How do I apply?
For the Bachelor of Arts, write to the Admissions Office, University of Rochester, Wallis Hall, RC Box 270251, Rochester, New York 14627-0251, or visit Admissions online.

For the Bachelor of Music, write to the Admissions Office, Eastman School of Music, 26 Gibbs Street, Rochester, New York 14604, or visit Eastman Admissions online.

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