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Programs

Early Music

The Eastman Early Music Program provides instruction and performance opportunities on a wide range of Renaissance and Baroque instruments and voices for both graduate and undergraduate students. Performing ensembles include a vocal ensemble, Baroque Orchestra, and Baroque chamber ensembles, including a viola da gamba consort. The ensembles present regular concerts at Eastman, as well as at festivals such as the Rochester Early Music Festival and the fringe of the Boston Early Music Festival. Instruction is available for many Baroque instruments, including lute, harpsichord, viola da gamba, Baroque violin, Baroque oboe, natural trumpet, and natural horn. An MM and a DMA in early music performance is available for many of these instruments. In addition to ensembles and applied instruction, the program offers classes in Baroque performance practice, basso continuo playing, lute literature and pedagogy, harpsichord literature and pedagogy, and a vast array of topics for independent study projects tailored to the interests of individual students.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Early Music website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

Master of Music Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume or CV
  • An audition on the major instrument  
  • 3 recommendation letters

Applying to Doctoral ProgramsLink to section

Doctor of Musical Arts Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume or CV
  • A sample writing of a past research paper and/or previously published article or submission 
  • An audition on the major instrument 
  • 3 recommendation letters

AcademicsLink to section

Advanced Certificates and RequirementsLink to section

There are two certificates offered for current Eastman graduate students pursuing another degree who wish to concentrate on early music:

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The Master of Music in Early Music (emphasis in historical plucked instruments) is intended for students with an undergraduate degree in a performance background who wish to focus on the performance styles of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The 35-unit degree includes 12 units of applied study of the major instrument (typically lessons in lute or harpsichord), music history courses, including Music in the Renaissance and Music in the Baroque, Issues in Performance Practice and Baroque Performance Practice, Counterpoint, pedagogy/literature courses (specific to either lute or harpsichord), continuo study, ensemble participation (Collegium Musicum), and a degree recital. The degree culminates in an oral examination.

Doctoral Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The Doctor of Musical Arts in Early Music (emphasis on historical plucked instruments) requires an audition demonstrating high achievement in performance, specifically in early styles. The 60-unit degree includes 20 to 24 units of applied study of the major instrument (typically lute or harpsichord), four research and writing seminars, three theory courses, electives (or a minor), a jury, and three degree recitals (one solo, one collaborative, and a lecture-recital). Students must also demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. The degree culminates with the comprehensive examinations. For more complete information, see: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/06-00/#06.03.11.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • 430A: Primary Lessons (1/2 time)
  • 460A: Primary Lessons