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Programs

Piano

The education of pianists at the Eastman School of Music emphasizes the development of a large performance repertory along with the pianistic skills that will prepare students as solo artists and collaborative musicians. In addition to traditional works from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, pianists are encouraged to explore early keyboard music, contemporary, and experimental literature. Frequent performance opportunities in a variety of venues include concerto performances, solo recitals, chamber recitals, master classes, and studio classes. Our faculty are international piano competition winners and directors, and founders and faculty members of renowned music festivals who stay active with performances, master class festival teaching, and competition adjudication around the world. For more information, please explore our program webpage.

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

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Advanced CertificatesLink to section

Advanced Certificate in Performance Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume or CV
  • A prescreening and audition
  • Three recommendation letters

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

Master of Music Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume or CV
  • A prescreening and audition
  • Three 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
  • A prescreening and audition
  • Three recommendation letters

See https://www.esm.rochester.edu/admissions/grad/ for the most up-to-date application/audition and prescreening requirements.

AcademicsLink to section

Advanced Certificates and RequirementsLink to section

The Advanced Diploma in Performance is a one-year program (which can be extended) that centers around private instruction on the major instrument as well as high-level chamber music and ensemble experiences. In addition, students can enroll in practical elective coursework that will supplement their performance study and better prepare them for a career as a professional musician. For each of the two semesters, the core courses are four units of applied music lessons, one unit of ensembles, a one-unit Diploma Colloquium, and Performance Project (completed in the second or final semester of study). For the most up-to-date information, see: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/admissions/grad/adp/.

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The Master of Music degree is a two-year program with strong emphasis on applied instrumental or vocal study and performance as well as broad intellectual development. Prerequisites include demonstrated proficiency on the major instrument or voice and an undergraduate degree in music or its equivalent. Core requirements include 16 units of applied instruction, three music history courses, a theory course, ensembles, electives, and a degree recital. For the most up-to-date course requirements, see https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/06-00/#06.02.11.

Doctoral Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The Doctor of Musical Arts degree is designed to represent high attainment in the practice of music. Prerequisites include demonstration of high achievement in performance through an audition and demonstration of writing ability through submission of a scholarly paper and academic credentials, including transcripts of all previous collegiate-level coursework. The coursework for the degree is typically completed over six semesters (three years), followed by the doctoral comprehensive exam. Core coursework generally includes six semesters of lessons, four doctoral seminars, three theory courses, and a minor or electives. In addition, there are three performance recitals (two solo, one collaborative) and a lecture-recital. The degree culminates in the comprehensive exam: a two-day written exam covering music history and theory, and a final oral exam centered around the student’s major instrument and its repertoire, pedagogy, and organology. For the most up-to-date requirements, see https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/06-00/#06.03.14.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

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

Most courses for this program are housed outside of the piano department (musicology, theory, etc.). For a more comprehensive list of requirements, visit: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/.