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Programs

Strings, Harp, and Guitar

Eastman’s Strings, Harp, and Guitar Department develops and prepares young artists for multifaceted professional performing and teaching careers at the highest level. We do so in a dynamic, supportive, and collegial environment that promotes creative growth and endless possibilities. At Eastman, you will find a multitude of opportunities to hone your skills as a performer, including orchestral ensembles, recitals, chamber music, studio classes, master classes, and competitions. We provide our students with a host of diverse experiences to perform and develop themselves as complete musicians. Eastman’s historic building offers three outstanding performance halls, which are open to student performances throughout the year. Our passion for teaching and our expertise in pedagogy also inspire students to become accomplished teachers. Graduates of our program perform in many of the world’s renowned chamber ensembles, orchestras, and new and early music ensembles. Our alumni pursue groundbreaking and imaginative musical paths, and many of the world’s leading music schools also boast Eastman graduates as members of their string faculty.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Strings, Harp, and Guitar 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 (and prescreening recordings in most cases)
  • 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
  • An audition on the major instrument (and prescreening recordings in most cases)
  • Three recommendation letters

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 will have the ability to 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 a 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 two performance recitals 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

  • 460A: Primary Lessons
  • 430A: Primary Lessons (1/2 time)
  • GTC 401-402: Seminar in Guitar Studies

Most courses for this program are housed in other departments, such as musicology and music theory. For a more comprehensive list of requirements, visit: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/.