Eastman Experience: Summer Classical Studies
The Premier Program for Classical Musicians
July 8 – 29, 2023
Petar Kodzas, director
This internationally acclaimed Classical Studies program is for academically inquisitive performers, conductors and composers currently in grades 9–12 (ages 14-18 only–student must turn 14 and not be beyond 18 years of age before the first day of the program) who are seriously considering a career in music. Our highly individualized program emphasizes solo performance (strings, winds, brass, piano, voice, classical guitar, harp, conducting, and composition) and chamber music. This program is for mature students of advanced performance levels who can work well in a focused collegiate-type environment.
Program Information
Strings: Wilfredo Deglans, violin; Janet Milnes, violin; Renée Jolles, violin; Roberta Zalkind, viola; Rosemary Elliott, cello; Christopher Haritatos, cello; Gaelen McCormick, bass; Elizabeth Ojeda, harp; Lynn McGrath, guitar
Winds: Sophia Gibbs Kim, flute; Chisato Eda Marling, saxophone; Andrew Brown, clarinet; Emily Hart, oboe; Blaire Koerner, bassoon
Piano: Irina Lupines, Alla Kuznetsov, Tamari Gurevich Hill, Matthew Robey
Brass: Jeffrey Gray, trombone; Wesley Nance, trumpet; Maura McCune Corvington, horn, Craig Sutherland, tuba
Voice: Teresa Ringholz, Andrea Folan
Percussion: Kyle Peters
Music Studies: Rachel Lauber, conducting; Paul Coleman, composition; Katie Fittipaldi, Alexander Technique; Anthony LaLena, music analysis; Alice Carli, music history; Glenn West, world music; Lukas Perry and Daniel Sawler, music theory.
Arrival/Check-In for residents: Saturday July 8 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Orientation for all participants: Sunday, July 9 at 9:30 a.m. in Kilbourn Hall
Last Day: Friday July 28 (Saturday July 29 morning check out for residents, no later than noon)
Please note that we do not offer shuttle services between the airport and campus, but we recommend hiring an Uber/Lyft or taxi. Many offer Eastman discounts, and the campus is about a 15 minute drive from the airport. Students can ask to be dropped off at the Student Living Center, 100 Gibbs St, Rochester, NY 14605. It is optional for parents to accompany and attend orientation, though we hope they can make it for the performances at the end of the program.
Please click here to view the schedule. (Latest update: 11/30/22)
- Please note that the schedule does not reflect individual differences.
- Theory and aural skills schedules will be decided based on placement exams (online tests will be sent to students in advance). Each student will take one Theory and one Aural Skills class each.
- Elective classes are based on student preferences are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students will know their placement several weeks prior to the program.
- After their academic schedule is solidified, the students will schedule private lessons with their instructors (faculty contact information will be provided to the students). Each student will receive two private lessons per week. Lessons may be scheduled during free times during the week or on weekends.
TBD Tuition
TBD Room & Board*
TBD Total
*Students must be between ages 14 and 17 by the first day of the program in order to stay in the Student Living Center. Students who are 18 should arrange for off-campus housing.
-Partial merit and need-based scholarships available (see application)
10% tuition discount for ECMS students enrolled both semesters, 25% discount for children of qualifying University of Rochester employees. Partial scholarships may be requested on the application form. Employee discount must be applied for through employee’s HRMS page.
- Application fee waived for current ECMS students
- $50 nonrefundable if application is completed by March 15
- $100 nonrefundable if application is completed after March 15, up until April 30.
- Final application deadline: April 30. Incomplete applications and those submitted after April 30 will not be reviewed.
- Upon acceptance, students will be invoiced for a nonrefundable $300 deposit to secure their place. This is due by May 15.
- Tuition due in full by May 15.
- Cancellations less than two weeks prior to the beginning of the program will not receive a refund except for a documented emergency.
Piano: 10
Classical Guitar: 4
Other Solo Instruments (Strings, Winds (including saxophone), Brass, Percussion): Acceptance will mimic the instrumentation of a symphonic orchestra
Voice: 12
Composers: 6
Conductors: 4
- Each year Classical Studies includes many international students. International students need to be completely conversant in English to take full advantage of the program.
- International students in the program can get information on travel documentation and insurance HERE.
- Applications and audition recordings will be reviewed very shortly after their receipt, and most students will know their status within two weeks. Current ECMS students may apply without submitting a recording but do need to have their ECMS teacher send a recommendation.
The program’s main features:
- Two individual lessons per week per student
- Performance and masterclass opportunities
- Career seminar with guest speakers who are leaders in their field of the music industry
- Theory, Aural Skills, History classes
- Relevant specialized classes for Instrumentalists, Composers, and Vocalists
- Elective classes: choice of either composition for non-majors, conducting for non-majors, or Alexander Technique.
Click HERE to apply now*
FINAL APPLICATION DUE: April 30
*2023 updates coming in December.
Please be sure to add the following e-mail addresses to your address book so they are not filtered out as spam and so you don’t miss any important communications: pkodzas@esm.rochester.edu and sgreathouse@esm.rochester.edu.
Audition video requirements (approximately 10 minutes of music):
Instrumentalists: Several contrasting pieces, such as etudes, sonata/concerto movement, or solo compositions representing different eras. At least 3 selections demonstrating student’s artistic and technical skill and versatility. Pieces should represent different musical eras (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary). Repertoire can include etudes, sonata/concerto movement, concert solo pieces, no orchestral excerpts or chamber compositions.
- Percussionists: At least one of each from the following three categories:
Snare Drum: 1-2 minute excerpt of a Rudimental Solo (Pratt, Wilcoxin, etc.) and an Orchestral Solo (Peters, Cirone, etc.).
Timpani: Solo or Etude (Hochrainer, Firth, etc.).
Mallets: 3-4 minute excerpt from a solo mallet work using four mallets; 1-2 minute excerpt from a solo mallet work using two mallets.
Vocalists: At least 3 songs contrasting in era, style, tempo, and language. Examples include: selections from 24 Italian Songs or equivalent; American, British, German, or French art songs; Folk songs and Spirituals; level-appropriate arias or oratorio solos.
Composers: Two works with scores and recordings, if available. Live recordings are preferred; midi files acceptable.
Conductors: A recent video recording of the student conducting (vocal or instrumental).
In the News!
Visit Summer@Eastman’s blog for some great articles on the Eastman Experience, interviews with faculty, helpful tips, and much more!
Read a helpful article by Music Horizons saxophone instructor Chisato Eda Marling on a musician’s wellness, and another on performance anxiety.