BM in Music Performance (Jazz)
Eastman School of Music — Rochester, NY
About this program
Eastman School of Music was established in 1921 by George Eastman (founder of Eastman Kodak) and became the first professional school of the University of Rochester. It is ranked #3 in North America and #11 globally (QS World University Rankings 2024), named one of the 'Top 20 Best Music Schools in the World' by Hollywood Reporter, and a Billboard Top Music Business School (2024). Approximately 950 students (500 undergraduate, 450 graduate). Acceptance rate approximately 20%. Dean: Jamal Rossi. BM MAJORS OFFERED: Applied Music Performance — all instruments and all voice types at the highest professional level. Composition — composition study with faculty and premiere performances. Jazz Performance — trumpet, saxophone, trombone, piano, guitar, double bass, drum set, voice. Music Education — leads to New York State certification. Music Theory. Music History. Dual Degree — BM at Eastman + BA or BS at University of Rochester; students in two schools simultaneously. KEY FACULTY (selected): Ying Quartet — Quartet-in-Residence. Katherine Ciesinski — mezzo-soprano; international opera career. Anthony Dean Griffey — tenor; Metropolitan Opera. Paul O'Dette — lutenist; world's leading authority on Baroque lute. Natalya Antonova — pianist. Guy Johnston — cellist; BBC Young Musician 2000; Associate Professor of Cello. Donald Nally — Visiting Professor of Conducting and Interim Director of Choral Activities. 130+ faculty total. FACILITIES: Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre — 3,094-seat; one of the most beautiful concert halls in the United States. Kilbourn Hall — 455-seat. Hatch Recital Hall — 222-seat. Sibley Music Library — largest academic music library in North America; 344,000 books and scores; 84,000 recordings; original Debussy La Mer manuscripts. Student Living Center; recording studios; practice facilities. 900+ concerts per year (800+ free and open to the public). NOTABLE ALUMNI: Renée Fleming (soprano; Grammy Award winner); Chuck Mangione (d. July 22, 2025; Grammy Award winner); Steve Gadd (drummer); Ron Carter (bassist); Maria Schneider (jazz composer; Grammy Award winner); Kevin Puts (Pulitzer Prize — Music); Charles Strouse (composer; Annie, Bye Bye Birdie); George Walker (Pulitzer Prize — Music); Tony Levin (bassist; Peter Gabriel); Allen Vizzutti (trumpet); Nicole Cabell (soprano); Lance Reddick (actor and musician).
Audition & application overview
- Requires a prescreen video
- Requires a live or recorded audition
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