The Eastman School of Music, part of the University of Rochester, is one of the most famous conservatories in the world.
Eastman’s selective program lives up to its “Eat, Sleep, Music” slogan, offering an education that combines rigorous musical training with humanities and interdisciplinary studies.
Since opening its doors in 1921, Eastman has grown significantly.
It now boasts state-of-the-art facilities like the renovated Kodak Hall and the East Wing Building. These spaces provide students with ample performance opportunities, essential for developing their craft.
Eastman offers a range of degrees from Bachelor to Doctoral level, all focused exclusively on music.
With a total student body of just over 900, the school provides an intimate learning environment with world-class faculty.
Parents and students should note that Eastman’s top-tier ranking makes it a competitive school for admission, but the rewards of this intensive, performance-focused program are substantial.
As always, I recommend prospective students and their families thoroughly research and visit the school to ensure it’s the right fit for their musical aspirations.
Let’s talk about the school’s offerings, people, acceptance rate, and more in this article today.
Eastman School of Music Acceptance Rate
Eastman’s acceptance is 36%.
According to the school’s common data set for the most recent class of undergraduate students, 957 students applied to Eastman.
Of the 957 who applied, 353 were accepted.
Another way to think about it: for every 25 students who applied, 9 were accepted.
The yield—meaning the number of students who accepted the offer and attended—was 115. So, about one in three students who were accepted ultimately attended the school.
An acceptance rate of 36% is competitive, especially considering the average level of talent of a student applying to Eastman is quite high; most applicants have had years of 1-on-1 instruction.
Quick Statistics & Facts About Eastman
Here are some facts about Eastman to know:
Location: Rochester, NY
Number of Students: 900 (source)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Tuition: $65,870 (source)
Scholarships: Over $19 million awarded annually (source)
Eastman School of Music Ranking
Most ranking tables & lists place Eastman as a top 20 school in the country.
Undoubtedly, it would be higher in some majors depending on your interests; however, rankings for individual majors do not currently exist.
Here are some publications ranking Eastman School of Music:
- Niche ranks it #18 (listed as University of Rochester)
- QS Rankings place it #3 in America and #11 in the world
- Prepscholar ranks it #5
I can’t stress enough that all rankings lists are simply a place to start, and should never be a final metric to determine the excellence of a school.
That being said, these high rankings reflect the reputation Eastman holds not just in the country, but also worldwide.
Admissions Tips for Eastman School of Music
Getting into Eastman is highly competitive, but there are several strategies that can enhance your application:
1. Experience Eastman firsthand by attending their Summer @ Eastman program.
This immersive experience allows you to learn from collegiate faculty and gain valuable insights into the school’s culture and expectations. It’s an excellent way to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the program.
2. If Summer @ Eastman isn’t feasible, consider arranging trial lessons with faculty members in your intended department.
These interactions can provide a taste of Eastman’s teaching style and help you build connections within the school.
As a consultant, I’ve seen how early interactions with college faculty, at any school, can positively influence admissions decisions.
3. For those interested in pursuing a dual degree with the University of Rochester, make sure to tour both campuses.
The University of Rochester considers “demonstrated interest” in their admissions process, so a visit could potentially boost your application.
Notable Alumni of Eastman
Among the many noted alumni of Eastman is Renée Fleming, a renowned soprano who has graced opera stages worldwide and received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.
Jazz legend Chuck Mangione, known for his distinctive flugelhorn sound and hit song “Feels So Good,” also honed his craft at Eastman.
In the realm of composition, the school has produced talents Kevin Puts, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer celebrated for his operatic works.
The world of popular music has been influenced by Eastman graduates as well, with singer-songwriter Wang Leehom achieving superstar status in China.
Eastman’s impact extends to various musical disciplines. Ron Carter, one of the most recorded jazz bassists in history, and Steve Gadd, a highly influential drummer, both began their journeys at the school.
In the classical realm, Nicole Cabell has made her mark as an acclaimed soprano, winning the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition and performing with major opera companies globally.
Outside of this, hundreds of orchestral and chamber musicians who have found positions in top groups count themselves as alumni of the school.
Faculty You Can Study with at Eastman
Among the many excellent faculty at Eastman is The Ying Quartet, who serves as the quartet-in-residence, offering students invaluable insights into ensemble playing and professional musicianship.
Opera students benefit from the guidance of Katherine Ciesinski, a distinguished mezzo-soprano with an international career spanning decades.
In the brass department, W. Peter Kurau stands out as one of the nation’s top horn instructors, shaping the next generation of exceptional players.
Flutist Bonita Boyd, a fixture at Eastman for nearly half a century, continues to inspire students with her vast experience and dedication to the art of flute playing.
Pianist Alexander Kobrin, who won the prestigious Busoni Competition at just 19 years old, brings his prodigious talent and insightful teaching methods to the piano department. I’ve had students take lessons from him, and they overwhelmingly have said positive things about his teaching.
In the jazz program, trumpeter Clay Jenkins is an exceptional teacher, with many of my own students speaking highly of their experiences working with him.
Eastman School of Music caters to those seeking high-level classical or jazz instruction.
The school’s emphasis on advanced training makes it best suited for students with years of dedicated private lesson experience, who are ready to take their skills to the professional level, as you need advanced ability to get accepted to Eastman.
For students with diverse academic interests, Eastman offers the unique opportunity to pursue a dual degree in conjunction with the University of Rochester.
This option allows musically gifted students to combine their passion for music with studies in other fields, creating a well-rounded educational experience.
Composition students will find Eastman especially appealing, given the school’s long-standing tradition of nurturing new music. The supportive environment for composers has produced numerous notable alumni in this field.
However, Eastman may not be the best fit for everyone.
Beginner musicians will likely find the program too advanced, as the school’s selective admissions process favors those with extensive prior training.
Additionally, students primarily interested in popular music or songwriting might be better served by programs that specialize in these areas, as Eastman’s curriculum focuses heavily on classical and jazz traditions.
In my experience as a college consultant, I’ve found that students who thrive at Eastman are those who are deeply committed to their craft, have a strong foundation in classical or jazz music, and are prepared for the intensity of a top-tier conservatory environment.
PS
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you find and get accepted into the best college program for you, schedule a 100% free, zero-obligation consultation with us.
We’ve helped students get into Eastman and other top-tier conservatory & university music programs.
We’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you and tell you about how we can help you, or the musician in your family, gain admission into the best college for your future.
