Institute for Music Leadership

Spring Internships Through the IML: Health, Cultural Heritage and Representation!

jdunn — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:19:18 +0000

Each semester, the Institute of Music Leadership sends multiple Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Certificate of Achievement students out into the world to complete an internship and gain hands-on experience in the music industry. The certificate is designed to complement a student’s primary area of study and provide professional development training to support the student’s career goals. Those in the program gain knowledge of the music industry and the skills to become a leader in the field. This semester is no different, with students working here on campus, in the Rochester community, and beyond.

DMA student Connor Higley is going beyond the typical music industry positions and interning with University Health Services (UHS) in their Eastman department. “Eastman is the only major school of music with dedicated physical therapy for musicians, which makes it really special,” he says. Higley took an interest in UHS and their work based on his own experience struggling with performance injuries as a brass player and all of the frustrations that came with it. He is currently collaborating with Jack Earnhart, ESM and Certificate alumnus, on a project to design and build a more ergonomic tuba stand, receiving additional instruction in study design and statistics. The two are presenting their research and results at the Performing Arts Medicine Conference in New York City in July 2026.

Jack Earnhart ’25E (MA) guides certificate fellow Connor Higley in design and construction.

“This internship has given me the opportunity to go beyond the basic requirements and serve as a big launching point for new things – I’m doing so much hands-on work and learning so much through this process.” The position has inspired Higley to change his major from Tuba Performance to Music Teaching and Learning (MTL). “I’m much more excited about my career path now and none of it would have been possible without the Arts Leadership Certificate. MTL connects performance with education and research, it’s very interdisciplinary. As someone who already did two performance degrees, I’m excited to branch out and create a more robust career that includes even more of my interests. It’s been a very rewarding experience.”

Kaylynn Li, an undergraduate violinist, is focusing her internship efforts on chamber music with the bassoon and harp duo Hats + Heels. This chamber duo featuring IML’s own Blaire Koerner, bassoon and Rosanna Moore, harp, focuses on storytelling and education through innovative and theatrical performances. Li sought out this internship as a way to learn more about an independently run chamber group and is gaining skills she can take to her own chamber ensembles in the future beyond a university setting. “The biggest skill I’ve developed in this internship is learning how to advocate for myself, which I’ve been able to use throughout my classes and ensembles here at Eastman,” Li says.

Part of the storytelling aspect of Hats + Heel’s mission comes through their online series Tuneful Tales, a video production blending a new arrangement which has been paired with a legend, narrative, chronicle, poem, or even a piece of trivia from a variety of cultures. One project Li is looking forward to before the end of the semester is creating her own Tuneful Tales video. “Lots of the videos are about Irish heritage, since Rosanna lives there. They’ve encouraged me to dive into my own creativity and explore my heritage, so I’m making my video about Cantonese dim sum. The support I’m getting from them to explore my own voice in my work feels unique to this organization.”

Kaylynn Li shows off the digital media she is working with during the internship.

Master’s student Nicole Khouzami is bringing her efforts to the Gateways Festival Orchestra as their Digital Communications and Productions Intern. The Gateways Festival Orchestra is an ensemble of the Gateways Music Festival, a New York-based non-profit organization whose mission is to connect and support professional classical musicians of African descent and enlighten and inspire communities through the power of performance. “As a vocalist, I wanted to experience what it’s like to work with an orchestra and learn about the inner workings of an organization like Gateways. Additionally, as an underrepresented person in classical music, I really relate to and support their unique mission.” Khouzami has been able to observe the flexibility required of an employee in the nonprofit arts space and develop communication and time management skills, all from a remote position.

Khouzami also currently holds a part time position as the Operations Manager for Stratagem Artists after winning an IML Special Opportunity Grant to intern with the organization last summer. “It was really interesting to explore the management side of the industry, something I was less familiar with. It was a life-changing experience that has led to some amazing opportunities, including my current position. They were very open to me taking on responsibility, which is where growth as a professional happens,” she says. “We have so many skills that we learn from music other than just how to play – collaboration, discipline, time-management – they all can be applied to so many other disciplines. It’s made me feel more empowered to embrace these skills beyond just onstage and in the practice room.”

Interested in becoming a Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Certificate of Achievement Candidate? Applications for the next cohort open July 1, 2026.

Nicole Khouzami attends the Metropolitan Opera National Council Finals with the team from Strategem during an internship.

Peer Career Advising Session

arubin7 — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:50:22 +0000

Thursday, April 9, 2026

1:30 – 3:30 PM, IML Office

Join the IML’s Peer Career Advisors, Syara Robert and Caitlyn Babcock, for an open resume review session! Syara and Caitlyn will be available throughout the semester to meet with both undergraduate and graduate students to review resumes, CVs, and bios for any application that you’re preparing!

Open sessions occur on every Thursday of the week, 1:30 – 3:30 in the afternoon. No appointment necessary; just come by with your document.

If you aren’t free on a given week, don’t worry! The IML also offers a hassle-free online form where you can submit your resume or CV and receive personalized feedback from Syara or Caitlyn.

Sundoo “Syara” Robert (she/her) is a violist, composer, and arts leader whose work bridges performance, creativity, and community, and is currently pursuing an MM in viola performance. Caitlyn Babcock is a mezzo-soprano and educator who strives to have a lasting impact on audience members, students, and colleagues in her performances and mentorship. Caitlyn is pursuing an MM in vocal performance.

Our PCAs are excited to work with you and look forward to the conversations!

Syara Robert

Caitlyn Babcock

IML Tabling Event

Kristijan Bogdanovski — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 14:57:14 +0000

April 14, 2026

1:30 – 3:00 pm, Lowry Hall

Join student representatives from the Institute for Music Leadership to learn about the opportunities available to all students at Eastman through the IML. No registration required; just stop by our table to grab a coffee, talk, and find the resources and opportunities that support your goals!

Stop by our tabling event to learn more about the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Certificate of Achievement, IML Courses, Career Advising, and our grant programs!

All are welcome to connect during this time with questions, or just to chat!

S6E16 – Coming Together for Community with the Walker West Music Academy

jdunn — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Download the transcript: Coming Soon!

Season 6, Episode 16: Coming Together for Community with the Walker West Music Academy

In this episode, Jeff chats with Earl Ross, a teaching artist at the Walker West Music Academy. The Walker West Music Academy creates a music learning community rooted in the African American cultural experience, where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to explore, perform, and grow through music. Earl is the founder and artistic director of the Kamionge Strings, whose project “Stringocracy!” was the recipient of a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research grant. Earl is joined by Mukuhi, a student in the program, and together they discuss the history of the Academy, the impact in the community, and how dialogue and collaboration affect both the musical and extramusical experience.

Host: Jeff Dunn

Guest: Earl Ross, Mukuhi

Mixing, Mastering: Ash Mach

Artwork: Luke Juntunen

Music: Will Jae

Learn More about the Walker West Music Academy

Contact Jeff with questions, comments, or ideas for new episodes.

Amplifying Young Voices with Disabilities: Interplay Orchestra

jdunn — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:48:18 +0000

Interplay Orchestra is breaking new ground by launching a Youth Program for children and teens with disabilities. Winners of the spring 2026 Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant, the program empowers young musicians to develop their skills, build confidence, and shine on stage.

Interplay Orchestra, a pioneering ensemble dedicated to inclusivity in music, has been awarded a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research (PRJC) Grant to launch its first-ever Youth Program. For 36 years, Interplay has provided adult musicians with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities the opportunity to engage in high-quality music education, performance, and social connection. With this new initiative, Interplay will extend its transformative model to children and teens, addressing a critical gap in the greater Washington, D.C., area’s music community.

Founded to celebrate the abilities of adult musicians with disabilities, Interplay Orchestra meets weekly at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland, and virtually via Zoom. Its members experience a safe, welcoming, and creatively challenging environment where they can grow as musicians while fostering social bonds and self-expression. Interplay has long emphasized the power of music to build community, advocate for inclusion, and showcase talent, not disability.

The Youth Program will offer ensemble-based music instruction for children and teens with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities, beginning with percussion and eventually expanding to woodwind, brass, and string instruments. Participants will benefit from structured rehearsals led by professional musicians and music educators, supported by student and adult volunteers known as “Bandaides.” The program emphasizes socialization, confidence, and belonging, giving young musicians the opportunity to develop their skills collaboratively and demonstrate their abilities in public performances.

What sets Interplay’s approach apart is its focus on artistic and educational outcomes rather than therapeutic ones. While participation naturally provides emotional and social benefits, the Youth Program is not a music therapy program. Instead, students rehearse as a full ensemble, build musicianship, and experience the expectations and pride of preparing for performances. This performance-centered, community-based model promotes teamwork, self-expression, and inclusion while highlighting each participant’s talent.

The Youth Program represents a significant innovation in the Washington, D.C., area, where no other extracurricular program offers affordable, inclusive, group-based music instruction for youth across such a wide age range. By extending Interplay’s 36-year legacy to a younger generation, the program aims to cultivate lifelong engagement in music and create a space where young musicians with disabilities are celebrated first and foremost as artists.

Through this PRJC-supported initiative, Interplay Orchestra continues its mission to demonstrate the power of music to inspire, empower, and connect people of all abilities, while shaping a future in which inclusion, creativity, and talent are central to the arts.

The Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research (PRJC) Grant provides funding for research and innovative projects in music. The next grant cycle for all U.S.-based musicians and musical arts organizations is due on October 1, 2026, offering awards ranging from $5,000–$10,000. Learn more and apply on the PRJC Website.

Emily Park, Executive Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Interplay Orchestra

S6E15 – Collaboration, Creation, and Contemporary Percussion with Pax Duo

arubin7 — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Download the transcript: Coming Soon!

Season 6, Episode 15: Collaboration, Creation, and Contemporary Percussion with Pax Duo

In this episode, Jeff chats with Tristan Swihart ’21E and Micah Detweiler about pax duo: a dynamic new percussion project that aims to break preconceptions of contemporary percussion through collaboration and new creation of genre bending works. Tristan and Micah discuss their personal journeys and the inspiration for this ensemble, along with their other professional ventures and projects. The guests offer their insights and recommendations for those interested in professional chamber music, building a network in a new location, and starting ventures post-graduation.

Host: Jeff Dunn

Guest: Tristan Swihart ’21E and Micah Detweiler

Mixing, Mastering: Jeff Dunn

Artwork: Luke Juntunen

Music: Will Jae

Learn more about Tristan Swihart

Learn more about Micah Detweiler

Contact Jeff with questions, comments, or ideas for new episodes.

S6E14: Founding a Festival with Scott Lykins ’09E, ’11E (MM) and John Taylor Ward ’10E

arubin7 — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:05:15 +0000

Download the transcript: Coming Soon!

Season 6, Episode 14: Founding a Festival with Scott Lykins ’09E, ’11E (MM) and John Taylor Ward ’10E

In this episode, Jeff chats with Scott Lykins and John Taylor Ward about their journey in creating the Lakes Area Music Festival. Scott and Taylor are co-founders of the festival, which began as small performances between semesters at Eastman, and has now grown into a summer of performances in central Minnesota featuring over 250 artists. Scott and John discuss the evolution of the festival, the ways it’s impact their journey, and share advice for those with similar interests and goals.

Host: Jeff Dunn

Guest: Scott Lykins ’09E, ’11E (MM) and John Taylor Ward ’10E

Mixing, Mastering: Jeff Dunn

Artwork: Luke Juntunen

Music: Will Jae

Learn more about Scott Lykins

Learn more about John Taylor Ward

Contact Jeff with questions, comments, or ideas for new episodes.

S6E13 – A Flutist’s Journey to Wall Street with Justin Berrie ’02E

arubin7 — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:49:07 +0000

Download the transcript: Coming Soon!

Season 6, Episode 13: A Flutist’s Journey to Wall Street with Justin Berrie ’02E

In this episode, Jeff chats with Justin Berrie about his journey as both a flutist and investment professional. Justin describes his pursuit of an orchestral career, his experiences with Symphonica Arturo Toscanini and the St. Louis Symphony among other orchestras as a substitute, and the realizations that encouraged him to alter his path. Justin details how he entered the investment business and the lessons he learned about leveraging the skills he developed at Eastman.

Host: Jeff Dunn

Guest: Justin Berrie

Mixing, Mastering: Jeff Dunn

Artwork: Luke Juntunen

Music: Will Jae

Learn more about Justin Berrie

Contact Jeff with questions, comments, or ideas for new episodes.

S6E12 – Creating Opportunity for Cultural Ambassadorship with Rena Kraut

arubin7 — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:43:35 +0000

Download the transcript: Coming Soon!

Season 6, Episode 12: Creating Opportunity for Cultural Ambassadorship with Rena Kraut

In this episode, Rachel Roberts chats with Rena Kraut, the Executive Director of CAYO. Through a successful career as a freelance clarinetist and educator, Rena had a pivotal experience in Cuba that encouraged her to create this cultural partnership between musicians in the US and Cuba. Rena shares this experience, more about the weeklong visits to Cuba, and the lessons learned through these opportunities for musicians to connect.

Host: Rachel Roberts

Guest: Rena Kraut

Mixing, Mastering: Jeff Dunn

Artwork: Luke Juntunen

Music: Will Jae

Learn more about Rena Kraut

Contact Jeff with questions, comments, or ideas for new episodes.

S6E11 – Developing Programs and Audiences with Angela Rubin

arubin7 — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:26:33 +0000

Download the transcript: Coming Soon!

Season 6, Episode 11: Developing Programs and Audiences with Angela Rubin

In this episode, Jeff chats with Angela Rubin, a violist, scholar, and educator who was the first recipient of the AMP Up grant. Angela discusses her recital program, musical goals, and approach to programming repertoire by female composers not originally for the viola. Angela shares her marketing approach that won the grant funding, and the lessons learned through executing her project.

Host: Jeff Dunn

Guest: Angela Rubin

Mixing, Mastering: Jeff Dunn

Artwork: Luke Juntunen

Music: Will Jae

Learn more about Angela Rubin

Contact Jeff with questions, comments, or ideas for new episodes.