Beginning on October 16th, join us at the IML office for our open Peer Career Advising sessions every Thursday at 2:35-3:25pm! Drop in to review your resume, CV, and bio with our Peer Career Advisors, Syara Robert and Caitlyn Babcock. Learn more about Syara and Caitlyn below!
Syara Robert:
Sundoo “Syara” Robert (she/her) is a violist, composer, and arts leader whose work bridges performance, creativity, and community. Known for her expressive sound and curiosity-driven artistry, Syara performs as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborator in both classical and contemporary music. She has appeared with the University of Texas at Arlington Symphony Orchestra and the UNT Orchestral Institute, presenting works by Walton, Bartók, and Hindemith.
A passionate chamber musician, Syara has recently held fellowships at Spoleto Festival USA, Sarasota Music Festival, and the Heifetz Institute’s Ashkenasi/Kirshbaum Chamber Seminar, in addition to Domaine Forget, Orford Music Academy, Green Mountain, PRISMA, Colorado College, and Toronto Summer Music. In 2024, she was selected for the Windwood Music Festival in Airdrie, Alberta as an Artist Resident, where she presented her recital “Romantic Ambitions: A Woman’s Journey” for the Bethany Airdrie Health Center as part of the ADP Summer Family Olympic events for individuals with dementia. During the festival, she also participated in outreach projects designed to connect music with the wider community.
At the Eastman School of Music, Syara is pursuing a Master of Music in Performance under the tutelage of Phillip Ying, with additional studies from George Taylor. She performs with ensembles including the Eastman Philharmonia, Musica Nova, OSSIA, and the DaVinci Trio, featured in the Honors Chamber Music Recital. Beyond the stage, she works as a Peer Career Advisor for Eastman’s Institute for Music Leadership, guiding fellow musicians in shaping their professional paths, and is an intern with the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center, where she explores the intersections of health, wellness, and the arts.
Syara’s education includes degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington, the Conservatoire de Montréal, and the University of Ottawa, as well as a graduate certificate in composition from Humber College. Her previous teachers include Michael Van der Sloot, Jocelyne Bastien, and. Catherine Forbes. She continues to expand her career by blending performance, composition, and community engagement to create meaningful connections through music.
Caitlyn Babcock:
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. During her undergraduate years, Caitlyn was a soloist and section leader in her school’s premier choir, The Choir of the West, and was regularly seen in principal roles in her school’s operas. She also served as a teaching assistant for multiple courses and taught at a local children’s theater educating young singers from ages 8-18.
Her previous leadership experience includes her work as president of the campus opera club and as a teaching assistant for PLUS 100, her school’s freshman college success course. As president, Caitlyn organized bi-annual student trips to Seattle Opera to be able to watch high quality opera in premium seats that were financially accessible to college students. Her college success course section, specifically designed for intended voice music majors, involved mentoring new students in one-on-one and group sessions. Subjects included everything from study tips for music core curriculum, class scheduling, and job resources including auditions and resumes.
Caitlyn currently holds a bachelor’s in music from Pacific Lutheran University in vocal performance with a minor in dance. Outside of music she is an avid sourdough baker and thrift shopper. She is very excited to work with her fellow students as a PCA!
The Institute for Music Leadership creates career and leadership development opportunities for musicians on and off the stage. Stay tuned to the IML website for more information about the PCA schedule, upcoming events, and more!