2026 – Institute for Music Leadership

Brandon Berlanga: Blacktop Percussion at the 2026 Oh My Ears Festival

arubin7 — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:50:42 +0000

Percussionist Brandon Berlanga (‘25E) won a Special Opportunity Grant to take his trio, Blacktop Percussion, to the Oh My Ears Festival in Phoenix, AZ for a performance. The experience was the trio’s first performance outside of Eastman, allowed Berlanga to premiere a new work, and proved to be a valuable learning experience for their development as musicians and arts administrators. “After performing, I’ve gained a new sense of confidence and insight that I believe is critical to my career as a percussionist, chamber musician, and composer. I’m grateful for the support of the Institute for Music Leadership for making this all happen!”

Joyce Tseng: A first-of-its-kind Pedagogical Resource for Advanced Violists and Emerging Educators

arubin7 — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:09:11 +0000

While violin technique literature is extensive, comparable resources for the viola are limited. As a result, advanced violists and educators often rely on violin-based materials, even though the viola presents distinct physical demands related to size, string tension, response, and ergonomics. Most existing viola methods present technique through a single approach and are written as linear method books, making it difficult for players and early-career teachers to quickly identify and address specific technical issues. This project proposes the creation of a first-of-its-kind diagnostic guide for advanced viola technique. Instead of promoting a single technical system, the book will be organized around 77 common technical symptoms experienced by violists. Each entry will describe the problem, identify underlying causes, and present multiple solutions drawn from eight established schools of string pedagogy (including Auer, Flesch, Galamian, Rolland, Delay, Fischer, Primrose, Tuttle).

Nathanael Kumar: American Brass Press, LLC

arubin7 — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:05:42 +0000

American Brass Press, LLC is a digital-first publishing company dedicated to low-brass repertoire, owned by Nathanael Kumar. Created in response to limitations within the traditional publishing industry, the company emphasizes efficient communication, high-quality engraving, and equitable compensation for composers. Focused specifically on trombone, tuba, and euphonium music, American Brass Press prioritizes works by composers and arrangers from underrepresented backgrounds. In addition to publishing, the company reinvests a portion of its revenue into commissioning new works and organizing annual consortia, supporting the creation of diverse and innovative repertoire. Through these efforts, American Brass Press aims to expand access, improve industry practices, and contribute to a more inclusive and representative future for low-brass music.

Interplay Orchestra’s Youth Program

arubin7 — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:20:35 +0000

Interplay Orchestra has been awarded a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant to launch its Youth Program, an initiative designed to provide children and teens with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities with inclusive opportunities for music education and performance. Founded 36 years ago, Interplay Orchestra is a fully inclusive ensemble of adult musicians with disabilities, dedicated to enriching the lives of its members through weekly rehearsals at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland, and virtually via Zoom. Interplay’s Youth Program will extend Interplay’s inclusive model to young musicians, offering ensemble-based instruction in percussion, and eventually woodwind, brass, and string instruments. Beyond building musical skills, the program emphasizes socialization, confidence, and belonging, providing young participants with the chance to perform publicly and demonstrate their abilities. Unlike a traditional music therapy program, Interplay’s Youth Program prioritizes artistic and educational outcomes, preparing students for public performances and fostering lifelong engagement in music. This initiative addresses a significant gap in the greater Washington, D.C., area, offering an affordable, inclusive, and performance-focused ensemble experience for youth with disabilities.

Voice, Opera & Vocal Coaching: Tom Cipullo

jdunn — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:27:46 +0000

Composer Tom Cipullo was in residence at Eastman from Feb 21-25. He met with the artistic staff of Finger Lakes Opera (FLO) to discuss his opera Glory Denied, part of FLO’s 2026 season, and presented a masterclass and Q&A open to VOVC and Composition areas. Tom provided individual advising at the IML as part of the 2026 Eastman Career Week, and provided individual coachings of vocal works with students in VOVC and Accompanying areas. Finally, Tom provided coachings for collaborations presented on Alison d’Amato’s Faculty Artist Recital during his visit.

Chamber Music: Decoda Ensemble

jdunn — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:02:01 +0000

Three members of the Decoda Ensemble: Catherine Gregory (flute), Claire Bryant (cello), and David Kaplan (piano), spent two full days at Eastman accomplishing different tasks for various audiences. They first recorded a podcast for the Institute Leadership, then presented a lecture called: “Music of Transformation: Collaborative Songwriting Workshops in Prisons” in Howard Hanson Hall. The lecture, which included several videos, introduced attendees to the Ensemble’s 12-year-old program in a South Carolina high-security prison for men. In the evening, the Decoda members did two back-to-back mock elementary school presentations for our Chamber Music students as part of the Music For All kick-off event. Decoda used various tools and the concept of engaging the audience with gradually more involved activities. After each mock presentation, students were asked to describe what they had seen / heard and how those tools helped engage with children. On the second day, Decoda members met with ALP students individually to discuss careers and anything students wanted to talk about. This was followed by a workshop / masterclass where a woodwind quintet (HANDS) worked with Decoda on finding an approach (entry point) for Barber’s “Summer Music” that would engage with audiences. the Narnia Trio did a mock elementary school presentation and received very helpful feedback from Decoda which stressed the importance of focusing on the music and using elements of the piece for everything (introducing the instruments, musical concepts, etc.).