Students also may participate in other ensemble courses in wind chamber music, Jazz Ensemble, Studio Orchestra, or Musica Nova. Many applied instrumental teachers have ensemble classes such as the Trombone Choir, Horn Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, Tuba Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. In addition to private lessons and ensemble activities for the applied music major, the School offers courses in theory, literature, music history, piano, composition, and conducting. A wide range of courses in the humanities, both at the Eastman School and at the University of Rochester's River Campus, is also available. The department frequently sponsors master classes by visiting artists.
Most students play several solo recitals during their undergraduate years.
Graduate studies leading to the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in performance and literature are designed to prepare the graduate student for a career in performing and teaching at the college level. The flexibility of the degree programs allows the student to choose courses based on individual interests and needs. High levels of performing ability and scholarship must be demonstrated for admission. Through the Master of Music degree program in performance and literature, a student may develop as a woodwinds specialist. Rather than concentrating applied music study on one instrument, the student works toward major proficiency on two woodwind instruments and secondary proficiency on three others.