2023 – Institute for Music Leadership

Madelin Morales: Lincoln Center Internship

Blaire Koerner — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:38:50 +0000

Madelin Morales, a Voice major alumnus at the Eastman School of Music and Business minor at the University of Rochester, interned in the President’s Office at Lincoln Center. There, she gained firsthand experience with nonprofit arts administration, including board governance and executive operations. Thanks to grant funding, Madelin applied her Arts Leadership Certificate of Achievement training in real time, supporting board meetings, attending donor galas, and engaging with high-level strategy. Madelin noted: “This opportunity allowed me to engage directly with the executive-level operations of a major arts nonprofit. From supporting Board of Directors meetings to attending donor galas, I was able to apply my Certificate training in real time, in a setting that brought everything I’ve learned into sharper focus.”

Ian Briffa: The American Saxophone Academy

Blaire Koerner — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:34:39 +0000

As an undergraduate student in Saxophone Performance at the Eastman School of Music, Ian Briffa was awarded the Special Opportunity Grant, which enabled him to attend the American Saxophone Academy. This transformative experience gave Ian the opportunity to study with renowned artists and explore a wide range of pedagogical approaches. Under the guidance of Professor Koffman, Ian uncovered a critical link between elbow tension and a previous wrist injury. Addressing this issue not only alleviated his physical discomfort but also resulted in a marked improvement in his tone quality and sound production. Reflecting on his experience, Ian shared, “My time at the American Saxophone Academy not only introduced me to new saxophone pedagogy, but also to a national network of musicians and teachers. I’m incredibly grateful for the Special Opportunity Grant, which allowed me to build lasting connections, friendships, and musical experiences that will stay with me throughout my career.”

Hannah Reich, Dykeem Cervantes, and Joyce Tseng – Rochester Summer Opera Company Manager

jstumpf3 — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:32:50 +0000

Students Hannah Reich, Dykeem Cervantes, and Joyce Tseng were thrilled to be able to work closely with the Rochester Summer Opera (RSO) CEO, Anna Lousie Martin, during the Summer of 2023. Founded in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, RSO aims to create free experiential learning opportunities for Eastman Voice & Opera students. In an effort to expand their knowledge of non-profit management, administrative work, grant writing, and networking with corporate sponsorship candidates, these three students worked in a hybrid environment (remotely and in-person) to expand their diverse skill sets. While each student directed their focus to their different interests (marketing and social media, non-profit management, and general behind-the-scenes support) the experience provided by the mentorship at the RSO was unmatched and have provided these individuals with the invaluable knowledge they need to navigate their individual paths in the arts industry.

Zoe Markle – Evolution: Classical 2023

jstumpf3 — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:24:32 +0000

Zoe Markle found their involvement at the Banff Centre’s Evolution Classical 2023 program to be an unexpected journey of growth, both musically and personally. Led by the Gryphon Trio, Evolution: Classical brings participants together with international performing artists, thought leaders, and creative innovators. As a community they work towards creating a series of collaborative, curated final performances, and in the process explore the challenges and choices that musicians encounter as they continue to develop their artistic practice and pursue career advancement. For Markle, the most powerful aspect of this program were the genuine relationships she cultivated with like-minded colleagues and industry professionals; they became mentors and potential collaborators. Over the course of their attendance, Markle faced unexpected challenges, all of which they mention, have prepared them for the unpredictability of a career in music and have instilled in them resilience and versatility that will be essential in navigating the field. Beyond honing musical skills, it encouraged Markle to welcome new and transformative experiences, of which they cannot recommend enough.

“Evolution Classical 2023 was more than a program—it was an initiation into the multifaceted world of a professional musician. To any aspiring musician seeking a transformative experience, I cannot recommend it enough!”

Reggie Bowens – 15th Annual Jazz Education Network Conference

jstumpf3 — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:21:09 +0000

Reggie Bowens had a spectacular time at the 2024 Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference, as part of his Spring 2024 ALP Grant opportunity. An educational and performance nonprofit founded in 2008, JEN is a program dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance and developing new audiences. Bowens’ intention of shaping their personal brand and preparing for a life and career in arts leadership and the music industry, was wonderfully complimented and supported at the JEN Conference. In conversation with industry professionals, Bowens reflected that through networking at such a prestigious conference, their perspective of being an entrepreneur has reshaped their approach to the performance community tremendously. A business owner, freelance composer, arranger, performer, and educator, Bowens was excited to attend the educational sessions at JEN on vocal health, inclusion, technology, research, and pedagogy so that his return as teacher in the classroom after his Eastman studies will be far more well informed about current practises and insights into the music industry.

“Attending the 2024 Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference was one of the highlights of my Winter Recess. In addition to enjoying the flavorful cuisine of the region, I made many meaningful connections with amazing professionals, including Alison Crockett and Bailey Havnes. I was also reintroduced to John Clayton and Tia Fuller, ran into Darmon Meader of the New York Voices. and attended the African American Jazz Caucus (AAJC) events, for which I am also becoming a member. The networking was incredible and I am forever grateful to have experienced JEN, and attended many workshops to further my career and professional development.”

Floris Van der Veken – XIX World Saxophone Congress 2023

jstumpf3 — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:14:16 +0000

Floris Van der Veken, a DMA student and Arts Leadership Certificate of Achievement candidate, was awarded Special Opportunity Grant to attend the Impuls Festival, the 14th International Ensemble and Composers Academy for Contemporary Music. At the festival, Floris engaged in meaningful collaborations, built an international network of peers, and participated in in-depth discussions on contemporary music and the evolving landscape of the music industry.

Reflecting on the experience, Floris highlighted the opportunity to explore career development with renowned saxophonist Marcus Weiss, delving into both the practicalities of running a contemporary music ensemble and the potential of interdisciplinary artistic collectives. The Impuls Festival offered a unique and intimate window into today’s new music scene, enabling Floris to connect with leading voices in the field, an experience made possible through the support of the Special Opportunity Grant.

Catharine Baek: Kent Blossom Music Festival

jstumpf3 — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:08:19 +0000

Catherine Baek invested their time during the Summer of 2023 to complete an internship with the Kent Blossom Music Festival, based in Cleveland, Ohio. Baek set out with a desire to understand the importance of finding balance in a highly organizational and leadership driven environment, while understanding that those skills must coexist with their demanding routine as a performing artist. While in residence at KBMF, it was insightful for Baek to witness the elements which bridge together a higher institution (Kent State), presenting institution (Blossom Music Center), and a tier one orchestra (The Cleveland Orchestra). Baek’s understanding of the partnerships and collaboration between different bureaucratic bodies with various goals was subsequently deepened. A festival proud of promoting a rich community history, Baek engaged in conversation with the director and staff, discussing the advantages of long-standing education and community engagement, and how strong outreach can effectively engage local community members. This opportunity with KMBF was powerful for Baek, and has given them alternative perspectives in equity and inclusion, education, and archival work in arts organizations; an important approach that fosters a stronger holistic picture of what it takes to run a multi-level organization.

Kayla Sconiers – Finger Lakes Opera

jstumpf3 — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:04:10 +0000

Kayla Sconiers dedicated her Summer 2023 internship with the Rochester Finger Lakes Opera Company to understanding the professional creation and production of opera as approached through a diverse and cultural lens. An organization which prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion in their programming, work environment, and outreach initiatives, the Finger Lakes Opera supported Sconiers’ career aspirations as she continues to set out to be a figure of black and female representation in spaces which historically have maintained barriers for individuals in similar circumstances. In interview and collaboration with industry professionals, Sconiers’ made huge strides in her own professional development, particularly as relates to programming and planning, and managing donations within artistic spaces. The supportive environment that the Finger Lakes Opera shared with Sconiers, was instrumental in allowing her the flexibility to be creative, and eventually led her to spearhead new ideas and programming initiatives which continue to have impacts within the arts communities and primarily within The Black Student’s Union.

“What goes on on-stage is just as important as what goes on behind the scenes. From event-planning to fundraising, everything is done with care and value that is beneficial to everyone. The Finger Lakes Opera Company has taught me that!”

Uday Singh – Trip to Zurich to Interview Industry Professionals

jstumpf3 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:56:44 +0000

Uday Singh traveled to Zurich, Switzerland in the Fall of 2023 to enhance his understanding of the music industry and its responsibilities as explored through conversation and interview with industry professionals. Situated near Zurich University of the Arts for the duration of his experience, Singh immersed himself within the Swiss arts community, a core of richness which spans the disciplines of Arts Education, Design, Film, Fine Arts, Music, and Theatre. Interested in the diverse and unique pathways that are constructed and approached within the music industry, Singh sought to define and determine the carefully curated careers which so often navigate a grey area between teaching, administration, and performance. In discussion with musicians, educators and arts specialists – Lars Mlekusch, Lucas Niggli, Joan Jordi Oliver, and Harry White – Singh collected a cohort of industry knowledge which will act as an impetus from which he can confidently move towards his goal of being an active voice in the new music world, both on and off the stage. He is excited to capitalize on what he has learned from his time in Zurich, Switzerland, and share his findings with interested colleagues, those similar to himself.

Mark Watters: Kendall Nesbitt Residency

jdunn — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 18:45:00 +0000

Grammy-nominated musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, Kendall Nesbitt is one of America’s most sought-after musicians. To date, Kendall has assisted in completing 50+ gold and multi-platinum albums for some of the world’s greatest artists R. Kelly, Jay Z, Britney Spears, and Jennifer Lopez. Kendall spent a multi-day residency at Eastman in collaboration with the George Walker Center, where he worked with students in the Beal Institute, and presented an open Q&A about his experience with “cancel culture.”