Such a good article. Thank you. I was at ESM 90-94 and experienced similar issues. I would have hoped that things were better 30 years later. Your story is depressingly familiar. The administration gives the people creating the problems free rein. Meanwhile, your only option is to leave. I was just looking at the list of faculty and noting all of the people involved in the music leadership program—ironic that the school claims to educate musical leaders.
Reading this, I thought back to my own time at Eastman and the treatment I received from a certain member of the conducting faculty as a female double bassist. As an undergraduate student, I didn't know how to manage or navigate it, and my studio faculty did little to support me. I have some strong feelings about the administration and their lack of support for students. I hope that new administration can do better, as I gave up on Dean Rossi years ago. Thank you for sharing this and for pushing back. ESM '06 Double Bass
I have had some (are they relevant-oh they're not as horrible as other people's experiences-yes they're relevant) events from my undergrad years at Eastman on the top of my mind these past several weeks.
Hi Rebecca, I’m so sorry to read what you’ve experienced while at ESM. I graduated in '02, DMA (orchestral conducting). Please reach out when time permits.
As an Eastman grad (1986) this is very sad to read. I had a terrible experience with my primary teacher as an undergrad - no sexual harassment but plenty of degrading and sarcastic comments. I learned nothing but fear and loathing in my one year of study with Verne Reynolds (horn). My impression was that Eastman admins knew about his bad behavior, but chose to do nothing about it. Sad to hear that nothing has changed.
Rebecca, thank you for publishing this. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and I am so righteously furious that so little has changed since my own career began mumble mumble decades ago. I hope to have the opportunity to play for you someday. May we all break free from this rampant misogyny soon.
Thank you for this. Nail on head
Great post, Rebecca! Thank you for sharing. I will share it!
Thank you for your bravery. So brave. Thanks.
I am so sorry, Rebecca. You are a warrior.
What did this guy do exactly? I noticed an extreme lack of specificity..
Such a good article. Thank you. I was at ESM 90-94 and experienced similar issues. I would have hoped that things were better 30 years later. Your story is depressingly familiar. The administration gives the people creating the problems free rein. Meanwhile, your only option is to leave. I was just looking at the list of faculty and noting all of the people involved in the music leadership program—ironic that the school claims to educate musical leaders.
Reading this, I thought back to my own time at Eastman and the treatment I received from a certain member of the conducting faculty as a female double bassist. As an undergraduate student, I didn't know how to manage or navigate it, and my studio faculty did little to support me. I have some strong feelings about the administration and their lack of support for students. I hope that new administration can do better, as I gave up on Dean Rossi years ago. Thank you for sharing this and for pushing back. ESM '06 Double Bass
I have had some (are they relevant-oh they're not as horrible as other people's experiences-yes they're relevant) events from my undergrad years at Eastman on the top of my mind these past several weeks.
Hi Rebecca, I’m so sorry to read what you’ve experienced while at ESM. I graduated in '02, DMA (orchestral conducting). Please reach out when time permits.
Thank you for sharing this. These are issues that are never truly addressed by admin at Eastman, despite concerns being brought up year after year.
Very, very well-written. A pragmatic guide for those of us fortunate enough to have not walked this road.
(ESM BM’12)
As an Eastman grad (1986) this is very sad to read. I had a terrible experience with my primary teacher as an undergrad - no sexual harassment but plenty of degrading and sarcastic comments. I learned nothing but fear and loathing in my one year of study with Verne Reynolds (horn). My impression was that Eastman admins knew about his bad behavior, but chose to do nothing about it. Sad to hear that nothing has changed.
Rebecca, thank you for publishing this. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and I am so righteously furious that so little has changed since my own career began mumble mumble decades ago. I hope to have the opportunity to play for you someday. May we all break free from this rampant misogyny soon.
Thank you thank you thank you