Just finished listening to eight fantastic final projects from these incredible musicians in my Contemporary Style Composition class. And so ends my first year teaching at @eastman.school . I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start. These folks were amazing - adventurous, endlessly creative, and supportive of each other. I hope they learned half as much from me as I learned from them. I can’t wait to hear their music out in the world.
SCHOOL NEWS | Eastman is launching a NEW Bachelor of Music in Music Creation & Technology, designed for the next generation of artists working at the intersection of music and innovation!
From electronic production and sound design to DJing, recording, and building new musical tools, this program blends creativity, technology, and critical thinking to prepare students to shape the future of music.
Led by Associate Professor Dennis DeSantis (former Head of Music Learning at Ableton), the program kicks off in Fall 2027 and will be housed in a state-of-the-art, 6,000 sq.ft. collaborative facility.
Learn more about the program at the link in our bio!
We are excited to announce the FIRST Eastman Summer Music Production Institute! 💥 This one-week program (July 19–24, 2026) is designed for high school students with some Ableton Live experience who are ready to level up. Participants will explore sound design, composition, mixing, and performance; take part in private lessons, master classes, and discussions; and perform the music they create while here.
This institute is led by Associate Professor of Music and Technology Dennis DeSantis ’05E (DMA)—former Head of Music Learning at Ableton—alongside guest faculty Erin Barra (Arizona State University).
Applications are rolling and spots are sure to fill up fast! Apply today by visiting the link in bio or summer.esm.rochester.edu! #EastmanSummer
Pro tip: the rubberized coating on Push 2 (and lots of other electronics) will break down into a sticky mess over time. 90% isopropyl alcohol, a magic eraser (or two), paper towels, and a lot of grinding can fix it.
FACULTY APPOINTMENT: JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY MEDIA | We’re thrilled to welcome Dennis DeSantis ‘05E (DMA) to Eastman as the Associate Professor of Music and Technology — a brand new position!
DeSantis is a composer, percussionist, sound designer, author, and educator. An Eastman alum and previous Head of Music Learning at Ableton, one of the world’s leading music software companies, DeSantis brings a wealth of experience to this role. He’ll begin teaching in fall 2025 and will be integral in developing programs and initiatives as part of the University of Rochester’s SoundSpace — a newly announced collaborative center intersecting music, science, and engineering.
“I’m really excited to come back to Eastman,” shares DeSantis. “My time as an Eastman student gave me so many answers, but it also gave me the confidence to keep asking questions.
Full press release is linked in bio! 🔗
