School Highlights: Top Achievements of 2024
Music Schools Shine in 2024
In the realm of music education, 2024 was a year of exceptional achievements and milestones for some of the world's most esteemed music schools. Let's delve into the highlights from Baylor University School of Music, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, and the International School of Music (ISM) in Bethesda.
Baylor University School of Music
The year began with a bang for Baylor, as their ensemble's release of Divine Mischief on the Signum Classics label garnered major recognition. Accompanied by a regional tour, the album's success was a testament to the school's musical prowess. The Baylor Opera completed an award-winning year with the production of Monsieur et Madame Denis. Students also made their mark, winning Baylor’s Semper Pro Musica Competitions and performing at prestigious venues in New York City and Fort Worth. Notable faculty updates included McLean joining full-time, and the retirement announcement of Dean Mortenson. A busy schedule of high-profile concerts was planned for celebration in late 2024.
Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
Individual student achievements were abundant at Eastman. Maeve Berry, for instance, was appointed Resident Artist Pianist at the Pittsburgh Opera and a fellow at prestigious programs like the Toronto Summer Music Academy and Cincinnati Song Initiative Fellowship. Eastman students and alumni secured academic and teaching appointments at notable institutions such as University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Northern Arizona University, Oberlin College, and Technische Universität Dortmund. Awards were received in competitions, teaching, and research, with Eastman students and faculty demonstrating scholarly involvement through publications in respected music theory journals and presentations.
International School of Music (ISM) in Bethesda
ISM continued its tradition of excellence, winning awards like “Best for Music Lessons” by U.S. Business Awards twenty years running. The school has sustained this excellence since 2004, providing music education to thousands of families. ISM offers extensive lessons covering a wide range of instruments and music theory, supporting a broad community of learners.
While no new accreditations or facility openings were mentioned in available information up to mid-2025 for these schools, notable events include award-winning recordings, prestigious fellowships, faculty changes, and celebrations marking academic and artistic excellence.
- At the International School of Music (ISM) in Bethesda, the focus on sustainable living and education and self-development was evident, as they continued to win accolades like "Best for Music Lessons" for their holistic home-and-garden approach to teaching, offering comprehensive learning opportunities for students of various ages.
- In an effort to promote sustainable-living practices and online-education, Baylor University School of Music launched an innovative program providing students with tools for creating eco-friendly home-and-garden spaces, blending their lifestyle with their education.
- As part of their commitment to ensuring the continuous growth and development of students, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, introduced a new course on "Sustainable Living for Musicians," designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for navigating their careers while maintaining an eco-conscious home-and-garden lifestyle.
