Education & Outreach

Our Music, Our Community

Serving the community has been a top priority of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra since its founding in 1922. George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak Company and the world-renowned Eastman School of Music, believed that all Rochester residents could experience musical learning throughout their lives, from pre-school through college and beyond.  

This dedication to life-long learning continues today. Each season, the RPO presents nearly 50 concerts and more than 200 related events that serve a diverse population totaling approximately 100,000 children and adults. Our programs are comprehensive in their content and most are offered free of charge to the participants. The education department offers RPO musicians and community educators an opportunity to assist in the design of our programs to ensure that they address appropriate New York State Learning Standards and meet the needs of the community.

The mission of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Education Department is to increase the appreciation for and understanding of a broad range of symphonic music by presenting quality education and outreach programs to people of all ages within the Greater Rochester Area.

We do this by developing relationships between the RPO and its community, serving as a resource for music educators, encouraging participation in music making, advocating the value of music education, and promoting lifelong learning in the arts.