ESLC Artists-in-Residence

In 2017, Valley Manor and the Eastman School of Music formed an inspirational and innovative partnership between students and residents. The program, dubbed Artist-in-Residence, provides housing to graduate and doctoral students in exchange for a modest rent. The residency lasts for one academic year, during which the student offers monthly performances and honors special performance requests when it fits into their busy schedule. Students are also encouraged to take part in any aspect of community life and enjoy all the amenities, including meals with residents. This program has been so successful and enjoyable at Valley Manor that ESLC extended it to River Edge Manor in 2022. We are thrilled that the program is continuing for the 2024/2025 academic year and excited to introduce Katherine (Kit) Cheng and Andrew Johnson as this year’s Artists-in-Residence!

Valley Manor has welcomed Katherine (Kit) Cheng as their 2024/2025 Artist-in-Residence. Katherine is a highly accomplished violinist, earning recognition for her advanced education and contributions to classical music. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Music Arts at the Eastman School of Music, she has already completed a Master of Music at Yale and a Bachelor of Music at Juilliard. Her teaching career includes roles as a Secondary Lesson Instructor at Eastman, Chamber Music Fellow at Green Mountain, and Teaching Artist at Yale, along with private instruction. Katherine’s performance career is vast and includes roles as Concertmaster and Associate Concertmaster in ensembles like the Mostly Modern Festival and the Eastman Symphony Orchestra. She is fluent in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.

This year’s River Edge Manor artist, Andrew Johnson, is a distinguished organist pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree at the Eastman School of Music. Andrew, a native of Bloomington, Illinois, brings an impressive background to the role. He holds a Master of Music degree and a graduate performance diploma from the Peabody Conservatory and earned his Bachelor of Music degree, summa cum laude, from Illinois Wesleyan University. His studies have been guided by renowned instructors, including David Higgs, Daniel Aune, and John Walker. In addition to his academic pursuits, Andrew serves as the assistant organist at Christ Church in Rochester and has held similar positions at churches in Maryland and Illinois. He is also active in the American Guild of Organists, where he chairs the National Committee for Career Development and Support. Johnson has received multiple awards for his performances and research, including the prestigious S. Lewis Elmer Award in 2023.

Residents at River Edge Manor and Valley Manor are looking forward to getting to know each Artist-in-Residence throughout the year as they share their passion for music and the vibrant cultural life of their communities.