Program Overview

Academics

The Bienen School of Music offers a variety of academic programs, including:

• Areas of Study
  • Brass
  • Composition & Music Technology
  • Conducting & Ensembles
  • Jazz Studies
  • Music Education
  • Music Theory & Cognition
  • Musicology
  • Percussion
  • Piano
  • Strings, Harp & Guitar
  • Voice & Opera
  • Woodwinds
• Degrees
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
  • Master of Music
  • Doctor of Musical Arts
  • Doctor of Philosophy
• Dual Degrees / Double Majors
  • Music & Liberal Arts
  • Music & Communication
  • Music & Education and Social Policy
  • Music & Engineering
  • Music & Journalism
• Minors & Certificates
  • Minors
    • Arts Administration
    • General Music
    • Music Cognition
    • Music Composition
    • Music Criticism
    • Music Education
    • Music Technology
    • Music Theory
    • Musicology
  • Certificates
    • Music Teaching and Learning
• Performing Ensembles
  • Baroque Music Ensemble
  • Bienen Contemporary/Early Vocal Ensemble
  • Chamber Music
  • Chamber Orchestra
  • Concert Band
  • Contemporary Music Ensemble
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Jazz Orchestra
  • Jazz Small Ensembles
  • Northwestern Camerata
  • Philharmonia
  • Symphonic Band
  • Symphonic Wind Ensemble
  • Symphony Orchestra
  • University Chorale
  • University Singers
• Opportunities for Nonmajors
• Summer Session
  • Summer Performance Workshops
    • Conducting and Wind Music Symposium
    • Guitar Workshop
    • Northwestern Bach Academy
    • Percussion Symposium
    • Violin Institute
    • Vocal Performance Seminar
  • Nonmajor Classes
• Study Abroad

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

The Doctor of Musical Arts at the Bienen School of Music is designed to foster the development of both musical artistry and scholarly achievement. The intense, two-year residency requires students to study their instrument or composition for the entire period and to complete a rigorous course load that provides a strong background in supporting academic areas. In preparation for future career opportunities, the doctoral student typically is expected to develop teaching skills through structured experiences or individualized internships. All programs require at least 18 units of study.

Degree Requirements:

• Brass Performance
• Conducting
• Percussion Performance
• Piano Performance
• Piano Performance and Pedagogy
• String Performance
• Voice and Opera Performance
• Wind Performance

Admission

The Bienen School of Music offers undergraduate and graduate admission programs, including:

• Undergraduate Admission
  • Application & Timeline
  • Auditions
  • Program Requirements
  • Financial Aid
  • Tuition & Fees
  • FAQ
• Graduate Admission
  • Application & Timeline
  • Auditions
  • Program Requirements
  • Financial Aid
  • Tuition & Fees
  • FAQ
• PhD Admission
  • Application & Timeline
  • Admission Requirements
  • Financial Aid
  • FAQ

Faculty

The Bienen School of Music faculty includes:

• All Faculty
• Brass
• Composition & Music Technology
• Conducting & Ensembles
• Faculty Emeriti
• Jazz Studies
• Music Education
• Music Theory & Cognition
• Musicology
• Nonmajor
• Percussion
• Piano
• Strings, Harp & Guitar
• Voice & Opera
• Woodwinds

Concerts & Events

The Bienen School of Music offers a variety of concerts and events, including:

• Concerts & Events Calendar
• Subscription Series
• Ticket Office & Information
• Live Stream
• Bienen Ensembles
  • Bands
  • Choirs
  • Jazz
  • Opera
  • Orchestras
  • Contemporary Music Ensemble
  • Studio Ensembles
• Recitals & Lectures
  • Visiting Artists
  • Faculty Recitals
  • Student Recitals
  • Lectures
• Festivals & Series
  • Institute for New Music
  • Keyboard Conversations
  • Segovia Classical Guitar Series
  • Skyline Piano Artist Series
  • Tichio-Finnie Vocal Master Class Series
  • Winter Chamber Music Festival

Davee Media Library

The Davee Media Library offers a variety of media resources, including:

• All Videos
• Bands
• Choirs
• Jazz
• Lectures & Interviews
• Master Classes
• New Music
• Opera
• Orchestras
• Recitals & Chamber Music
• Visiting Artists

About

The Bienen School of Music is located in the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, and offers a variety of resources and facilities, including:

• About the Bienen School
• Our Values
• History
• Leadership
• Facilities
• International Prizes
• Institute For New Music
• Fanfare