The Northern Illinois University School of Music offers a B.M. degree with a variety of areas of study, a B.A. degree, an M.M. degree with a full complement of majors, and the Performer's Certificate. We have individualized degree programs for graduate and undergraduate students interested in nontraditional courses of study. The enrollment of more than 400 undergraduate and graduate music majors places the NIU School of Music among the larger music schools (top 10%) in the country. Our diverse faculty (60 full- and part-time) lists numerous research and artistic activities of national and international significance.
Influences
The NIU SoM offers diverse areas of study ranging from traditional classical choral, string and wind ensembles to cutting edge computer music, electro-acoustic and distance learning projects/technology. A variety of modern and world music experiences await students, including multiple jazz ensembles and combos, steel pan ensembles, gamelan, indian music and early music ensembles. NIU SoM Recording Services provides students with experience in house live and studio sessions, live sound reinforcement, mastering and dubbing facilities.
The NIU World Steel Band under the direction ofand performing their Annual Spring concert (standing room only).
Students participate in our award-winning instrumental and vocal ensembles and many also take part in a number of world music performance activities. The school's ensembles include choirs, orchestra, concert and marching bands, instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles, early music ensemble, percussion ensemble, steelbands, Javanese and Balinese gamelans, tabla, West African drumming, Chinese percussion, various chamber music ensembles, and others.
NIU has a beautiful, modern music building with its own library, classrooms, practice rooms (125 - many with Steinway grand pianos), spacious instrumental and choral rehearsal rooms, recital hall, Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, ensemble rehearsal rooms, Music Computer Lab, keyboard lab, two smart classrooms, electronic & computer studios, recording studios, and faculty offices & studios.
The Avalon Quartet performing Schubert's Quartettsatz in C Minor D. 703 as part of the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series in Chicago
Archived Webcast of So Percussion performing at NIU as part of the Percussive Arts Society Day of Percussion:
The NIU Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Eric Johnson performing Precious Lord Take My Hand. The view showcases Dr. Johnson's conducting as well as the remarkable live sound of the group.
NIU faculty member Robert Sims interviews about what led him to his affinity for Gospel music
