Music

Start your standout story.

Music + Music Education

As an aspiring musician or music educator, you want a college experience that enables you to create boldly, grow in practical skills, and perform in outstanding venues. Northwestern will help you encounter all that and more—whether you hope to perform in a nationally recognized orchestra, teach the next generation of musicians, use music to help others, or keep your passion alive while you pursue a non-music degree.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Why NWC?

When you choose one of Northwestern’s music majors, you’ll study music-making across history, spanning both Western and non-Western cultures. Conducting the action are our highly trained music faculty. They have published music, released professional recordings, and conducted and performed at venues that include Carnegie Hall in New York City. You’ll also have ample opportunities to sing, play and perform with our 10+ music ensembles, which are open to all students. Music major course topics include music theory, advanced conducting, and lessons in both voice and instrumentation. Related minors include music, arts administration, worship arts, and an elementary and secondary teaching endorsement in music.

CONTACT

Dr. Thomas HolmDepartment Chair

CONNECT WITH US

Perform at NWC

Northwestern ensembles include Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, A cappella Choir, Women's Choir, Heritage Singers, Orchestra and other chamber groups. As part of one or more of our music ensembles, we think you'll find both a home (and a family) in the Raider music department—regardless of your major choice.

RECRUIT ME FOR MUSIC

10+ MUSIC ENSEMBLES Our ensembles include three choirs, three bands, an orchestra and several chamber ensembles.

ANNUAL CONCERT TOURS The A cappella Choir and Symphonic Band tour across the U.S. and internationally.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS Awarded to gifted musicians regardless of major

Outcomes

Our graduates are sharing their love of music in schools, concert venues, churches, production studios and therapy settings.

Join our standout alumni at:

U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus

Washington, D.C.

Al-Bayan International School

Kuwait

Ireton Christian School

Ireton, IA

Mitchell Middle School

Mitchell, SD

Music Speaks, LLC

Cedar Rapids, IA

Wesley United Methodist Church

Muscatine, IA

#RaidersStandOut

STUDENTS

**Meredith** Meredith plays in multiple Northwestern music ensembles, goes on annual music tours, and participates in clubs and activities aligned with her interests and career goals.

ALUMNI

**Ashlynn** A vocal music and secondary education graduate, Ashlynn benefited from her professors’ encouragement of her musical talents, as well as extensive time in the classroom prior to graduation.

ALUMNI

**Andrew** Andrew founded a music production company in Nashville, Tennessee, after graduating from Northwestern. In addition to composing and producing music, he also plays keyboard for a classic rock band that performs onboard Holland America cruise ships.

FACULTY

**Thomas** A gifted musician, Dr. Holm introduces his students to musical styles from around the world and encourages them in their growth as individuals.

FACULTY

**Angela** Dr. Carlson directs Northwestern’s Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and wind ensembles, while also teaching instrumental music education.

Experience

Where you'll perform

Performance ensembles

Upcoming concerts

Choir + band tours

Classroom placements

Contemporary Music Center

Private lessons

Worship teams

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Concerts are performed in the Christ Chapel concert hall, while rehearsals take place in the adjoining DeWitt Music Hall. Together, the two facilities offer:

A 900-seat auditorium with a stage that accomodates a 100-piece orchestra
A New York Steinway concert grand piano and 45-stop, 56-rank tracker action pipe organ
Choral and instrumental rehearsal studios, private practice rooms and teaching studios