General Information

The Bienen School of Music educates exceptional students in an environment that values both musical and academic excellence.

To achieve this mission, the school enrolls a highly selective student body of outstanding musicians who also meet Northwestern’s competitive academic standards. Undergraduate and graduate programs provide a depth and breadth of musical study to equip students with a continuing capacity to grow in their musicianship and to adapt to evolving professional demands. 

Renowned faculty, unparalleled facilities, and close proximity to the vibrant cultural offerings of Chicago provide ideal learning conditions both in and out of the classroom. Students can discover and explore their broader interests with the resources and opportunities found only at a top-ranked research university.

The school’s faculty are actively engaged in expanding knowledge about music through their research and enriching the world with their artistry. Through world-class training and dedicated, collaborative teaching, Bienen faculty prepare students to be artists, scholars, educators, and arts advocates.