Degrees Available

• Bachelor of Music in Performance
• Master of Music in Performance
• Artist Certificate
• Doctor of Music

• For more information on degrees, visit our Degrees Page.
• For complete curricular information, download the Bienen School's Undergraduate Student Handbook or the Graduate Student Handbook.
• Application Requirements and Audition Requirements
• For admission information, visit Music Admission and Financial Aid.

About the Brass Program

For more than 40 years, Northwestern’s brass department has enjoyed the highest international reputation as well as a close relationship with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  Both institutions have shared such legendary brass performers/pedagogues as Frank Brouk and Dale Clevenger, horn, Vincent Cichowicz, trumpet, Frank Crisafulli, trombone, and Arnold Jacobs, tuba and euphonium. Today’s faculty members continue the tradition of performing teachers.  Each one has extensive orchestral experience, being a current or former member of the CSO, and is an active chamber musician.

In addition to private lessons, brass-specific instruction includes studio classes, orchestral excerpt classes, and chamber music. Students also have access to the many resources found only at a major research university as well as the thriving world-class cultural scene in the Chicagoland area. Many develop active freelance careers during their student years. 

While each studio maintains the highest level of professionalism, students are very supportive of one another and form friendships that often last a lifetime.  They enjoy close relationships with their teachers as well, and receive a great deal of individual attention so that their technical development and growth as artists can be closely monitored.

Each year, Northwestern brass students and alumni amass prizes and honors at the highest level. For the past three years, trumpet students have placed first in the International Trumpet Competition. The current trumpet section of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago – the training orchestra of the CSO – comprises all Northwestern students. Tubists have won the Leonard Falcone Competition.

Graduates of the brass department hold important positions in performing and academic institutions worldwide, including the Associate Principal and Second Trumpets of the New York Philharmonic, solo tuba player in the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic, and principal horn of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

All entering DM students receive a full-tuition scholarship plus work stipend.

Contact for further information:

Charles Geyer, professor, trumpet: c-geyer@northwestern.edu