Northwestern University
School of Music
Programs of Study
Non-Majors Classes

| Applied Studies |
| Minors in the School of Music for WCAS Students |
| Music Concentration for Non-Majors | Performing Ensembles |

Non-music majors may participate in many of the offerings of the School of Music. Non-majors may take applied lessons, complete a music minor in a number of different areas, and participate in several ensembles.

Applied Studies (Music Lessons)

Applied music lessons in many areas are available for credit and noncredit to non-music majors. Most private lessons are taught by graduate students. Variable fees apply and are specified under the course listing. New and returning students must audition.


Voice Instruction


Private Voice

  • Beginning
  • Eight half-hour lessons per quarter
  • Fee: $265/quarter (includes SmartMusic software license)
  • Intermediate, Sections 20 and 21
  • Ten half-hour lessons per quarter
  • Fee: $330/quarter (includes SmartMusic software license)
  • Intermediate, Section 22
  • Eight half-hour lessons per quarter
  • Fee: $265/quarter (includes SmartMusic software license)
  • Advanced
  • Ten half-hour lessons per quarter
  • Fee: $330/quarter (includes SmartMusic software license)

 


Class Voice

(beginning and intermediate sections)

Because of space limitations, not everyone who auditions can be scheduled for private lessons. Students not selected may be assigned to class voice.

  • Nine weekly group classes and three private lessons per quarter
  • Fee: $215/quarter

Vocal Performance Seminar

Weekly group classes are open to voice students who are registered for private or class study. This seminar explores a variety of musical theater styles.

  • Nine group lessons per quarter
  • Fee: $215/quarter

Voice Auditions

Enrollment in private study is by audition each quarter. Once accepted, students do not need to re-audition until the next academic year. Auditions are held the first week of fall quarter and are approximately five minutes in length. Subsequent auditions will be held during reading or finals week of the winter and spring quarters. Times and location are posted with the sign-up sheets on the door of room 402 in the Music Administration Building. This information is also listed on Plan-it-Purple, under ‘Non-Major Voice Program.' Students should prepare a classical or musical theater work and bring the piano part, in a three-ring binder, to the audition. It is acceptable, but not desirable, to sing a cappella. Accompanists will be provided.

For information, contact Robert Heitzinger at zinger@northwestern.edu or at 847-467-3962.

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Piano Instruction


For credit private piano instruction

For advanced students who play standard repertoire of at least early advanced level (Bach Inventions, easier Beethoven sonatas, miscellaneous works by Chopin). Enrollment is determined by audition each quarter. Space is very limited.

  • Eight 45-minute lessons per quarter
  • Fee: $240/quarter
  • Students are graded; weekly attendance at lessons, daily practice of at least one-hour minimum, and a final performance jury required.

Auditions (for credit private piano)

Auditions are required and take place at the beginning of each quarter. Once accepted, students need to re-audition only at the beginning of each academic year. Students should prepare once piece and bring a list of repertoire studied previously. Auditions will also include sight-reading of an easy solo. Sign up sheets for auditions will be posted on the door of Room 215 in the Music Administration Building.

For further information, contact Karen Kan-Walsh at k-kan@northwestern.edu or at 847-491-3886.

Non-credit piano instruction


Students may pursue one of two options:

  • Private piano instruction for non-credit
  • Open by audition to advanced students
  • Seven 45-minute lessons and one studio class per quarter
  • Fee: $125/quarter

 

  • Small group/combination lessons for non-credit
  • Open by audition to beginner through intermediate levels
  • Classes are held in the piano lab
  • Eight 50-minute lessons per quarter
  • Fee: $80/quarter

Auditions (non-credit piano)

Auditions are required and take place at the beginning of each quarter. Once accepted, students need to re-audition only at the beginning of each academic year. Students should prepare once piece and bring a list of repertoire studies previously. They will also be asked to sight-read an easy solo. Sign up sheets for auditions will be posted on the door of Room 201 in the Music Administration Building.

For further information, contact Marcia Bosits at m-bosits@northwestern.edu or at 847-491-5735.

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Organ Instruction


For credit private organ instruction

  • Eight 45-minute lessons per quarter (.5 credit)
  • Fee: $240/quarter.

Auditions (private organ)

Auditions are held at the beginning of each quarter. Once accepted, students need to re-audition only at the beginning of each academic year. Students should prepare one piece and bring a list of repertoire recently studied. Auditions may also include sight-reading an easy piece.

For further information, contact Margaret Kemper at mkemper@northwestern.edu or 847-467-1606.

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String/Wind/Percussion Instruction

Private instruction is available in flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, horn, trombone, trumpet, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass, guitar, harp, and percussion.

  • 8 half-hour lessons per quarter (.5 credit)
  • Grades are assigned
  • Fee: $240/quarter

Auditions (String/Wind/Percussion)

Enrollment in private study is by audition each quarter. Once accepted, students do not need to re-audition until the next academic year. Auditions will be held during the first week of fall, winter and spring quarters. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the door of room 237 in Regenstein Hall.

For information, contact Robert Heitzinger at zinger@northwestern.edu, or call 847-467-3962.

[ Back to Applied Studies ]

Guitar Instruction


Group lessons for guitar techniques. For beginners only.

  • Class meets twice weekly throughout the quarter (.5 credit)
  • Fee: $215/quarter

For information, contact Robert Heitzinger at zinger@northwestern.edu, or call 847-467-3962.

[ Back to Applied Studies ]

 

Minors in the School of Music for WCAS students


The following minors are available for non-majors:

  • Commercial Music
  • Jazz Studies (currently under revision)
  • Music Cognition
  • Music Composition
  • Music Technology

Most minors require department approval from the program coordinator. For more information on the music minor, contact:

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Music Concentration for Non-Majors


The music concentration is available to all non-majors. Students need to complete the Music Concentration Declaration Form and return it to Room 110 in the Music Administration Building. or more information on the music minor, contact Kay Price (k-price2@northwestern.edu).

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Performing Ensembles

Non-majors are invited to perform in eleven of the officially sponsored performing ensembles at Northwestern. View all of our performing ensembles.

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