COVID-19 Information for the Bienen School Community
For updates regarding Northwestern's response to COVID-19, visit:
Northwestern COVID-19 and Campus Updates
NOTE: This page will be updated as new information becomes available. Last updated 3/30/22
Health and Safety Top
The Bienen School's instruction presents unique considerations during the pandemic. Therefore, in collaboration with University administration, we have developed a unique reporting protocol.
As a member of the Bienen community, if you are notified of a positive test please follow these steps:
1) If you receive notification of a positive result prior to hearing from the CRT, immediately begin to self-isolate pending further guidance and email CRT at covidcasemanagement@northwestern.edu or call 847-491-8422.
2) Next, and as soon as possible, please contact the appropriate individual, as follows:
- Undergraduates: Assistant Dean Linda Jacobs at linda.jacobs@northwestern.edu
- Graduate Students: Assistant Dean Patrick Zylka at patrick.zylka@northwestern.edu
- Faculty or Staff: Associate Dean René Machado at r-machado@northwestern.edu
Mask Protocols
NOTE: The Bienen School of Music has adjusted its mask protocols to align with the University’s lifting of masking requirements across campus beginning Tuesday, March 29.
Beginning on Tuesday, March 29, masking will no longer be required in most university spaces, and this applies broadly within the Bienen School of Music. However, in consideration of the unique nature of our activities, and in consultation with Northwestern leadership and medical experts, there remain certain circumstances when masking may be required. The Bienen School administration will communicate these requirements to all appropriate students and faculty, and adjust its masking requirements in consultation with Northwestern leadership as we continue to monitor health conditions across campus.
While masking will be optional in most spaces and situations, we want to stress Northwestern’s strong recommendation that all individuals wear a mask in any area where distancing is not possible.
Note: The decision to remove one’s mask in any situation is entirely up to the individual. No one is required to remove their mask if they do not wish.
Vigilance for Any Symptoms
It is important to note that symptoms with the omicron variant are often much less severe than what has been described as typical for COVID-19. This can include minimal/transient sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, headache, and cough. Anyone experiencing even minor symptoms should “badge red” on the Symptom Tracker tool and not come to campus or attend in-person activity until a negative PCR test result is obtained.
Concerts and Events Top
COVID Safety Measures for Bienen Concerts
We recognize that mask mandates are being lifted across Northwestern’s campuses and in public spaces throughout the state of Illinois. However, for the protection of our community and in an effort to align most closely with arts organizations throughout the Chicago area, the Bienen School strongly recommends all audience members wear a mask at all times while in our concert halls. Masks will continue to be required for all concerts and event support staff.
Ticket Information
Tickets for all spring quarter performances are now available for sale online, over the phone at 847-467-4000, or in person at our Ticket Office in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, located at 50 Arts Circle Drive on Northwestern University’s Evanston Campus. Updates to Ticket Office hours will be posted to our Ticket Office & Information page.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns about your tickets, please contact our Box Office at (847) 467-4000 or events.music@northwestern.edu.
Visiting the School Top
Tours
Check availability and modality of admissions programming here.
The Bienen School of Music is pleased to offer tours to students who are interested in majoring in music at Northwestern. These events are subject to strict protocols to protect the safety of our campus community and guests. In-person tours are subject to cancellation based on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Office of Music Admission will offer virtual admission information sessions beginning in June. These online sessions will cover the application process, audition information, financial aid, degree options, and more. This page will be updated when virtual information sessions become available.
COVID-19 Policies for In-Person Tours
The Bienen School requires that all attendees acknowledge and adhere to the following policies and guidelines:
- While masking is no longer required, the University strongly recommends masking in areas where distancing is not possible. If you do not bring a mask, they will be available at the entrance of the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts.
- A student may be accompanied by no more than two guests during their Bienen School tour.
- Visiting students and guests must follow all University guidelines.
- Visiting students and/or guests who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 will have their tour registration canceled. For a full list of symptoms, please see the University's health monitoring page.
- Visiting students and/or guests who do not follow safety guidelines and policies or staff instructions may be asked to leave the tour.
- In the event of tour cancellations, the Bienen School will communicate updates via email with as much advance notice as possible.
- The Bienen School cannot accommodate walk-ins without reservations.
- You must arrive prior to your tour start time in order to join the tour. Late arrivals will forfeit their reservation and cannot be accommodated.
Sample Lessons
Contact faculty directly to arrange for remote sample lessons, or to inquire about in-person lessons.
The Bienen School offers sample lessons to students who are interested in attending Northwestern. In-person lessons are subject to strict protocols to protect the safety of our campus community and our guests.
All prospective students interested in taking a sample lesson with a member of the applied studio faculty must contact the faculty member directly. The faculty member will verify whether he or she is providing sample lessons in-person, remotely or both.
COVID-19 Policies for In-Person Sample Lessons
The Bienen School requires that all visitors to our buildings adhere to the following policies and guidelines to participate in an in-person sample lesson:
- While masking is no longer required, the University strongly recommends masking in areas where distancing is not possible. If you do not bring a mask, they will be available at the entrance of the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts.
- A student may be accompanied in our buildings by up to two guests.
- Students and guests must follow all University guidelines.
- Visiting students and/or guest(s) who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 must notify the faculty member and cancel the in-person lesson. For a full list of symptoms, please see the University's health monitoring page.
- Visiting students and/or guests who do not follow safety guidelines and policies or faculty/staff instructions will be asked to leave.
- Faculty will communicate any cancellations via email with as much advance notice as possible.
Questions?
For information about the Bienen School of Music, visiting campus, or admission, please contact musiclife@northwestern.edu.
Teaching Resources Top
Northwestern recommends using Canvas to manage teaching-related materials, announcements, and discussions. Zoom, which is integrated into Canvas, is the preferred method for video interactions (e.g., live classes, meetings, one-on-one teaching, etc.), sharing presentations, and recording lectures, which can be stored online and made available for download from Canvas.
Below are a few resources that faculty may find useful:
Resources
Remote Teaching and Learning Guidance (Northwestern Digital Learning)
Resources for Teaching, Learning, and Working Remotely (Northwestern IT)
Keep Teaching (Northwestern Digital Learning)
Example Canvas classes (Canvas)
Getting started with Canvas (Canvas)
Zoom Learning Center (Canvas)
Northwestern Zoom Backgrounds (Northwestern Brand Tools)
Teaching & Learning Technologies: Workshops (Eventbrite)
Troubleshooting Home Internet (Northwestern IT)
Guidelines for Recording Individual Student Lessons
Instructors can determine whether or not they would like to record class sessions or portions of class sessions. Generally, students are prohibited from recording class sessions and are also prohibited from the distribution of class recordings. (See Guidelines for Recording Synchronous Remote Class Content.) However, Bienen School instructors and students may record lessons, as such recordings are legitimate teaching tools. Use of these recordings is restricted for educational use only; copyright still applies.
Questions?
Contact music-IT@northwestern.edu