These guidelines were updated on 02/18/2021 and are subject to change at any time.
Changes Due to COVID-19
The Bienen School recognizes that the presentation of a recital required for completion of a music degree benefits significantly by being offered live in a performance venue. The policies and procedures outlined here—in alignment with Northwestern’s COVID-19: Return to Campus Guidelines—allow students to perform in an appropriate musical venue while mitigating and minimizing public health risks.
Who
- Voice students, string and wind players, pianists, and percussionists may perform a solo recital with piano accompaniment.
- Change for Spring Quarter: Students who schedule recitals in Galvin Recital Hall or Ryan Opera Theater will be permitted to include small chamber works on their program. The total number of performers in the recital may not exceed six (6), and no more than five (5) musicians may perform at the same time.
- Students must adhere to the guidelines governing distance for instrumentalists—at least nine (9) feet from any woodwind or brass musician, and at least six (6) feet from all other players.
- Conducting students are asked to delay their recitals when restrictions have been eased on the number and distancing of performers.
- In-person attendance at the recital is limited to applied faculty for the purposes of evaluation, as well as one additional person to set up and operate their own equipment for the purposes of recording or live streaming.
What
- Only recitals required for degree competition will be scheduled. Informal recitals are NOT permitted.
- NO recital receptions in Bienen School of Music spaces.
Where
Galvin Recital Hall, Regenstein Master Class Room, McClintock Choral and Recital Room, and Ryan Opera Theater provide sufficient space for solo performers and their piano accompanists to maintain proper distancing. Use of Galvin Recital Hall will continue to be reserved for those students giving a DMA recital or their final MM or BM recital.
When
See below for recital scheduling periods and deadlines. Recital requests and contract materials will only be accepted electronically at studentrecitals@northwestern.edu.
How
- Face coverings are required while backstage and when entering and leaving the venue, as well as during chamber music works, if performers are able.
- Accommodations cannot be made for sound reinforcement, video projection, or special lighting.
- Detailed parameters are outlined in the guidelines, and as a condition of performing a recital, students are required to follow all policies, protocols, and guidance aimed at protecting the health of our community.
Student Recital Scheduling Guidelines
The following document outlines the process for scheduling a recital and includes policies and procedures that should be read thoroughly before beginning the scheduling process.
Bienen Student Recital Scheduling Guidelines (PDF)
Recital Slots
Recitals will be scheduled during fall, winter, and spring quarters only. Predetermined recital dates and times ("slots") for 2020-21 will be posted on September 1 (fall recitals), November 2 (winter recitals), and February 15 (spring recitals).
SPRING 2021 Student Recital Slots (PDF, updated 02/23/2021)
Recital Scheduling Periods
Requests for recital slots will be accepted for each quarter as described below. Students are invited to submit requests starting on the day and time corresponding to recital status up through the day contract materials must be received.