College of Liberal Arts
Music
Music Program: Start Your Path of Performance or Scholarship
Elevate your musicality to new heights as you perform with technical proficiency, stylistic nuance, and expressive depth. In Benedictine University’s Music program, our diverse repertoire, spanning classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions, provides a dynamic platform for you to hone your skills and captivate audiences.
Our Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a fulfilling career in music performance or scholarship. Whether you aspire to grace the stage as a performer or delve into the depths of musical theory and composition, our program provides the foundation for your success.
Our instrumental and vocal ensembles serve as the cornerstone of our music curriculum, providing a dynamic platform for artistic growth and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, our Music program ensembles offer a welcoming environment to hone your skills, explore diverse musical styles, and connect with fellow music enthusiasts.
The BenU Difference
Benefit from Personalized Instruction
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of music at Benedictine University’s Department of Music, where artistic expression and academic excellence converge. Our comprehensive music programs cater to students of all majors, fostering a transformative educational experience that nurtures your musical talents and expands your intellectual horizons.
Our small class sizes ensure that you receive individualized attention from our highly acclaimed faculty, who are dedicated to fostering your musical development and guiding you towards achieving your artistic goals. Our expert instructors possess a wealth of knowledge and experience, providing you with personalized guidance and mentorship throughout your musical journey.
Benedictine University’s Music program empowers you to forge a rewarding career as a performer or educator. Our graduates emerge as well-rounded musicians, prepared to make a lasting impact on the world of music.
Delve into the Depths of Music Knowledge
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of music theory, history, and analysis, enabling you to synthesize information from various sources and create insightful documents that enrich the music field. Our rigorous coursework will empower you to master the language of music.
- Step onto the stage with confidence, equipped with the professional standards that will propel your musical career forward. Cultivate effective communication and collaboration skills, master the art of self-presentation and promotion, and gain valuable insights into the business aspects of the music industry.
Benedictine also offers the following ensembles: (Department Consent Required)
- Wind Ensemble
- Concert Band
- Concert Choir
- University Chorale: Popular and Traditional Choir Literature
- Chamber Music Ensemble
- Athletic Bands: From Pep to Marching
- Jazz Ensemble
- Chamber Orchestra
Music Internships
Our students have earned competitive internships with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, WFMT radio and more.
Senior Portfolios
Music majors complete a senior portfolio experience in which they create a portfolio of personal data to prepare for job searches, practice for mock interviews and present exhibitions of their work.
NASM Standardization
Benedictine follows the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Founded in 1924, the NASM is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities that establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines.
Explore the Limitless Career Horizons of a Music Major
A music major can lead to a variety of careers in various fields, including music performance, music education, music composition, music production, music engineering, music therapy, music journalism, music librarianship, arts administration, music software development, and music instrument repair. Additionally, a music major can prepare you for various positions involving working with music, such as music promotion, music agentegy, music education, and music research.
A music major provides you with creativity, passion for music, and strong communication skills, which are valuable assets in any career you choose.
Here is an example of some courses you may take in the Music program:
- Introduction to Music Theory, Composition and Performance
- Jazz Appreciation
- Music Appreciation: Medieval to Baroque
- Aural Skills I, II
- Ensembles, Choirs, Bands
Music courses (MUSI)
Music majors are required to:
- Audition for the department to show competencies in solo performance, scales and sight-reading
- Take a music entrance exam in theory, keyboard and aural skills
- Perform a music jury each semester
