Northwestern University Bienen School

The Northwestern University Bienen School of Music is a music school within a top-tier research university, located in Evanston, Illinois (just north of Chicago). The Bienen School combines conservatory-level musical training with the academic resources of Northwestern University. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in performance, composition, musicology, music theory, music education, and music technology, plus dual degree options across the university.

Programs and Degrees

The Bienen School offers programs at undergraduate and graduate levels:

• Performance: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and DMA in orchestral instruments, piano, voice, and guitar. Students receive private instruction from faculty who perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and other major ensembles.
• Composition: BM, MM, and PhD programs in contemporary classical composition. Students have opportunities for readings and performances by professional ensembles.
• Musicology: PhD program focused on historical and analytical music scholarship.
• Music Theory: PhD program in music theory and analysis.
• Music Education: BM and MM programs preparing students for K-12 teaching and higher education.
• Music Technology: Programs combining music, computing, and audio engineering.
• Jazz Studies: Performance and composition training in jazz idioms.
• Conducting: MM and DMA programs in orchestral and choral conducting.

The school also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music for students who want a liberal arts degree with a music focus, and dual degree programs that let students combine a BM from the Bienen School with a BA from another Northwestern school.

Tuition and Costs (2026-2027)

Northwestern University set undergraduate tuition for 2026-2027 at $71,802, a 3.5% increase from the previous year:

• Full-time tuition: $71,802
• Fees: $1,260 (includes $894 health and wellness fee, $294 activity fee, $72 athletics fee)
• On-campus room and board: $22,941
• Total direct costs (on-campus): $96,003
• Estimated total cost of attendance (on-campus, including indirect costs): $99,375

Graduate tuition for MM and DMA students is $57,762 per year (2025-26 rate). All DMA students receive a full-tuition scholarship, stipend, and fully subsidized health insurance. MM students may receive partial or full tuition grants.

Northwestern meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all undergraduates eligible for financial aid, with no loans in the aid package. Financial need is met through grants, scholarships, summer earnings expectations, and work-study.

Admission and Audition Process

All applicants to the Bienen School must complete the Bienen School Supplement in addition to the standard Northwestern University application. This includes prescreening recordings or composition portfolios submitted through a separate portal.

For fall 2027 admission:

• Early Decision: Bienen School Supplement due by mid-October 2026; prescreening results in November; live auditions in late November/early December
• Regular Decision: Bienen School Supplement due in December 2026; prescreening results in January 2027; live auditions in January/February 2027
• Standardized tests: Optional for fall 2027 applicants (Northwestern accepts both ACT and SAT)
• International applicants: Must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test results

The Bienen School Supplement is required for all applicants regardless of intended major. Transfer applicants follow separate timelines with both Early Decision and Regular Decision options.

Notable Features

• Pick-Staiger Concert Hall: A 990-seat venue hosting more than 300 concerts per year, featuring faculty, students, and visiting artists.
• Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall: A 400-seat hall designed for solo and chamber performances.
• Ryan Center for Musical Arts: The primary building housing practice rooms, faculty studios, classrooms, and performance spaces.
• Dual degree opportunities: Students can pursue a BM from the Bienen School alongside a BA or BS from another Northwestern school, typically completed in five years.

Who Should Apply

The Bienen School is the right choice for musicians who want both high-level conservatory training and the academic breadth of a major research university. Unlike standalone conservatories, Bienen students can take courses across Northwestern's six undergraduate schools, participate in research, and pursue dual degrees. The school is well suited for students who want performance training but also value academic coursework in subjects outside music. The high tuition is offset by Northwestern's no-loan financial aid policy for eligible students, making it more affordable than the sticker price suggests for families earning under $150,000.

Related Resources

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• Bienen School Official Website - Current admission requirements, audition details, and program catalogs