Course variations

Course summary

The heart of the piano program is applied studies consisting of weekly individual one-hour lessons with artist-teachers, supplemented by studio performance classes. Students may enrich their program by taking advantage of related courses such as Piano Pedagogy, Piano Repertoire, Accompanying/Chamber Music, Performance Practice, and organ and harpsichord study. All majors attend a weekly recital hour where they may perform for their colleagues. Other performance opportunities are available both on and off campus, including master classes with visiting artists. Applicants whose recordings are reviewed favorably will be invited for an on-campus audition, interview, and entrance examination. They must prepare 45 minutes of music for the on-campus audition, which typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes and include the performance of works selected by faculty members from the prepared 45-minute program. Applicants may bring their own instrumentalists and singers for the audition; if, however, the assistance of a Chicago-area musician is needed, the applicant must contact the coordinator of collaborative arts at least one month (or as soon as possible after receiving an invitation) prior to the campus audition. Northwestern will provide one singer and/or instrumentalist, and the repertoire will be chosen in collaboration with the coordinator of collaborative arts. The candidate must arrange rehearsal time with their singers and/or musicians. The collaborative arts audition will also include a sight-reading audition and an interview with the coordinator of collaborative arts. In addition, the applicant will be required to write an essay on a topic to be provided that day; this essay relates to history, theory, scholarship, repertoire, and composers associated with the applicant's performance area and is used to assess the applicant's ability to write and conduct research at the doctoral level.

Entry requirement for international students

A Bachelors Degree in Music, Official transcripts. Provide official documentation from each postsecondary school attended, showing all courses taken, grades, credit received, and degrees awarded or expected. One-page personal statement. Provide two letters from faculty members or music professionals qualified to comment on the potential for success in the program. Program admission requirements. These include performance auditions, analytical or research papers, essays, composition portfolios, or other entry requirements specified by a particular program .TOEFL scores. If the native language is not English, provide official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).Financial aid applications. students applying for financial aid, completed applications for financial aid should be submitted by May 1.Performance Resume or Curriculum Vitae ,

Qualification

Doctoral

Awarding body

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Department name

Bienen School of Music