The Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University offers a comprehensive range of programs for aspiring musicians, whether your goal is to become a performer, scholar, teacher, arts administrator, or more.
Situated 12 miles north of Chicago, Bienen gives students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a world-class musical city while receiving conservatory-level training. This proximity allows students to gain real-world experience and advance their careers even as they study.
The school’s rich history dates back to 1873, evolving from the Northwestern University Woman’s College to its current incarnation as the Bienen School of Music.
Today, Bienen boasts over 600 students and 125 world-renowned faculty members, with alumni making significant impact in the music industry.
Bienen’s reputation as one of the top music schools in the U.S. is well-deserved, given its storied past, prime location, prestigious academic reputation, and exceptional faculty. For students and parents alike, this combination offers a compelling educational package.
Performance opportunities abound at Bienen, with many ensembles covering a wide range of musical styles and eras. From the Baroque Music Ensemble to the Contemporary Music Ensemble, students can explore and refine their skills in diverse musical contexts.
As an interesting aside, the school’s library houses an impressive collection of correspondence from John Cage (who wrote the work 4’33’’, which is famously completely silent), offering students a unique glimpse into the mind of this influential avant-garde composer.
It’s these kinds of resources that can truly enrich a student’s musical education beyond the classroom.
Today, we’ll talk about Northwestern’s school of music, its acceptance rate, and more.
Northwestern Bienen School of Music Acceptance Rate
Bienen maintains a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 10%.
This places Bienen among the most competitive music schools in the country.
Each year, Bienen welcomes around 200 new students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. This relatively small incoming class size contributes to the school’s low acceptance rate and ensures a close-knit, high-caliber learning environment.
It’s crucial for applicants to understand that acceptance rates can be influenced by factors beyond individual merit.
For instance, the availability of spots in specific instrumental studios can play a significant role in admissions decisions.
In some cases, if a particular studio is at capacity, Bienen may refund application fees and inform applicants that no new students for that instrument will be accepted that year.
This practice, while potentially disappointing, reflects Bienen’s commitment to maintaining optimal student-to-faculty ratios and ensuring quality instruction for all admitted students.
Facts about Bienen
Here are some quick facts & statistics about the Bienen School of Music.
Number of Students: 620
Number of Faculty: 125 (source)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: About 5:1
Number of Performances Per Year: 400 (source)
Bienen School of Music Ranking
Northwestern Bienen’s School of Music is ranked as the #2 music school in the country, according to Niche, at the time of this writing.
Northwestern is also ranked in the top 10 according to the publication Polygence.
Successfulstudent.org also places it in the top 20.
If we are ranking schools based on the combined musical & academic calendar of accepted students, it’s hard to beat Northwestern.
The students of mine who have been accepted were typically not only near the top of their class with an excellent GPA, but also extraordinarily talented musicians.
That being said, all rankings should be taken with a grain of salt; they’re ultimately a matter of opinion, even when based on a specific set of criteria.
Notable Alumni
The Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University has produced a remarkable alumni who have left their mark on the music world.
Among these distinguished graduates, David Sanborn stands out as a Grammy Award-winning alto saxophonist whose smooth jazz stylings have influenced generations of musicians. Sanborn’s professional career spanned over five decades.
Another notable alumnus is Ned Rorem, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer known for his art songs and orchestral works. Rorem’s prolific output and distinctive style have earned him a place among America’s most celebrated contemporary classical composers.
The operatic world has also been graced by Bienen graduates, with Sherrill Milnes being one of the most renowned. Milnes, a baritone of international acclaim, has performed leading roles in major opera houses worldwide, including an illustrious career at the Metropolitan Opera.
In the realm of musical theater, Sheldon Harnick has made an indelible impact as a lyricist. Best known for his work on classic musicals like “Fiddler on the Roof,” Harnick’s contributions to American musical theater showcase the diversity of paths available to Bienen graduates.
The school’s influence extends to the world of jazz as well, with alumnus Chico Freeman carrying the torch. A tenor saxophonist and composer, Freeman has been at the forefront of innovation in jazz, blending traditional elements with contemporary sounds.
More recently, Andrew Bird has emerged as a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter known for his eclectic style that blends folk, rock, and classical influences.
Another remarkable alumna is Augusta Read Thomas, one of the most accomplished composers of her generation. Her works have been performed by leading orchestras and chamber ensembles worldwide, and she has held prestigious positions such as Composer-in-Residence with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Notable Current Faculty at the School
The faculty at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music represents a remarkable blend of accomplished performers, educators, and industry professionals. c.
One of the newest additions to the faculty is David Bilger, a renowned trumpet player who served as a member of the prestigious Philadelphia Orchestra from 1995 to 2022.
The school’s commitment to excellence is further exemplified by faculty members like Toni-Marie Montgomery. An accomplished pianist, Montgomery holds the distinction of being awarded the second doctorate in piano chamber music from the University of Michigan. She is also the former Dean of the Bienen School of Music.
Bienen’s strong ties to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) are evident in its faculty roster.
Gene Pokorney, Principal Tuba of the CSO, brings his expertise to the classroom, offering students insights into the intricacies of orchestral brass playing.
Similarly, Michael Mulcahy, a trombonist with the CSO, shares his wealth of experience with aspiring brass players.
The string department benefits from the presence of Ian Hallas, a newly-appointed bassist with the CSO, and Weijing Michal, a violist in the same prestigious ensemble. These connections provide students with the opportunity to learn from active professionals in one of the world’s leading orchestras.
In the jazz realm, Bienen boasts faculty members who are at the forefront of their field. Derrick Gardner, who spent five years with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra in the 1990s, exemplifies the caliber of jazz education available at the school.
Is Northwestern the Right Fit For You?
Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music presents a compelling option for many a music student.
Bienen is particularly well-suited for academically accomplished students who are also excellent musicians. This dual emphasis on academic and musical excellence is a defining characteristic of the Bienen experience.
One of Bienen’s strongest selling points is its faculty’s deep connections to world-class ensembles, particularly the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
For students aspiring to orchestral careers or seeking to study with musicians at the pinnacle of their field, this access is invaluable. The opportunity to learn from active professionals in one of the world’s leading orchestras can provide insights and networking opportunities that are hard to match elsewhere.
A unique advantage of studying music at Northwestern is the ease with which students can pursue double majors.
Once accepted, it’s relatively straightforward to combine a music major with another academic subject, especially within the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences.
This flexibility can be particularly appealing to students who want to maintain broad academic interests alongside their musical studies.
While Northwestern’s campus in Evanston isn’t located in the heart of a major city, its proximity to Chicago is a significant asset.
Students have easy access to the vibrant cultural scene of Chicago, including world-class performances, museums, and other artistic experiences. This balance of a more traditional college campus with nearby urban amenities offers students the best of both worlds.
It’s important to note that Northwestern’s high academic standards mean that students with lower GPAs may face challenges in the admissions process.
However, I always advise my clients not to let this deter them if Bienen is their dream school. A strong musical audition, compelling essays, opting for early decision, and other factors can sometimes outweigh academic shortcomings. If you’re passionate about attending Bienen, it’s worth applying even if your grades aren’t perfect.
As with any college decision, prospective students should carefully consider their personal goals and preferences to determine if Bienen aligns with their aspirations.
