Department of Music

Welcome to the North Central College Department of Music!

The Department of Music at North Central College offers degree programs in Music (Liberal Arts Track), Music Performance, Music Composition, Music Education (Choral or Instrumental Tracks), and Jazz Studies, as well as active performing programs with more than twenty ensembles. Regardless of your academic major, all students can participate in our ensembles, private lesson studios, and classes.

Mission Statement

To develop the musical mind, body, and spirit by teaching students to create and understand music at the intersection of traditional practice and 21st century innovation; interpret music in cultural, historical, global, and social contexts; and apply their learning by pursuing excellence and service in and through the arts over a lifetime.

Symphony Orchestra Concert

 

Music Education, Choral Track, B.M.E.

Music Education is the largest music degree program at North Central College, with approximately 60 majors. Students in Music Education complete core music requirements in theory/musicianship, music literature/history, conducting, methods/pedagogy and private study/ensembles, along with a comprehensive set of courses and clinical experiences in education. Music Education majors also have numerous opportunities for leadership through the student chapter of NAfME (the field's leading professional organization) and in ensembles, productions and special programs.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.

Core Music Courses

Music Education Courses

Education Courses

Choral Courses

Piano Proficiency

Students are required to complete eight credit hours through class piano or through proficiency.

Additional Requirements

  • Participation in MUEN 101 or MUEN 102 is required each semester. Students must register for credit.
  • Students are required to register for applied voice lessons for credit each semester.  First-year students must register for at least a 0.5 credit each semester. Beginning in sophomore year, students must register for at least 1 credit each semester.
  • Complete junior recital
  • Successful completion of the Comprehensive Musicianship Exam
  • Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.

   *See department guidebook for additinal details and recital guidelines.

The Department of Education has established the following Progression Points as ways for department faculty to ensure students are undertaking experiences needed to prepare them for the profession of teaching. Each checklist is designed to be met by teacher candidates at important points along their journey to becoming a teacher. Once all experiences of a Progression Point are met, a teacher candidate is ready to move forward in the program.

Progression Point 1: Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Course Requirements:

  • Complete MUED 201 and MUED 351 with a grade of C- or above
  • Complete EDUC 291 with a grade of P

GPA Requirements: 

For full admission to the Teacher Education Program:

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.75 or better in Music Ed/Professional Ed (MUED/EDUC) coursework taken for and transferred to NCC
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.50 or better in Music (MUSI) coursework taken for and transferred in to NCC (min. 16 credit hours)

For conditional admission to the Teacher Education Program:

Conditional Admission to the Teacher Education Program allows candidates to progress in their plan of study while taking advantage of systems of support provided by the department to help ensure academic success in the Teacher Education Program.

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.25-2.749 in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.25-2.749 in Music Ed/Professional Ed (MUED/EDUC) coursework taken for and transferred in to NCC
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.00-2.50 in Music (MUSI) coursework taken for and transferred in to NCC (min. 16 credit hours)

Evaluation Requirements:

Dispositions:

  • Dispositions survey from candidate's MUED 201 instructor
  • Dispositions survey from full-time music education faculty member (or MUED 351 faculty if no full-time MUED faculty is able to complete the survey)
  • Self-assessment of dispositions at time of application to TEP

Field Experiences:

  • Field Experience Recommendation from MUED 201
  • Mentor Teacher Recommendation from EDUC 291
  • Supervisor Recommendation from EDUC 291

Note: Teacher candidates must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) to take EDUC courses at the 300- or 400-level.

Progression Point 2: Progression to Student Teaching Residency

Course Requirements:

  • Completion of all music education (MUED and MUSI) and professional education (EDUC) courses for the Music Education major with a grade of C- or better with the exception of EDUC 494 and 496, the Student Teaching Residency course package

GPA Requirements:

For full admission to Student Teaching Residency:

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 3.00 or better in all MUED and EDUC coursework taken for and transferred in to the Music Education major
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.50 or better in all MUSI coursework taken for and transferred in to the Music Education major

For conditional admission to Student Teaching Residency:

Conditional Admission to Student Teaching allows candidates to progress to student teaching while taking advantage of systems of support provided by the department to help ensure success.

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.25-2.749 in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.50-2.999 in Music Ed/Professional Ed (MUED/EDUC) coursework taken for and transferred in to NCC
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.00-2.499 in Music (MUSI) coursework taken for and transferred in to NCC (min. 16 credit hours)

Recommendation Requirements:

  • Mentor Teacher Recommendations from EDUC 390 and 490
  • Supervisor Recommendations from EDUC 390 and 490
  • Practitioner Interview Recommendation, if assigned
  • Receive a recommendation from the Department of Education for Student Teaching Residency

Additional Requirements:

  • Pass the Music Department's Comprehensive Muscianship Exam (CME).
  • Complete the practice edTPA as required for MUED 453 Performance Music Methods and EDUC 403 HS/MS Assessment of Learning
  • *Earn a passing Score on the appropriate ILTS content test, MUSIC 212

Progression Point 3: Licensure

  • *Pass EDUC 494 Student Teaching Residency Seminar and EDUC 496 Student Teaching Residency with a grade of C- or better
  • *Earn a passing Score on the edTPA teacher performance assessment
  • *Complete all other necessary requirements to earn a bachelor's degree

* Illinois State Board of Education requirement enforced by North Central College

Music Education, Instrumental Track, B.M.E

Music Education is the largest music degree program at North Central College, with approximately 60 majors. Students in Music Education complete core music requirements in theory/musicianship, music literature/history, conducting, methods/pedagogy and private study/ensembles, along with a comprehensive set of courses and clinical experiences in education. Music Education majors also have numerous opportunities for leadership through the student chapter of NAfME (the field's leading professional organization) and in ensembles, productions and special programs.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.

Core Music Courses

Music Education Courses

Education Courses

Instrumental Courses

Piano Proficiency

Students are required to complete eight credit hours through class piano or through proficiency.

Additional Requirements

  • Students are required to register for MUEN 113 or MUEN 114 each semester. Students must register for credit. 
  • Students are required to register for one semester of MUEN 108 and one semeter of the following: MUEN 120, MUEN 121, MUEN 123 or MUEN 124. Students must register for credit.
  • Students are required to register for applied lessons on their primary instrument for credit.  First-year students must register for at least a 0.5 credit each semester. Beginning in sophomore year, students must register for at least 1 credit each semester.
  • Complete junior recital
  • Successful completion of the Comprehensive Musicianship Exam
  • Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.

   * See department guidebook for additional details and recital guidelines.

The Department of Education has established the following Progression Points as ways for department faculty to ensure students are undertaking experiences needed to prepare them for the profession of teaching. Each checklist is designed to be met by teacher candidates at important points along their journey to becoming a teacher. Once all experiences of a Progression Point are met, a teacher candidate is ready to move forward in the program.

Progression Point 1: Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Course Requirements:

  • Complete MUED 201 and MUED 351 with a grade of C- or above
  • Complete EDUC 291 with a grade of P

GPA Requirements: 

For full admission to the Teacher Education Program:

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.75 or better in Music Ed/Professional Ed (MUED/EDUC) coursework taken for and transferred to NCC
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.50 or better in Music (MUSI) coursework taken for and transferred in to NCC (min. 16 credit hours)

For conditional admission to the Teacher Education Program:

Conditional Admission to the Teacher Education Program allows candidates to progress in their plan of study while taking advantage of systems of support provided by the department to help ensure academic success in the Teacher Education Program.

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.25-2.749 in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.25-2.749 in Music Ed/Professional Ed (MUED/EDUC) coursework taken for and transferred in to NCC
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.00-2.50 in Music (MUSI) coursework taken for and transferred in to NCC (min. 16 credit hours)

Evaluation Requirements:

Dispositions:

  • Dispositions survey from candidate's MUED 201 instructor
  • Dispositions survey from full-time music education faculty member (or MUED 351 faculty if no full-time MUED faculty is able to complete the survey)
  • Self-assessment of dispositions at time of application to TEP

Field Experiences:

  • Field Experience Recommendation from MUED 201
  • Mentor Teacher Recommendation from EDUC 291
  • Supervisor Recommendation from EDUC 291

Note: Teacher candidates must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) to take EDUC courses at the 300- or 400-level.

Progression Point 2: Progression to Student Teaching Residency

Course Requirements:

  • Completion of all music education (MUED and MUSI) and professional education (EDUC) courses for the Music Education major with a grade of C- or better with the exception of EDUC 494 and 496, the Student Teaching Residency course package

GPA Requirements:

For full admission to Student Teaching Residency:

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 3.00 or better in all MUED and EDUC coursework taken for and transferred in to the Music Education major
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.50 or better in all MUSI coursework taken for and transferred in to the Music Education major

For conditional admission to Student Teaching Residency:

Conditional Admission to Student Teaching allows candidates to progress to student teaching while taking advantage of systems of support provided by the department to help ensure success.

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.25-2.749 in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.50-2.999 in Music Ed/Professional Ed (MUED/EDUC) coursework taken for and transferred in to NCC
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.00-2.499 in Music (MUSI) coursework taken for and transferred in to NCC (min. 16 credit hours)

Recommendation Requirements:

  • Mentor Teacher Recommendations from EDUC 390 and 490
  • Supervisor Recommendations from EDUC 390 and 490
  • Practitioner Interview Recommendation, if assigned
  • Receive a recommendation from the Department of Education for Student Teaching Residency

Additional Requirements:

  • Pass the Music Department's Comprehensive Musicianship Exam (CME).
  • Complete the practice edTPA as required for MUED 453 Performance Music Methods and EDUC 403 HS/MS Assessment of Learning
  • *Earn a passing Score on the appropriate ILTS content test, MUSIC 212

Progression Point 3: Licensure

  • *Pass EDUC 494 Student Teaching Residency Seminar and EDUC 496 Student Teaching Residency with a grade of C- or better
  • *Earn a passing Score on the edTPA teacher performance assessment
  • *Complete all other necessary requirements to earn a bachelor's degree

* Illinois State Board of Education requirement enforced by North Central College

Jazz Studies, B.A.

The B.A. in Jazz Studies is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on jazz performance or composition. Entrance into the Jazz Studies performance track is determined by audition with the jazz faculty.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.

Core Music Courses

Jazz Courses

Applied Jazz Lessons

  • Applied Jazz lessons on primary instrument/voice each semester
    • Two credit hours at the 100-level
    • Four credit hours at the 300-level

Applied Jazz Piano

Additional Requirements

  • Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
  • MUEN 121 participation required each semester.
  • Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad.

Note:

*See department or music guidebook for additional details.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Music Performance, Piano Track, B.A.

The B.A. Music Performance, Piano Track is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on piano performance. Entrance into the music performance track is determined by audition with the music department.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.

Core Music Courses

Piano Track Courses

Applied Piano Lessons

Students are required to register every semester and to complete a minimum of two credit hours of MUAL 110 and four credit hours of MUAL 310.

Piano Proficiency

Students are required to complete eight credit hours through class piano or through proficiency.

Capstone

Additional Requirements

  • Successful completion of the entrance audition.
  • Successful completion of the continuation audition.
  • Complete the Junior recital.
  • Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad.

   *See department guidebook for additional details.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Music Performance, Vocal Track, B.A.

The B.A. Music Performance, Vocal Track is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on voice performance. Entrance into the music performance track is determined by audition with the music department.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.

Core Music Courses

Vocal Track Courses

Applied Vocal Lessons

Students are reqired to register every semester and to complete a minimum of four credit hours of MUAL 100 and four credit hours of MUAL 300.

Piano Proficiency

Students are reqired to complete eight credit hours through class piano or through proficiency.

Capstone

Additional Requirements

  • Minimum of four credit hours of the following: MUEN 101, MUEN 102.
  • Successful completion of the entrance audition.
  • Successful completion of the continuation audition.
  • Complete the Junior recital.
  • Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.

   *See department guidebook for additional details and recital guidelines.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Music Performance, Instrumental Track, B.A.

The B.A. Music Performance, Instrumental Track is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on instrumental performance. Entrance into the music performance track is determined by audition with the music department.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.

Core Music Courses

Instrumental Track Courses

Applied Instrumental Lessons

  • Students are required to register every semester and to complete a minimum of two credit hours of 100-level MUAL and four credit hours of 300-level MUAL on the primary instrument.

Instrumental Ensemble

  • Participation in an approved instrumental ensemble (MUEN prefix) is required each semester. A minimum of four credit hours must be taken.

Piano Proficiency

Students are reqired to complete eight credit hours through class piano or through proficiency.

Capstone

Additional Requirements

  • Successful completion of the entrance audition.
  • Successful completion of the continuation audition.
  • Complete the Junior recital.
  • Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.

   * See department guidebook for additional details and recital guidelines.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Music Composition, B.A.

The B.A. with a major in Music Composition is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on composition. Entrance is determined by audition with the music department.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.

Core Music Courses

Composition Courses

Applied Composition Lessons

Students are required to register every semester and to complete a minimum of two credit hours of MUAL 105 and four credit hours of MUAL 305.

Piano Proficiency

Students are reqired to complete eight credit hours through class piano or through proficiency.

Capstone

Additional Requirements

  • Successful completion of the entrance audition.
  • Successful completion of the continuation audition.
  • Complete the Junior recital. Composition majors may opt for an instrumental or vocal junior recital.
  • Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.

  *See department guidebook for additional details and recital guidelines.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Music, B.A.

The B.A. in music is designed for the student interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences without focusing on performance or music education. The concentration includes a global perspective and technological perspective with an emphasis on research and writing.  

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.

Core Music Courses

Electives

Eight credit hours from the following:

Performing Ensemble

One credit hour (2 semesters of .5 credit hours) of a performing ensemble (MUEN prefix)

Piano Proficiency

Students are reqired to complete eight credit hours through class piano or through proficiency.

Applied Lessons

Students are required to register for two semesters and to complete a minimum of one credit hour of MUAL courses.

Capstone

Additional Requirements

  • Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Music Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.

A minimum of 22 credit hours, including:

Elective

One of the following:

Applied Lessons

Four semesters of Applied Lessons (MUAL) totaling a minimum of two credit hours.

Additional Requirements

  • Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Three concerts per semester while enrolled as a music minor, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
  • Students must register in order to be eligible to participate in ensembles.  Students must register for credit unless they have already reached the 18.0 credit limit.

Jazz Minor

The Jazz Minor offers courses in Jazz Harmony, Jazz Improvisation and Jazz History. Students can select a combination of courses to study while developing keyboard skills and learning to collaborate with other students in jazz ensembles.

Two of the following:

One of the following:

Applied Jazz

  • Two Credit Hours of Jazz Applied Lessons

Ensemble Participation

One Credit Hour of the following:

NOTE: This page contains all of the regular course descriptions for this discipline or program. Academic credit for each course is noted in parenthesis after the course title. Prerequisites (if any) and the general education requirements, both Core and All-College Requirements (ACRs), which each course fulfills (if any) are noted following each course description. Not all courses are offered every year. Check Merlin, our searchable course schedule, to see which courses are being offered in upcoming terms.

 

Audition Days

Audition Days are designed to give you a comprehensive picture of the department, faculty, and programs as well as the opportunity to audition for music scholarships in one or more areas. Students are expected to attend all elements of the Audition Day and prospective music majors must indicate their intent in advance with your Admission counselor and on the information sheet you will receive when you arrive that day. Parents or guardians are encouraged to attend all portions of the Audition Day (except for the audition itself) with your student! Music scholarships are available for both music and non-music majors.

Audition Days 2024-2025

  • Friday, October 11, 2024
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024
  • Tuesday, January 21, 2024
  • Monday, February 17, 2024

To register for an Audition Day, Click Here or contact the Admissions Office by phone at (630)-637-5800.

If you are unable to attend either of the dates above, our faculty will be happy to arrange a time that works for you. Please contact Dr. Susan Chou, schou@noctrl.edu for more information.
 

 

What should I prepare for my audition?

For Vocal & Choral Scholarships

To audition for a vocal or choral scholarship, you will need:

  • To prepare two memorized art songs (no "pop" songs will be accepted). One must be in English, the other in a foreign language. An accompanist will be provided or you may bring your own. No accompaniment tapes accepted. 
  • To sight-read a short excerpt.
  • Two letters of recommendation from music professionals who know you and your musical background (your choral director, private voice teacher, church choir director, etc.)

 

For Concert Band Scholarships:

Wind Instruments

Music Majors must prepare:

  • All major scales (one octave) and a 2-octave chromatic scale appropriate for your instrument's range
  • One lyrical (slower/legato) etude or solo excerpt. This etude or solo excerpt should be around 32 measures in length.
  • One technical (faster/articulate) etude or solo excerpt. This etude or solo excerpt should be around 32 measures in length.

Non-Music Majors must prepare:

  • Concert B flat, E flat, F, G, and C major scales (one octave)
  • One lyrical (slower/legato) etude or solo excerpt. This etude or solo excerpt should be around 32 measures in length.
  • One technical (faster/articulate) etude or solo excerpt. This etude or solo excerpt should be around 32 measures in length.

Percussion

Music Majors must prepare:

  • All major scales (one octave) on a mallet instrument (xylophone, vibraphone, or marimba)
  • One snare solo excerpt around 32 measures in length
  • One mallet solo or etude around 32 measures in length
  • Optional: a timpani solo around 32 measures in length

Non-Music Majors must prepare:

  • Concert B flat, E flat, F, G, and C major scales (one octave) on a mallet instrument (xylophone, vibraphone, or marimba)
  • One snare solo excerpt OR one mallet etude or solo excerpt around 32 measures in length.

 

For Athletic Band Scholarships (Marching and/or Basketball Band)

Substantial scholarships are available for student participating in the Cardinal Marching Band and/or the Cardinal Basketball Bands. In order to qualify for a Cardinal Athletic Band Scholarship, students must:

  • Perform a chromatic scale from your lowest comfortable note to your highest comfortable note
  • Perform the NCC Fight Song and Alma Mater for your instrument* (click the links)

*Note- All percussionists will play the snare part for the fight song and the flute part on orchestra bells/glockenspiel for the Alma Mater

  • Complete a short interview
  • Two letters of recommendation

In order to maintain an Athletic Band scholarship, students must:

  • Maintain enrollment and satisfactory attendance and academic performance in the courses (all Cardinal Athletic Bands are courses at North Central College) for which the student is receiving the scholarships.
  • Adhere to the policies stated in the handbook 


For Jazz Scholarships

To audition for a jazz scholarship, you will need:

  • To demonstrate your basic skills in the following areas
    • Technique (scales, arpeggios, etc.)
    • Improvisation (blues, rhythm changes, etc.)
    • Sight-reading 
  • Two letters of recommendation from music professionals who know you and your musical background (your band director, private instrument teacher, etc.)

    Note: Jazz vocalists should prepare a jazz standard.  Jazz pianists and guitarists should demonstrate the ability to comp over blues and/or rhythm changes; bass players should demonstrate the ability to construct bass lines over the same. Drummers should demonstrate a basic command of styles (medium swing, even eighth, ballad, Latin, etc.)

 

For Orchestra Scholarships (string, wind, percussion)

Scholarships are available for student participating in the Orchestra. In order to qualify for an Orchestra Scholarship, students must prepare:

  • One solo piece of you choice
  • One scale of your choice
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • You may be asked to sight read
  • You may be asked to sight read a simple excerpt

 

For Piano Scholarships 

Scholarships are available for student whose level of playing is similar to a Clementi Sonatina or above.  Students must prepare:

  • Two contrasting pieces from the classical repertoire, memorization strongly encouraged
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • You may be asked to sight read a simple excerpt

 

For Composition Scholarships

Please provide two letters of recommendation and prepare a portfolio of at least one and no more than three of the following:

  • Scores for original compositions for solo instrument, voice, and/or piano
  • Scores for original compositions for chamber ensemble, choir, orchestra or concert band
  • Arrangements for chamber ensemble, choir, orchestra or concert band
  • Audio and/or video recordings of original work
  • Multimedia work

 

Once an audition is completed, a scholarship recommendation will be sent to the Office of Financial Aid. When the comprehensive Financial Aid package for the student is complete, a letter will be sent detailing all scholarships offered. For more information, please reach out to Dr. Susan Chou, Department Chair of Music, schou@noctrl.edu.

 

 

How to Maintain the Music Scholarships

Music scholarships are renewable every year. Here's what you will need to do:

Choir Scholarship

Students must enroll in their assigned large choral ensemble (Chorale, or Concert Choir) and applied classical voice lessons every semester while receiving choral scholarship. Students will be notified of their ensemble placement prior to the start of each semester.

Band Scholarship

Students must enroll in Concert Winds and applied classical instrumental lessons every semester while receiving band scholarship.

Orchestra Scholarship

Students must enroll in NCC Symphony Orchestra and applied classical instrumental lessons every semester while receiving orchestra scholarship. Students are also required to participate in Chamber Recital if assigned. Students may be temporarily re-assigned to a different ensemble if openings not available.

Athletic Band Scholarship

Students must enroll in Marching Band and Basketball Band and attend all rehearsals and performances.

Jazz Scholarship

Students must enroll in Big Band or a jazz combo and applied jazz lessons every semester while receiving jazz scholarship. Students may be temporarily re-assigned to a different ensemble if openings not available.

Piano Scholarship

Students must enroll in applied classical piano lessons every semester while receiving piano scholarship. Students are also required to audition for Honors Recital annually and to participate in Chamber Recital if assigned.

Composition Scholarship

Students must enroll in composition lessons every semester while receiving composition scholarship. Students are expected to attend all composition workshops and composer symposiums.

Additional Guidelines

  1. One-half of the scholarship will be awarded each semester contingent upon participation in the assigned ensembles and in applied lessons if required. Excellent attendance in both is expected.
  2. Scholarship Students must earn a “B” or higher in both their ensembles and, where required, their applied lessons.
  3. Scholarship students enrolling in applied lessons will be responsible for the Applied Music Fee each semester. The fee amount will be posted in the Undergraduate Catalog each year under student expense.  Students may opt for either half hour or one-hour lessons.
  4. Full-time student status must be maintained by scholarship recipients. Scholarships are renewable for a maximum award of four years based on exemplary performance, attendance, leadership, and continued participation in the ensemble.
  5. Scholarship students are required to participate in tours and other Music Department activities such as Homecoming, Audition Days, Baccalaureate, Commencement, and convocations, in addition to regularly scheduled concert performances.
  6. The scholarship is renewable each year provided the student meets the criteria listed above.

Sing. Play. March. Twirl.

With more than twenty ensembles, we have something for everyone!

Learn More >

 

Applied Faculty

 

Jazz

Dan Anderson - Jazz Bass

Tim Coffman - Jazz Trombone

Art Davis - Jazz Trumpet

John McLean - Jazz Guitar

Mitch Paliga - Jazz Saxophone

Juan Pastor - Jazz Drum Set, Coordinator of Jazz Studies

Abigail Riccards - Vocal Jazz

Brad Stirtz - Jazz Vibraphone

Chris White - Jazz Piano

 

Voice

Jennifer Barrett - Voice

Angela Presutti Korbitz - Voice, Coordinator of Voice Studies

Victoria VerHoven - Voice

Aaron Short - Voice

 

Winds and Percussion

Ellen Huntington - Flute

Tricia Wlazlo - Oboe

Ember Miller - Clarinet

Kimberlie Visconti Richter - Bassoon, Assistant Coordinator of Winds and Percussion

Lawrence Van Oyen - Saxophone, Coordinator of Winds and Percussion

Dan O'Connell - Horn

Paul Lowry - Trumpet

Andrew Rozsa - Trombone

Maxwell Briggs - Euphonium and Tuba

Joe LaPalomento - Percussion
 

Piano

Susan Chou - Piano, Coordinator of Piano Studies

Jun-Hee Han - Piano

Ann Waldron - Piano

John Warfel - Piano


Strings

Mara Gallagher - Violin and Viola, Coordinator of Strings

Claire Langenberg - Cello

Nichole Young - Harp
 

Composition

Jonathon Kirk - Composition, Coordinator of Composition Studies

David Grant - Composition

Victor Zheng - Composition and Music Theory

 

Conducting

Benjamin Nadel - Symphony Orchestra

Lawrence Van Oyen - Concert Winds

Ramona Wis - Concert Choir, Chorale, Chamber Singers

Bryan Miller - Coordinator of Music Education

 

Faculty Emeriti

Jeordano S. Martinez
Professor of Music, Emeritus
B.M., Baylor University, 1964; M.M., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1971
jsmartinez@noctrl.edu

We offer the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in five areas:

  • Music (liberal arts emphasis)
  • Music Education (choral or instrumental emphasis)
  • Music Performance (Instrumental, Vocal, Piano, and Composition)
  • Jazz Studies
  • Music Minor

 

The Music Education major (choral emphasis) offers these benefits:

  • K-12 Illinois teacher certification in music
  • Equivalent of two years of practice teaching experience
  • Completed degree program in four years
  • Nearly 100 percent job placement for graduates over  10 years
  • Approximately 40 majors in music education (choral and instrumental)
  • Faculty with public school teaching experience, including those currently teaching in the schools

Program of study includes courses in music theory, aural skills, keyboard skills, arranging and orchestration, conducting, music literature and history, lessons and ensembles, vocal pedagogy and techniques, and elementary, middle school, and high school methods.

Other requirements include:

  • instrumental techniques
  • applied voice lessons every term except during student teaching
  • junior recital
  • participation in Concert Choir, Women’s Chorale, or Cardinal Chorus every term except during student teaching 
  • successful completion of Comprehensive Musicianship Exams
  • successful completion of 11 terms of recital attendance (prorated for transfers)

A Secondary Education minor includes general middle/high school methods (50 clinical hours in schools); elementary music methods (40 clinical hours); and secondary music methods (40 clinical hours). Your student teaching requirement is completed in one term.

 

The Music Education major (instrumental emphasis) offers these benefits: 

  • K-12 Illinois teacher certification in music 
  • Equivalent of two years of practice teaching experience
  • Completed degree program in four years
  • Nearly 100 percent job placement for graduates over the past 10 years
  • Approximately 40 majors in music education (choral and instrumental)
  • Faculty with public school teaching experience, including those currently teaching in the schools
  •  

Program of study includes courses in music theory, aural skills, keyboard skills, arranging and orchestration, conducting, music literature and history, lessons and ensembles, woodwind, brass, string and percussion techniques, and elementary, middle school, and high school methods.

Other requirements include:

  • applied instrumental lessons every term except during student teaching
  • a junior recital
  • applied piano lessons until Piano Proficiency Exam is passed (usually at the end of the sophomore year) participation in Concert Winds every term except during student teaching
  • successful completion of Piano Proficiency and Comprehensive Musicianship Exams
  • completion of 11 terms of recital attendance (prorated for transfers)

A secondary education minor includes general middle/high school methods (50 clinical hours in schools); elementary music methods (40 clinical hours); and secondary music methods (40 clinical hours). Your student teaching requirement is completed in one term.

 

Our Jazz Studies major prepares you for the real life of the performing jazz artist.

The Jazz Studies major offers these benefits: 

  • Emphasis on solo and small group performance, and jazz improvisation
  • Completed degree program in four years
  • Faculty with international jazz performance and teaching experience
  • Performance scholarships available upon audition with jazz faculty
  • Program of study includes courses in music theory and aural skills, lessons and ensembles, jazz improvisation, jazz harmony and jazz history.    

Our music major allows you to focus on performance or a combination of music and another area, such as business, to meet your career goals.

Student Teaching Opportunities

Top quality student teaching placements are within minutes of our Naperville campus. Some of the best high school, middle school and elementary school music programs in the state, and even the country, are nearby in DuPage, Will and Kane Counties and serve as sites for our music education majors’ clinical experiences.

Want to work with the director of a successful competitive marching band or with an award-winning innovative general music teacher? Or, how about conducting a choir that's hosting an internationally known composer-in-residence? 

You'll have opportunities like these when we place you in our area schools for your early clinical or senior student teaching experience.  

These are real hands-on teaching experiences, not just “observations” where you mindlessly log hours and take notes. During your junior year, you'll teach at the elementary, middle and high school levels while you take classes to help you develop your teaching skills. 

During your senior year, you'll teach full time for one term at both the elementary/middle school and high school levels. In every clinical, you'll be visited and mentored by a North Central supervisor who will provide input and evaluate and celebrate your progress.

By the time you complete your four years, you'll be well prepared to enter the profession because you will have worked with a wide variety of teachers and programs, and you will have had many opportunities to teach from the podium and in the classroom. You will be ready!  

Job Placements and Graduate School

Is there musical life after North Central? Absolutely! And, we will help you get there.

While you're here, you will develop a network of professionals — from exemplary teachers to working artists — who will help you as you approach graduation and look for a job or apply to graduate school. Our Career Development Center also provides services to you during your senior year, helping you write a top-notch resume and cover letter and learn about job fairs and job openings.

In the past 10 years, we have close to a 100 percent placement rate for our music education graduates. Some are teaching in Colorado or Wisconsin, some in inner-city Chicago, others in the Chicago suburbs. Our grads are working with Second City in Las Vegas, directing community-based music schools as part of church organizations, and working on advanced degrees  most recently at Indiana University, University of Texas at Austin, Boston Conservatory, the New England Conservatory, Northwestern University, University of Denver, Washington University, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Northern Illinois University, University of Kansas, DePaul University, Eastern Illinois University, Western Michigan University, the University of Pittsburgh and North Park University. These include concentrations in music performance, music theory and cognition, music composition, music education, jazz studies, musicology, choral conducting, and music library science.

NAfME (formerly MENC) chapter
Our collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education (formerly the Music Educators National Conference (MENC)), the largest organization of professional music educators in the world, is open to all North Central students interested in teaching music. Our chapter has received recognition four times from the national MENC office for “Outstanding Chapter Growth” and was elected to serve as the Host Chapter for the State of Illinois from 2001-2003.

As a member of MENC, you'll receive three different professional journals each month featuring articles and resources of interest to music educators. In addition, our MENC chapter hosts guest performing ensembles, speakers and other events throughout the year and travels to the annual Illinois All-State Conference for performances, sessions and exhibits.  

Internships, Study Abroad and Exchange Programs

North Central College provides numerous opportunities for internships in the arts, including studying music abroad and participating in a unique exchange program with Belmont University in Nashville. Please see the NCC International Programs website for more information.

2024-2025 MUSIC DEPARTMENT GUIDEBOOK
Please click here to access.

Visit Us on Facebook and Instagram!

For videos, links, student profiles, and multimedia experiences, please visit the NCC Music Department's home on Facebook and Instagram!