Music Huskie Spotlight
Huskie Spotlight: Dzana Bogaljevic, Music Education, ’25
What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path? I always wanted to be a music teacher.
What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study? I majoring in music education because I want to express my passion of music to other people and hoping they will find their passion in it as well.
What is your favorite thing about studying and/or playing music at NIU? My favorite thing is how the professors are engaging and love what they are doing which makes it really fun to learn stuff.
Why did you choose NIU to study music? Because it was close to home and I heard the music program was great.
Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? I like Professor [Lucia] Matos because she always excited to teach a lesson and she makes it fun to learn theory.
Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it? My favorite spot is easy lagoon because it’s so beautiful and I just love doing my homework there and studying.
What do you do to relax or recharge? What I do to recharge or relax is when it’s a nice day outside I will usually sit or lay down and play music and read.
Huskie Spotlights
Huskie Spotlight: Katelyn Ackland, Music Education, Clarinet Performance
Katelyn Ackland, a senior majoring in music education and clarinet performance in the NIU School of Music is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Katelyn has earned multiple scholarships at NIU, and is appreciative of the support of her professors and fellow students....
Huskie Spotlight: Jayla Herring, Recording Arts and Media Technologies
Jayla Herring, a fall 2025 graduate of the School of Music with a degree in recording arts and media technologies is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Jayla says this major was a perfect fit, and the pursuit of an additional certificate increased the chances of...
Huskie Spotlight Lilliana Benitez, Music Education, Euphonium
Lilliana Benitez, a music education major with an instrumental emphasis in euphonium from McHenry, Illinois is the subject of an NIU Huskie Spotlight. A proud member of the Huskie Marching Band, she appreciates the mentorship of Dr. Tom Bough both on the field and in...
Joe Beribak, ’25, Composition
Music Huskie SpotlightHuskie Spotlight: Joe Beribak, '25, CompositionWhat did you want to be when you were growing up? When I was a boy, I wanted to be a Catholic priest. When I grew a little older, I loved amusement parks and wanted to design roller-coasters. This...