Huskie Spotlight: Stefan Lenthe, ’24, Master of Music
What did you want to be when you were growing up? I pretty much knew from an early age that I wanted to be a musician. For me it all goes back to very first time I heard The Beatles. I was hooked couldn’t imagine doing anything other than playing music.
What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study? Individualized Specialization- Jazz Studies
What is your favorite thing about studying and/or playing music at NIU? I love all great jazz musicians here. I am in two combos. One is called the Jazztet, which is comprised of jazz studies master’s students. The other combo is one that I direct and it includes a mix of different majors, both undergraduate and grad students. I look forward to playing with them every day!Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? I love taking lessons with Marlene Rosenberg because she is one of the most brilliant jazz bassists in the world. I want to be just like her when I grow up!
Why did you choose NIU to study music? Out of all the music programs I applied, NIU had the best mix of benefits, including excellent faculty, great students, and classroom teaching experience.What do you do to relax or recharge? Right now I am watching House of Dragon on HBO. I’m hooked!
Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently? Manage my time! Going to school full time and also performing/ gigging in public requires a lot of responsibility when it comes to time. I have to make sure I carve out time to do the things I need to do and not fall behind on anything.
Huskie Spotlights
Huskie Spotlight: Rosemary McClure, jazz performance
Rosemary McClure is a junior jazz performance major from St. Charles. She appreciates the collaborative spirit that abounds in the Music Building. "A lot of my classes for jazz studies have been fairly small, so it’s been easy to connect with the people in those...
Huskie Spotlight: Daniel Chukwunyem, Master of Music
Daniel Chukwunyem enjoys being at NIU and appreciates the diversity of the campus. "I love the community. It is quite wonderful to see different folks from different walks of life coexisting. Also, I particularly love how experienced and welcoming the faculty are."...
Huskie Spotlight: Teddy Malamis, Music Education
Teddy Malamis, a senior music education major from Naperville, is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Malamis says, "I have loved music since a young age and was truly changed for the better by my music educators in elementary, middle and high school. I wish to have...
Huskie Spotlight: Alma Perrote, Music Education and Steelpan Performance
Alma Perotte, who is majoring in music education and steelpan performance in the School of Music is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Alma says she knew as a child growing up in Belize City, Belize that she wanted music to be an essential part of her life. When I was...



