Khadija Nagi, a DeKalb native, and now a proud graduate of the NIU School of Music is the subject of the fall 2025...
Music News Archives
In Passing: Ron Modell and more
by Antonio Garcia Jazz education lost a giant in the field with the passing on June 10 of my friend and colleague Ron...
An open window led Zachary Good to the clarinet and to NIU
A familiarity with the school and a desire to teach music at a state university made NIU the perfect place for new...
NIU presents 23-24 International Guitar Series
Once again, NIU will present a series of recitals featuring some of the most talented guitarists in the world. The 2023-2024 Northern Illinois University International Guitar Series begins, Sunday, September 24 with Waller and Maxwell Guitar Duo, at 3 p.m. in the...
Three from School of Music receive Illinois Arts Council Fellowships
Three members of the NIU School of Music were honored with 2023 Artist Fellowship Awards from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Liam Teague, NIU Board of Trustees Professor, Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor and Head of Steelpan Studies and...
Music alumna Marybeth Kurnat’s new NIU inspired work to debut at PREMIERE|Project Festival
A chance encounter with another choral composer in southern Ohio set off a chain of events that will result in School of Music alumna Marybeth Kurnat's new piece debuting at the PREMIER|Project Festival in Irvine, California, June 27-June 30. Kurnat earned her degree...
Graduate Profile: Kirby Fellis, MFA in Jazz Performance
Congratulations to all of our graduates. We look forward to seeing all of the great things you do. This profile on Kirby Fellis, who earned his MFA in Jazz Performance from the NIU School of Music was featured during commencement ceremonies over the weekend. ...
School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance collaborate on “The Rite of Spring”
The NIU Philharmonic Orchestra will perform selections from Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" at their spring concert and they will be joined for those selections by students from the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. The concert is Wednesday, April 26 at 7 p.m....
Brian Penkrot performs at Mission Creek Festival with BCJsPs
Brian Penkrot, instructor of music theory, aural skills and composition in the NIU School of Music performed at the Mission Creek Festival in Iowa City, Iowa, April 6-8. The festival annually brings together authors, publishers and musicians from across the nation....
NIU Steelband celebrates 50th anniversary with concert April 16
The world-famous NIU Steelband celebrates 50 years with an anniversary concert, Sunday, April 16 at 3 p.m. in the NIU Music Building's Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for NIU students. The concert will feature the NIU...
Music Library hosting AAPI Heritage Month exhibits focused on NIU music faculty
To recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, the NIU Music Library is hosting both digital and physical exhibits on the subject featuring the School of Music's faculty. The physical exhibit is located in the vestibule of the Music Library (main...
NIU’s annual World Music festival features five free concerts
The NIU School of Music is collaborating with the NIU Division of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Asian American Certificate Program; Latino Resource Center; and Asian American Resource Center to put together the 2023 World Music Festival, Many Voices, One...