Ethan Cowburn, ’25 honored by online Thai music competition

Ethan Cowburn, who earned his master of music in 2025 from the NIU School of Music was awarded the Special Prize and International Award for the sixth anniversary of the ทำนองหลักเพลงไทย. The ทำนองหลักเพลงไทย is an online Thai music competition creted by Pokpong...

Huskie Spotlight: Kacee Dugas, M.M. World Music and Cello Performance

Kacee Dugas is pursuing her master of music in world music performance and cello performance. She is also teaching MUHL 222: World Music and Cultures. "I'm learning a lot as a dual student/teacher, and I love getting to share what I'm studying." Read Kacee's entire...

Gabriel Wade, ’24 advances to finals of Ryan Anthony Memorial Trumpet Competition

Gabriel Wade, who earned his Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the NIU School of Music in 2024 is one of three finalists in the 2026 Ryan Anthony Memorial Trumpet Competition at the International Trumpet Guild's 50th Anniversary Conference at the Eastman School of...

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Stevens Building construction “flight”

Stevens Building construction “flight”

Construction is well underway on the Stevens Building additions and remodel on the NIU main campus.  The building is home to the College of Theatre and Dance and the Department of Anthropology.  Many more updates will come in the weeks ahead, but let's start things...

Welcome (back) students

Welcome (back) students

From Paul Kassel, Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts Welcome or welcome back!  We’re glad you’re here and ready to take advantage of all the College, our Schools, and our great university has to offer! We have the rare privilege of being able to study, learn,...

Join the NIU Steelband

Join the NIU Steelband

The NIU Steelband is dedicated to demonstrating the versatility and profundity of the steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, and you can join them in three different ways. Join the World Steelband (NIU Steelband) by enrolling in MUSE 272/672,...

Sundaes on Saturday, August 26

Sundaes on Saturday, August 26

Welcome, or welcome back, to campus!  The College of Visual and Performing Arts invites all of our students to enjoy FREE ICE CREAM, Saturday, August 26 in the lobby of Boutell Auditorium, in the Music Building from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Enjoy your ice cream, meet and...

Organ students explore two major instruments in Chicago

Organ students explore two major instruments in Chicago

On Friday, July 14 students of James Russell Brown from NIU and the Music Institute of Chicago met in Chicago to play and explore two of the largest organs in the midwest.  The morning session was at Holy Name Cathedral's immense Flentrop organ, and the afternoon was...

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