The NIU Jazztet has performed by invitation at the world’s first venue designed specifically for the acoustics of jazz, Jazz at Lincoln Center (Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola) (2005 and 2008). The Jazztet has also performed at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival, as one of 39 ensembles from six states, and they were chosen as one of the three “Outstanding” ensembles to perform on the final Awards/Showcase Concert for seven consecutive years.

In addition to the jazz room, we have dedicated space for jazz combos as well. 

NIU has become nationally known for its outstanding jazz studies program. Graduates from NIU are among the top musicians not only in the Chicago-area music scene but also all over the country. Our graduate jazz studies program has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the ten best in the nation.

NIU’s Jazz Faculty are very accomplished studio and touring artists.
(L-R) Tom Garling (trombone), Rodrigo Villanueva (percussion), Reggie Thomas (piano), Pharez Whitted (trumpet), Bobby Broom (guitar), Geof Bradfield (saxophone), Marlene Rosenberg (double bass)