For over 150 years, the Illinois Wesleyan School of Music has enjoyed a national reputation for producing talented performers, composers, conductors, and music educators. Our students learn from our distinguished faculty of pedagogues, researchers, and still actively-performing artists. Student-faculty relationships are essential to any musician’s education and training. Our low student-to-professor ratio ensures that every student will enjoy personal attention in class settings and a close mentoring relationship with their applied teacher.
The School of Music empowers students through personalized rigorous instruction, diverse musical experiences, and meaningful collaboration, helping each individual grow as both a musician and a person. We prepare students to pursue their passions with confidence, creativity, and the skills needed for life beyond the classroom.
The School of Music at Illinois Wesleyan University envisions a vibrant, student-centered community that fosters musical excellence through rigorous Western foundations, diverse traditions and genres, and innovative engagement with music technology. Through individualized instruction, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning, we prepare students to thrive as adaptable musicians, educators, and citizens while nurturing their artistic curiosity and well-being. We seek to distinguish ourselves through purposeful growth, community and regional engagement, and programming that develops our students holistically, ensuring strong recruitment, retention, and professional outcomes. Grounded in collaboration, clear communication, and shared purpose, the School of Music is committed to sustaining an inclusive, forward-thinking environment that supports students, faculty, alumni, and the broader musical community.
The School of Music at Illinois Wesleyan University offers a transformative experience that helps students grow into inspiring musicians and well-rounded individuals through rigorous training and the acquisition of comprehensive musical knowledge and technical skills.