Northern Illinois University
School of Music
College of Visual and Performing Arts

The Brass Area at the NIU School of Music is dedicated to creating brass players equipped for the challenges of the 21st century musical world while offering an education based in sound instrumental technique and exceptional musicianship.

We offer courses of study in Euphonium, Horn, Trombone, Trumpet and Tuba, featuring faculty that are renowned performers and educators who will help you achieve your musical goals and create a vision for a fulfilling career in music.

We will show you what it takes to become an excellent music educator and professional performer, ready to inspire the next generation. You will have the opportunity to learn from esteemed guest artists and the diverse experience of NIU faculty as well as your colleagues and fellow students. Past guest artists have included Phil Smith, Chris Martin, Tom Hooten, Wayne Bergeron, Paul Merkelo, John Hagstrom, Vince DiMartino and Mary Bowden.

As a music major, in addition to the music core curriculum, you’ll work with our world-renown brass faculty in weekly lessons. You will learn the artistry to build a performing career in diverse musical settings including symphony orchestra, concert or military band, chamber music groups, contemporary music ensembles, commercial music and entrepreneurship skills to become musical innovators for your own unique ensembles. 

As the laboratory of musical collaboration, brass chamber music is something we highly value at NIU. We have dedicated weekly chamber music time built into the schedule. You will learn how to listen, respond and use your expression to communicate musically with their colleagues and foster musicianship skills that transfer to all other musical pursuits.

Huskie Brass students learn to prioritize beauty of sound, thoughtful collaborative ensemble skills, well-informed musicality, while also developing the technique, range, endurance and virtuosity to meet the wide range of demands of modern performing artists. We offer a positive learning environment and comradery of a close-knit studios fosters the personal growth that allows long-term artistic growth to take root.

As Quincy Jones said, “Your music can never be more or less than you are as a human being.”