Music and Communication
The Music and Communication program at Northwestern University is a five-year dual-degree path that integrates rigorous musical training with an in-depth exploration of human communication. This interdisciplinary program is ideal for students who wish to cultivate both artistic excellence and communicative effectiveness across multiple contexts. Students earn a comprehensive education in areas such as music theory, performance, and history, while simultaneously studying media, rhetoric, interpersonal dynamics, or strategic communication. The curriculum emphasizes how artistic expression and communication strategies intersect, enabling students to explore questions such as how music influences identity, how artists communicate across audiences, and how performance shapes meaning in both personal and public spaces. This integrated structure fosters a rich blend of creative, intellectual, and practical skills.
Students benefit from the resources of two renowned schools: the Bienen School of Music and the School of Communication. With access to private instruction, ensemble opportunities, production studios, and public speaking labs, students are challenged to refine both their musical talents and their communicative expertise. The program also encourages cross-disciplinary exploration in areas like music technology, digital media, and arts administration. Whether composing, performing, researching, or strategizing, students graduate with the versatility to navigate both creative and communicative environments, prepared to adapt and lead in fields that value expressive depth and audience engagement.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Music and Communication
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 5 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 December 2025
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: Communication Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Musical Foundations and Communication Basics
• Music Theory and Aural Skills I & II
• Introduction to Communication Studies
• Ensemble Participation or Applied Music Lessons
• Public Speaking and Rhetorical Techniques
Year 2 – Skills Development and Media Engagement
• Intermediate Music Performance or Composition
• Media, Technology, and Society
• Writing for Musicians or Communication Professionals
• Music History: Classical to Contemporary
Year 3 – Integration and Artistic Expression
• Advanced Communication Theory or Performance Studies
• Applied Music or Conducting
• Digital Communication or Sound Design
• Elective in Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Year 4 – Specialization and Professional Focus
• Seminar in Music and Culture
• Communication Research Methods
• Music Entrepreneurship or Strategic Communication
• Individual Capstone Project Planning
Year 5 – Capstone Completion and Industry Practice
• Senior Recital or Communication Thesis
• Internship or Industry Practicum
• Portfolio Development in Music and Media
• Ethics in Communication and the Arts
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Music and Communication program are uniquely positioned to pursue careers that require a strong command of artistic expression and strategic messaging. Many go on to become media producers, arts administrators, public relations specialists, composers, or musicians, working in industries such as music production, performing arts, digital media, entertainment marketing, or cultural advocacy. The dual emphasis on performance and communication makes graduates excellent candidates for interdisciplinary roles in broadcasting, event planning, or nonprofit arts organizations. Others continue into graduate programs in music, communication studies, arts leadership, or education, depending on their professional goals. With strong presentation skills, creative insight, and cross-platform literacy, alumni are equipped to build meaningful careers that connect audiences, ideas, and artistic vision.
Why Choose This Program
This unique dual-degree program empowers students to think, perform, and communicate with purpose in today’s interconnected cultural landscape. At Northwestern, students are immersed in two dynamic academic environments that value both creativity and clarity—where they can hone their performance techniques while exploring the theories and strategies behind communication. Small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and access to world-class performance venues and media labs support both artistic and intellectual development. Students engage in projects that blend music and communication, such as concert production, arts-based storytelling, or sound branding, learning to balance artistic authenticity with audience impact. Whether planning a career in performance, media, advocacy, or education, students graduate with a unique toolkit that includes expressive fluency, interdisciplinary agility, and real-world experience, making this program an ideal choice for those who want to merge artistry with influence.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
