Millikin University's School of Music is an all Steinway School:
"All-Steinway Schools demonstrate a commitment to excellence by providing their students and faculties with the best equipment possible for the study of music. That is why the only pianos owned by the institutions — from the practice room to the recital hall — are designed by Steinway & Sons." - Steinway & Sons
Why Millikin?
- The placement rate for graduates of the Millikin University School of Music is 97%; in certain degree programs, such as Music Education, that rate is 100%
- Millikin graduates receive graduate school assistance. The vast majority of Millikin keyboard graduates who pursue graduate study have been awarded scholarships or teaching assistantships.
- Study in all keyboard instruments is available: piano, organ, harpsichord and MIDI applications.
- Study with professors, not graduate assistants. Millikin is a small university, in which every student studies with talented and dedicated professors who care about their students as individuals and not merely as names on a class list. The Millikin faculty are dedicated to developing the talents of undergraduate students, and also to building and enriching their own talents--and that is true in all fields.
- Millikin has abundant performance opportunities! Within the closeness of a small university, the Millikin University School of Music and College of Fine Arts are large enough to provide a wealth of diverse musical activities for students: several on-campus musical competitions that are very competitive, opportunities and encouragement for entering many off-campus competitions; weekly master classes and school-wide recitals; numerous performing groups open to all by audition; constant opportunities to accompany other students and participate in small ensembles.
- Millikin graduates have been better prepared for more career paths. Whatever your major, you may elect music courses from another major. You will learn, perform and interact with musicians preparing for many different careers, and your own experience, talents and preparation will be richer for that.
- Nearly all musical and theatrical activities are open by audition to students from any major; the most highly skilled get to perform, regardless of major.
- Regardless of degree, all keyboard students are encouraged to develop their talents as completely as they can. Even if you are a singer, violinist or tubist, or if your major is English or Economics, as a keyboard student you are welcome and encouraged to participate as fully as you desire in the musical life of the University.
- Use your talents to earn money while you study! Pianists who have completed Piano Pedagogy study have the opportunity to teach in Millikin’s Preparatory Department. Opportunities to accompany recitals and other performances for pay abound. Also, keyboardists are in constant demand for off-campus musical and theatrical performances, church services, weddings, country clubs and many other occasions.
- In all fields of study Millikin University is dedicated to relating and integrating theory and practice. Your education will be practical and usable immediately, as well as provide the foundation for additional study.
What Alumni are saying:
“In July I accompanied La Musica Lirica student opera program in Italy and I am their webmaster…I was commissioned by the Mundelein High Scbool Show Choirs to do four of their arrangements for their season. I did a video editing project for a trumpet player out in Palm Springs, one who played with all the great stars and bands, as well as being the lead trumpet in Harry James’ band…I’ve been collaborating and working on new show running orders with Liberace protégé Steve Garey out in Vegas. I redesigned his website and I’m going out to Vegas tomorrow to do a show with him in Laguna Hills… Then I go on a cruise ship to Hawaii for 6 weeks to work as a musical director and bandmaster (a managerial position).
Daniel Everitt Solberg
DSôl Productions
Commercial Music 2003
“Performance opportunities are a big selling point…everyone has to get up on stage, and that is so important.”
Terry L. (Wait) Klefstad
Southwestern University
Piano Performance 1992
“Creating the shows, improvising ‘dance music’ on the spot, directing musicians, and giving it a professional polish—Millikin is responsible for nurturing those skills.
Michael Weaver
President, Show Design, Inc.
Commercial Music 1986
"[Millikin] was a great learning experience and IT WAS FUN!!!...It was great competitive musical enrvironment, but it wasn’t a cold-spirited competition, it was a time of growing and seeing your peers grow at the same time.”
Jeffrey J. Nelson
Owner, Blue Canoe Group
Commercial Music 1990
"I love the performing we got to do on Thursday recitals, also hearing others do their thing. I love the diversity of Millikin...I value all the people I accompanied in lessons and recitals--the practice of constantly sight-reading, as well as being exposed to many different genres of music was invaluable...As far as convincing someone to go to Millikin, I couldn't recommend it highly enough."
Flint Hawes
BA Music and Spanish, 1999