students playing instruments

School of Music

The Millikin Difference

There’s a reason our School of Music programs are regularly recognized among the best in the nation — our personalized Performance Learning curriculum provides hands-on, real-world experience in every aspect of the music field. Manage a record label. Tour with a rock band. Record in state-of-the-art studios. Connect with industry heavyweights at our Midwest Music Expo. Hone your performance skills on and off the stage as you receive one-on-one mentorship from our dedicated faculty. At Millikin, you will do the work of your future career starting on day one.

Join us on campus! Check out our Featured Events for more details.

Important Dates

Explore the Arts Day - December 2

Explore the Arts Day is uniquely designed to show you how Millikin can help you turn your passion into a profession. Learn More

Performance Learning

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ unique Performance Learning approach to education offers valuable, practical experiences outside the classroom. With student-run ventures in the music industry, ample teaching opportunities and a regional music expo on campus, students get the experience and networks they need to succeed after graduation.

School of Music

  • ProspectiveStudents

    Inside ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ School of Music, dreams and reality live side by side as you learn, grow and develop your musical talents and learn about all areas of the music industry.

    audio production computer screens with a stage in the background

  • StudentSpotlight

    As Adriana has continued to step into the spotlight, their busy schedule is filled with opportunities that have pushed them into new areas of performing, including being a member of ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ Treble Choir, University Choir, OneVoice Vocal Jazz Ensemble, BlueBop Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Dissonance A Capella.

    Read the article

  • Programs of Study

    • Student sitting at sound board

      Commercial Music, B.M.

      This program delivers collaborative, project-based learning where students progress through a highly integrated, entrepreneurial curriculum that encompasses songwriting, arranging, performing, audio engineering and production.
    • Music

      Music, B.A.

      Students in this program have the flexibility to focus on specialized areas of music while exploring interdisciplinary connections to other fields through a secondary major, minor or certificate. Music cognition, history or pre-law tracks available.
    • Music Business

      Music Business, B.A., B.S., B.M.

      Music Business at Millikin prepares students for a career in today’s music industry through engagement with traditional business, entrepreneurial and DIY strategies for music performance, marketing, distribution, contracts, revenue streams, merchandising, publishing and touring.

    • Music Education, B.M.

      The BM in Music Education program delivers a four-year, comprehensive curriculum that leads to K-12 licensure in the State of Illinois. This program includes concentrations for instrumental and vocal instruction.
    • Music Performance

      Music Performance, B.M.

      The Bachelor of Music in Music Performance develops excellence in music performance and prepares you for a career as a professional musical artist or for the private teaching of applied music.
    • Music Minor

      Music Minor

      A minor in music is available to students majoring in any of the University’s colleges or schools. Acceptance as a music minor is subject to a successful audition in an applied music area taught by the Millikin University School of Music faculty and the approval of the Director of the School of Music.
    • Student operating soundboard

      Music Business Minor

      Our program connects your major to the music industry through hands-on experience in record label operation, touring, contract negotiations, advanced entrepreneurship, artist and event management, online marketing and more.
    • Music Certificates

      Music Certificates

      Music certificates are available in Music Composition, Jazz Studies, Instrumental Music and Vocal Music.


  • Signature Programs

  • Student Resources

    singing group practice

    New Students

    audio production computer screens with a stage in the background

    Current Students

  • OneVoice

    Students & Faculty Win Three DownBeat Magazine Awards

    Big Blue student Starling Merideth, Vocal Jazz Ensemble OneVoice, and the Millikin Audio Recording Service (MARS) received honors from the legendary jazz publication. 

  • Upcoming Events

    Millikin students sing opera on stage in Albert Taylor Theatre.

    Millikin Opera Scenes Showcase

    to

Department News