‘It’s better to sing than to take a pill every day’
Singing has long been celebrated for its ability to lift spirits. But could it also have healing powers?
Groundbreaking children’s Fontan Choir makes debut
The Fontan Choir, the first of its kind in the world, is a partnership between the Bienen School of Music and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
This Northwestern music detective resurrected a trove of 400-year-old Christmas music
Centuries-old carols recently discovered by Bienen PhD candidate Paul Feller-Simmons were brought back to life in performances by the Newberry Consort.
Music program for heart patients aims to improve lung function
Doctors and patients have long known the mental health benefits of singing, especially in children. But now a research collaboration aimed at helping the heart hopes to find music is indeed medicine.
Walfrid Kujala (1925-2024)
Walfrid Kujala, professor emeritus of flute, who served on the Bienen School faculty for 50 years, died November 10 at age 99.
Bienen School alumni, faculty receive 2025 Grammy nominations
Professor emeritus Donald Nally has received his tenth Grammy nomination to date and several Bienen alumni are also among the 2025 nominees.
Top 10 CME Performances from the Past 10 Years
Faculty members Ben Bolter and Alan Pierson share their 10 favorite Contemporary Music Ensemble performances from the past 10 years.
Mallory Thompson’s Final Bow
Mallory Thompson's nearly three-decade tenure concluded this year with a celebratory series of performances, culminating in late May as hundreds of alumni returned to campus to attend her final Northwestern concert.
Maria João Pires Presents Lane Prize Residency
Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires spent a productive week in residence at the Bienen School of Music as winner of the 2023 Jean Gimbel Lane Prize in Piano Performance.
Gateways Festival Comes to Northwestern
The Gateways Music Festival launched a series of Chicago-area performances at Northwestern in April as part of the renowned festival’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Class of 2024 Challenged to Make Good Noise
Trailblazing composer, musicologist, and trombonist George Lewis gave the keynote address at the Bienen School’s June 8 convocation.
Looking Back, Forging Ahead
Dean Holland reflects on his first year in office and charts a path forward for the Bienen School of Music.