Changing Majors or Programs

Inter-School Transfer (IST)

Students who wish to transfer into the Bienen School or add on a music major must apply and, if applicable to their desired program, complete a performance audition. Some programs require a portfolio submission instead of an audition; applicants applying to these programs must submit all portfolio materials by the deadlines listed below.

Current Bienen School BM students can interview to add the music education major during auditions in the winter quarter of each school year. Interested students not already in the BM program will also need to schedule an audition for their primary instrument's performance faculty. Please email musiclife@northwestern.edu for more information.

2024-25 IST deadlines

Fall 2024: October 18, 2024
Winter 2025: January 31, 2025 (auditions take place between February 7-16, 2025)
Spring 2025: April 26, 2025

Transfers into the Bienen School of Music

Meet with an admission counselor from the Office of Music Admission and Financial Aid. A counselor can help you decide which music major is right for you, review the application/audition requirements, and schedule your audition. Note that performance majors require 4 years of lessons to graduate. To make an appointment with a counselor, email musiclife@northwestern.edu or call 847-491-3141.
Once you have decided to apply for a music major, review and prepare the Audition and Program Requirements. IST applicants are not required to submit pre-screening, but should prepare the live (on-campus) audition repertoire for the Bachelor of Music. If you are applying to Music Composition or to the Bachelor of Arts, submit portfolio materials as part of your Bienen School Supplement. A performance audition is not required for BAMus or BSMus applicants.
Submit the Bienen School of Music Supplement.
The Bienen School of Music Office of Music Admission will notify you of the result of your audition/application via email. If you are accepted to the Bienen School of Music, you will be directed to set up an appointment with an academic advisor in Music Student Affairs to help you register for music classes.
Complete and submit the online Application for Undergraduate Inter-School Transfer. Your current school must approve your application to transfer out. Approval from your current school does not guarantee admission to the Bienen School. Once your current school approves the application, the Bienen School will receive a notification.

Transfers out of the Bienen School of Music

Adding a Dual Degree with the Bienen School from another school

Dual Degree programs allow students to complete two bachelor’s degrees during their time at Northwestern. To apply as a non-Bienen student, follow the instructions (listed above) to transfer INTO the Bienen School. However, be sure to indicate in the online application that you wish to ADD a Dual Degree with music, instead of transferring OUT of your current school. We recommend that you meet with an advisor in your current school before submitting the online application, to discuss the ramifications of adding a second degree. The Dual Degree typically takes five years to complete. The Bienen School of Music’s Assistant Dean for Student Affairs can help you draft a tentative five-year plan before you decide to apply.

Adding/Dropping a Dual Degree with another school

Please see instruction page on the Registrar’s Office website, which includes a link to the online request form.

Changing or Adding Majors within the Bienen School of Music

Students interested in changing their specialization to one of the majors offered in the Department of Music Studies (or adding a major in this department) should complete the Music Studies Major Declaration form. Students majoring in Music Studies wishing to change to a performance major should consult first with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.

Schedule an Advising Appointment

Dover Quartet

Third Coast Percussion with Jessie Montgomery

Trio Valtorna