Music at North Park
“North Park students of all majors have opportunities to begin or continue their music learning—whether your focus is a career in music or just following your passion in a supportive community, our Department of Music offers majors, minors, and opportunities for all levels of music makers.”—Dr. Julia Davids
Mission
The Department of Music is committed to nurturing the artistic, academic, and personal growth of every student through a supportive and caring community. We embrace a culture of service that values collaboration, mentorship, and lifelong learning. By fostering an inclusive and process-oriented environment, we empower students to explore their musical potential, develop their craft, and serve as creative leaders in their communities and beyond.
Vision
We envision a vibrant and inclusive musical community where students, faculty, and staff thrive through mutual respect, purposeful guidance, and a shared commitment to excellence. Through mentoring, modeling, and experiential learning we aim to cultivate compassionate artists and educators who not only master their disciplines but also uplift others through music and service.
Music Degrees
Music Partnerships
Lyric Opera
Lyric Opera Pathfinders is a civic engagement program for Chicago-area youth and young adults aged 16–21 to explore creative, administrative, and technical careers in opera. A cohort of students from the music unit participates in this program, which features monthly in-person and virtual workshops that foster skills in production, leadership, and audience engagement. This program is facilitated as a Music Special Topics course (MUS 3910).
The People’s Music School
We are proud partners of The People’s Music School (TPMS), an organization providing free music education to Chicago youth. This partnership offers our music students impactful internship opportunities and allows us to host TPMS concerts and events on our campus.
Södra Vätterbygdens Folk High School (SVF)
For more than 50 years, the exchange program between Södra Vätterbygdens Folk High School (SVF) and North Park University has connected students through shared learning and cultural exchange. It is the oldest program of its kind between U.S. and Swedish institutions of higher education. Students spend the fall semester at SVF in Jönköping, Sweden, and the spring semester at North Park University in Chicago, Illinois. The program provides an excellent foundation for further studies in both Sweden and the United States while offering valuable cross-cultural experiences. Swedish exchange students are also active participants in North Park’s music ensembles and courses, contributing to the university’s vibrant musical community.
Meet our Music faculty
Ensembles
The music department offers four choirs, an orchestra, a concert band, a jazz ensemble, various instrumental chamber ensembles, and an opera program. These groups perform individually and in collaboration, both on-campus and off-campus.
Scholarships
Music scholarships are available to all incoming first-year and transfer students, regardless of major. Music participants (non-music majors) may be awarded up to $4,000 per year and music majors may be awarded up to $5,000 per year.
Music Events
The Adelaide Ensemble: Baroque Hurdy Gurdy Concert
10/01/2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Exceptional Music for Exceptional Families
10/10/2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Voices: Fall Choral Concert
10/23/2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Homecoming Music Showcase
10/30/2026 | 7:30 p.m.
