The Wheaton College Conservatory of Music offers a world-class musical education that enhances habits of mind, personal discipline, and abstract thinking applicable to an astonishing range of careers, including and well beyond music and the arts.
Within six months of graduation, nearly 99% of Wheaton’s Class of 2021 found work in their field or continued their education.
Participate in productions and performances in the state-of-the-art Armerding Center for Music and the Arts.
Audition for and perform with one or more of Wheaton’s music ensembles.
You can reach us anytime via admissions@wheaton.edu.
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The Bachelor of Music degree in Performance provides comprehensive music training that encourages the formation of performing artists capable of meaningful contributions to society and the church. The four-year curriculum with a major in piano, organ, voice, or orchestral instrument is designed for those who are contemplating a variety of graduate programs or careers in music.
After graduation, Wheaton music majors go into education, music production, ministry, media, business, community benefit organizations, and other fields. Many will enter music- and performance-related graduate programs. Some go on to seminary or pursue law or professional school.
The Conservatory of Music at Wheaton College offers several other degree and major options, including:
B.M. in Composition: geared toward developing skills and imagination necessary to create compelling music in a variety of professional contexts.
B.M. in Music History and Literature: focused on preparing students for further study in musicology or related fields.
B.M. in Pedagogy: designed for students interested in becoming a private studio music teacher; music pedagogy also serves as a solid foundation for graduate study.
B.M. in Music Education: prepares students to become certified to teach music in Illinois; focuses on choral and instrumental training.
B.M. with Elective Studies in an Outside Field: allows students to gain comprehensive training in music while gaining expertise in another area of study.
B.A. in Music: enables students to study music and performance in the context of the liberal arts while embracing resources of the Conservatory or Music.
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Our esteemed, international Conservatory faculty is made up of scores of musicologists and professional artists: vocalists, instrumentalists, composers, conductors, educators, and church music directors.
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Wheaton College’s 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Armerding Center is home to a 650-seat concert hall, a 108-seat recital hall, digital recording studies, and other learning, gathering, and rehearsal spaces. Other venues include the 2,400-seat Edman Chapel, the 900-seat auditorium in Pierce Chapel, and the 500-seat Barrows Auditorium.
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Audition for one (or more!) of our ensembles, which include Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Opera Main Stage, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Women’s Chorale, and Men’s Glee Club. Or participate in Opera Mainstage a meticulous year-long course that provides primary attention to the careful musical, vocal, and dramatic learning of a given role as students participate in the production of a classic operatic masterpiece.
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Music is integral to worship, and the church is typically one of the first places people experience the power of music. At Wheaton College, music is embedded into nearly every aspect of campus life, from chapel services to student-led a cappella. At Wheaton, you can use your God-given talent to lead others in worship -- and also hit the road for an ensemble tour.
Interdisciplinary learning is a way of life at Wheaton. Aside from your work within your chosen major, you can enrich your educational experience and connect with peers and professors across campus (and beyond) in many ways.
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A Wheaton education is built on the foundation of our unique Christ at the Core general education curriculum. Music moves us deeply and brings us together. At Wheaton, we believe that music is an act of worship. Not only do our students become better musicians, but they grow spiritually and intellectually and become better people as they endeavor to follow Jesus Christ in all aspects of their lives.
Whether they concentrate on composition, pursue performance, or focus on music pedagogy, Wheaton’s multifaceted music program prepares talented students for a range of careers on stage, backstage, and beyond.
Music majors go into a variety of industries and find positions such as:
And they work, teach, and perform with organizations like:
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- David Hamilton '86, Piano Performance“I’m trying my best to be salt and light. I’m trying to show people a little glimpse of who Jesus is.”
After graduating from Wheaton with a degree in piano performance, Nashville-based arranger and composer David Hamilton '86 earned a master’s degree in studio writing and production from the University of Miami. Today Hamilton is known as an accomplished conductor and producer and works regularly with artists like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, classical pianist Lang Lang, and even Metallica.
He gets asked all the time about how to make it in an industry that is notoriously competitive. His answer? Grit and humility. One job at a time, be faithful with what you are given. Hamilton says this is just one of the things he learned at Wheaton.
Read More About DavidIf you’re a current student or want to dig deeper in this area of study, here are some additional resources for you to explore.
Visit the Conservatory of Music website for more information on faculty, curriculum, opportunities and other details.
Visit the Wheaton College catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions.
Interested in studying music performance at Wheaton? Request more information about the Wheaton College Conservatory and our music degree programs or start your application today.