Wheaton College Conservatory of Music

At the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, music is an act of worship. We provide a Christ-centered environment that fosters musical excellence, creativity, and spiritual growth. Our students don’t simply become better musicians, they become better people as they endeavor to follow Jesus Christ in every aspect of their lives.

Concert choir in Armerding Concert Choir

Niche Ranks Wheaton College Conservatory of Music 40th Among Top 100 Best Colleges

The Wheaton College Conservatory of Music has been ranked 40th among the Top 100 Best Colleges for Music in America by Niche for 2025, placing it among esteemed institutions such as Juilliard, Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, and Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. This recognition affirms Wheaton’s position as one of the nation’s premier conservatories, celebrated for its integration of rigorous musical training with a Christ-centered education. Niche’s “2025 Best Colleges for Music in America” ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews from students and alumni.

The Conservatory offers a diverse range of degree programs, including Bachelor of Music degrees in Performance, Composition, Music History and Literature, Pedagogy, Music Education, and Elective Studies in an Outside Field. Students may also pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Music or a Music Minor. These programs provide an opportunity to cultivate artistic excellence within a supportive and faith-centered community.

For more information, contact conservatory.of.music@wheaton.edu.

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Music as an Act of Worship and Service

At the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, we aim to help each student develop a solid understanding of the theoretical, historical, and stylistic aspects of musical practice, and to connect this knowledge to the wide range of music literature. Together we strive for the highest levels of technical and artistic achievement in performance, composition, and teaching. Most importantly, we approach this mission from a biblical perspective, viewing music-making as an act of worship and service, emphasizing excellence in stewardship, and linking all human creativity to God as the Creator.

The Conservatory offers the following degree programs:

Music Study By Area

The Wheaton College Conservatory of Music is host to numerous undergraduate music degree programs, served by an incredible community of faculty artists and scholars.

Each area comprises instrument-specific studios led by expert faculty artists who train, teach, and foster an encouraging and supportive community working toward creative excellence.

See Music Study by Area

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Wheaton College Conservatory of Music Jazz Combo 2022

Conservatory of Music News

Wheaton College Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Renowned Conductor John Nelson ’63

Shawn Okpebholo - credit Greg Halvorsen Schreck

Dr. Shawn Okpebholo Named Chicagoan of the Year for Classical Music

Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe play piano

Introducing the 75th Season of the Wheaton College Artist Series

Beat by Beat: Building Community and Finding Healing through Music

Wheaton College IL Conservatory of Music Violin Professor Dr. Soh-Hyun Park Altino

Dr. Soh-Hyun Park Altino: Reinterpreting Sanjo

Wheaton College IL Conservatory of Music Assistant Professor Dr. Francisco Xavier Beteta

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Francisco Xavier Beteta

Wheaton College IL Conservatory of Music alumna Hannah Novak plays bass in orchestra

“I Bet No One Plays the Bass”

Music Ensembles

The Conservatory of Music's nine ensembles are a key part of the Wheaton community. Open to all Wheaton students, regardless of major, these groups build character and musicianship by combining excellence in teaching and performance with Christian thought and community.

More About Ensembles

General

Chamber Music

The Chamber Music Program at Wheaton College provides a unique opportunity for students to explore diverse genres of music and varied instrumentations.

Learn About Chamber Music

General

Concert Choir

The Wheaton College Concert Choir is made up of approximately fifty young women and men with a passion for choral music.

Learn About Concert Choir

Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra Horn Players

Symphonic Band

The Wheaton College Symphonic Band performs traditional and contemporary wind band music, maintaining a tradition of music excellence at Wheaton College for over 125 years.

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Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra Performance 2023

Symphony Orchestra

The Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to learning and performing excellent orchestral repertoire from the 18th century to the presentto glorify God and minister to others.

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Men's Glee Club

Founded in 1907, the Men's Glee Club is composed of around 60 men who hail from many different areas of study and many different parts of the world.

Learn About Men's Glee Club

Women's Chorale 2022

Women's Chorale

The Wheaton College Women's Chorale is a group of women who love music and love worshipping the Lord through singing music together.

Learn About Women's Chorale

Opera Mainstage

The Opera program at Wheaton College strives to prepare students for further pre-professional study in opera.

Learn About Opera Mainstage

Our people size

Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble welcomes all percussionists. Brief auditions for new students are held at the beginning of the school year. You do not need to be a music major to participate in the Percussion Ensemble.

Learn About Percussion Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz at Wheaton offers a wide variety of performance opportunities to give you practical musical training grounded in the authentic articulation of the jazz language.

Learn About Jazz Ensemble