Faculty

The faculty at any university is unquestionably its most important asset. While every institution seeks to attract prospective students with fine facilities and exciting student activities and services, the primary reason for choosing a particular school must, in the end, be the quality and day-to-day accessibility of the teachers with whom you will be studying. A faculty member's famous name or reputation is of little value to the student who rarely comes in contact with him or her.

The music faculty at Northern is a diverse and talented group of active professional performers, composers, conductors and teachers. We don't just talk about music. We make music and we strive to continually grow as musicians. This commitment to growth creates an exciting environment for learning and challenges our students to set their sights high. Official NMU university policy places excellence in teaching over all other priorities. In the Music Department this translates into an unusual level of faculty involvement with students. We are always accessible, available and eager to help.

It is very significant that all music students at Northern, including non-music majors, take their lessons directly with a faculty member. This is in contrast to schools where students are taught by graduate students for two or more years before being accepted into the studio of the faculty member. As an NMU music student, you will sit with a full faculty member from your first lesson through your senior recital.