The Music Conservatory
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Music is a calling. Musicians are musicians because they have to be, and preparing for a life in music requires an unwavering desire to perform and perfect one's art. Music performance majors arrive with artistic desire and leave with the skills and knowledge to begin a life in music. Studio lessons and participation in recitals, chamber music, opera, and large ensembles form the nucleus of a performer's training. Orchestral studies majors focus their attention on preparing specifically for careers in orchestral performance. In recent years, alumni have won orchestra positions in Spain, Germany, Colorado, Puerto Rico, China, Los Angeles, Canada, Malaysia, Fort Worth, Japan, France and Kansas City.
Led by Dean Linda Berna, the Music Conservatory faculty, many of whom are in positions of prominence in the Chicago musical community, provide mentorship and direction to our students. They include more than 25 members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera Orchestra, such as concertmaster Robert Chen and principals Dale Clevenger, horn; John Sharp, cello; Eugene Izotov, Oboe, Jay Friedman Trombone; Sarah Bullen, harp as well Principal Flute Emeritus, Donald Peck. Other esteemed musical entities are represented by such faculty members as Metropolitan and Lyric opera stars Samuel Ramey, Judith Haddon, David Holloway and Richard Stilwell; and renowned classical guitarist Denis Azabagic. All provide their students with technical expertise, knowledge of repertoire, and an inspiring love of music.
Our students also benefit from hearing the range of fine music that sweeps through the city. They watch great conductors from around the world conduct the Chicago Symphony, enjoy outdoor performances at Pritzker Pavilion in the nearby Millennium Park, or see jazz greats appearing at the famous Jazz Showcase.
Part of a lively continuum of artistic success, our music alumni perform with major orchestras and chamber ensembles and become educators, conductors, composers, and critics. Among our alumni are trombonist Jay Friedman, the great Opera bass Donald Gramm, concert pianist Jeffrey Siegel, and Robert McFerrin, the first African-American male soloist at the Metropolitan Opera.