Music

Make music at Lake Forest College

Music students at Lake Forest explore the musicians they are and will become. Through opera or hip hop, violin or harmonica, students collaborate with professors whose own interests range from world music to electronica.

With our flexible curriculum, music majors can focus their studies toward performance, theory, composition, history, or combine all of it—and our accomplished professors encourage experimentation and creative expression.

Students composing music

Course Descriptions Requirements Faculty

Music

Chicago and the world of music at your doorstep

Chicago is home to one of the most dynamic and thrilling music scenes in the country. With a rich history of music and continued innovation and experimentation, this city is the birthplace of influential genres such as house, modern gospel, and Chicago-style blues.

Our close proximity to Chicago opens a treasure trove of opportunities for students looking to connect to an enormous history and culture of music. With the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and numerous jazz, blues, folk, and house music venues nearby, there are many opportunities for music enjoyment, study, and internships. Music majors have access to a broad range of urban and suburban schools for student teaching and internships.

Performance

Students gain confidence and skill to help elevate their vocal and instrumental performances in a variety of styles. Our faculty include dedicated educators and performers who will nurture students' presence on stage.

Composition

Students have opportunities to compose original music and learn foundational music theory and composition skills that will help them develop as composers.

Engagement

Students are equipped with the skill, passion, and understanding to advocate for the musical arts and engage in entrepreneurial activities in order to successfully navigate a broad variety of professional music activities.

“

As I look at the professors in our music department, I find it so inspiring that they’ve all lived lives built around music. It’s because of them that I believed in my ideas and talents enough to choose a music major and pursue what I really care about.

Finn Kraker '25

Music internships at Lake Forest College

Students have ample opportunities to engage with the world of professional music in, around, and beyond Chicago. These connections are valuable for students seeking professional careers in music production, composition, and performance. Our music students have interned with organizations such as:

Bloodshot Records
Chicago Dance & Music Alliance
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago Humanities Festival
El Sistema Chicago/People’s Music School
Illinois Arts Council
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Paragon Studios, Inc.
Ravinia Festival

Music internships

Top jobs for music graduates

Music graduates from Lake Forest College have the foundation and connections to pursue a variety of careers in music.

K-12 music education
Music therapy
Freelance performing and composing in many genres
Recording studios
Private studio teaching
Music publishing
Business administration
Research and development
Graduate school in music, English, education, medicine, and library science

Lake Forest College music ensembles

Lake Forest College is proud to offer students opportunities to perform in and engage with a variety of skilled ensembles. At the College, we promote interdisciplinary learning so that students can combine all of their interests for a rewarding college experience. Students in any major can join an ensemble!

Sylvan Singers
Concert Choir
Chamber Choir
Concert Band
Concert Orchestra
West African Drumming Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble
Experimental Music Group
Chamber Ensembles

Private lessons to strengthen foundational skills

In addition to courses in music, we have active Chicago professionals teaching private lessons in voice and instruments.

Strings: violin, viola, cello, bass (both acoustic and electric)
Winds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone
Brass: horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba
Percussion: marimba, xylophone, snare drum, bass drum, set
Keyboards: piano, jazz piano, organ
Other Instruments: classical guitar, blues/jazz guitar, harmonica, ukulele, harp
Voice, improvisation, accompanying