students playing instruments

School of Music

The Millikin Difference

There’s a reason our School of Music programs are regularly recognized among the best in the nation — our personalized Performance Learning curriculum provides hands-on, real-world experience in every aspect of the music field. Manage a record label. Tour with a rock band. Record in state-of-the-art studios. Connect with industry heavyweights at our Midwest Music Expo. Hone your performance skills on and off the stage as you receive one-on-one mentorship from our dedicated faculty. At Millikin, you will do the work of your future career starting on day one.

Performance Learning

Millikin’s unique Performance Learning approach to education offers valuable, practical experiences outside the classroom. With student-run ventures in the music industry, ample teaching opportunities and a regional music expo on campus, students get the experience and networks they need to succeed after graduation.

School of Music

  • ProspectiveStudents

    Inside Millikin’s School of Music, dreams and reality live side by side as you learn, grow and develop your musical talents and learn about all areas of the music industry.

    audio production computer screens with a stage in the background

  • Programs of Study

    • Student sitting at sound board

      Commercial Music, B.A., B.S., B.M.

      This program delivers collaborative, project-based learning where students progress through a highly integrated, entrepreneurial curriculum that encompasses songwriting, arranging, performing, audio engineering and production.
    • Music

      Music, B.A.

      Students in this program have the flexibility to focus on specialized areas of music while exploring interdisciplinary connections to other fields through a secondary major, minor or certificate. Music cognition, history or pre-law tracks available.
    • Music Business

      Music Business, B.A., B.S., B.M.

      Music Business at Millikin prepares students for a career in today’s music industry through engagement with traditional business, entrepreneurial and DIY strategies for music performance, marketing, distribution, contracts, revenue streams, merchandising, publishing and touring.

    • Music Education, B.M.

      The BM in Music Education program delivers a four-year, comprehensive curriculum that leads to K-12 licensure in the State of Illinois. This program includeS concentrations for instrumental and vocal instruction.
    • Music Minor

      Music Minor

      A minor in music is available to students majoring in any of the University’s colleges or schools. Acceptance as a music minor is subject to a successful audition in an applied music area taught by the Millikin University School of Music faculty and the approval of the Director of the School of Music.
    • Music Performance

      Music Performance, B.M.

      The Bachelor of Music in Music Performance develops excellence in music performance and prepares you for a career as a professional musical artist or for the private teaching of applied music.
    • Music Certificates

      Music Certificates

      Music certificates are available in Music Composition, Jazz Studies, Instrumental Music and Vocal Music.


  • Signature Programs

  • Student Resources

    singing group practice

    New Students

    audio production computer screens with a stage in the background

    Current Students

  • Jazz Education Network Conference

    The Jazz Education Network Conference is one of the most prestigious jazz networking events in the U.S. and three of Millikin University's School of Music faculty members were invited to perform, along with vocal jazz ensemble OneVoice. Hear what the musicians have to say about this honor and how the Millikin School of Music is preparing the next generation of jazz artists.

  • Upcoming Events

Department News