The Music Conservatory

Led by Dean Linda Berna, the Music Conservatory faculty includes more than 25 members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera Orchestra, Metropolitan and Lyric Opera stars, Grammy award-winning jazz artists, and other internationally-recognized professionals. All provide their students with technical expertise, knowledge of repertoire, and an inspiring love of music.

Our students benefit from hearing the range of fine music that sweeps through our city. They watch great conductors from around the world conduct the Chicago Symphony, enjoy outdoor performances at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, witness premieres of new works in the thriving contemporary scene, or see jazz greats appearing at the famous Jazz Showcase.

Part of a lively continuum of artistic success, our music alumni perform with major ensembles, 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.