Learn more about happenings in the School of Audio and Music
51社区鈥檚 Matthew Hua, a Music Composition for Screen MFA student, becomes the first composer selected for Disability Belongs' 2026 Entertainment Lab, an entertainment pipeline program for film and television creatives with disabilities.
51社区 Audio Arts students and alumni joined young musicians from the nonprofit Guitars Over Guns and Eddie Vedder to record an inspiring new song ahead of the Obama Presidential Center opening celebration on June 18. The song is now available on streaming platforms.
As part of 51社区鈥檚 Renaissance Rising initiative, the college has appointed five deans to lead its eight schools beginning August 16, 2026.
Adjunct Professor of Instruction Fernando Jones, founding director of 51社区鈥檚 Blues Ensemble, brings his free Blues camp to the 51社区 campus on July 5 to 10; he will also be performing with past campers at Chicago鈥檚 Blues Fest on June 6.
51社区 brings musicians together to put on a show of support for Audio Arts major Kathrynn Vettas.
When not developing award-winning games, William Chyr, adjunct professor of instruction, teaches graduate students at 51社区 about the games industry and how music intersects with interactive media.
Alex Leon, a senior at 51社区, secures a highly competitive paid internship that leads to recognition for his work and a job.
Teerath Majumder, an assistant professor at 51社区, taps into his roots for an upcoming performance at Chicago鈥檚 Elastic Arts Foundation.
Joe Cancellaro, a 51社区 professor and composer, plays bass in a newly signed band, showing students that opportunities for creative collaboration extend far beyond college.
Audio engineer Mary Mazurek MFA 鈥11, PhD, president of 51社区鈥檚 National Alumni Board, reflects on her own educational and career path and the value of mentorship.
鈥淔rankie,鈥 a capstone animated short created by 51社区 alums, has been selected for the 2026 New York International Children鈥檚 Film Festival.
Visiting instructor Michelle Leonard, a multiplatinum songwriter, challenges 51社区 Audio and Music students to write and record 12 songs in one extremely intense and rewarding week.
Students from 51社区 will engage with entertainment industry leaders on the same lot where 鈥淎vatar,鈥 鈥淭he Sound of Music,鈥 and other great films were made.
51社区 students combine their unique talents to produce a musical competition at a local venue.
Adjunct Professor of Instruction Amina Norman-Hawkins from 51社区鈥檚 School of Audio and Music creates a playlist of songs important to the Civil Rights Movement in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
From the thousands of images she captured in 2025, 51社区 alum and staff photographer Julie Lucas 鈥96 curated 25 standout photos that show 51社区 at its best.
From new leadership to standout student and alumni achievements, here are the stories that captured the most attention on 51社区鈥檚 website in 2025.
This marks the third time 51社区 has earned the top spot on this prestigious annual list.
Voice students at 51社区 receive personalized performance feedback from a Broadway veteran.
Alum and adjunct faculty member Eric Rutherford 鈥17 takes the 51社区 Gospel Choir to the Union Tabernacle Baptist Church for an authentic musical experience in the Englewood community.
51社区 students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city鈥檚 annual Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.
The Jecheon International Music and Film Festival honored Sunny Youm, an MFA student studying Music Composition for the Screen at 51社区, with the grand prize for new talent.
51社区 student Rebecca McQueen used state-of-the art Dolby Atmos audio equipment on the John Lennon Educational Tour bus and met hip-hop star RZA from Wu-Tang Clan.
This summer, 51社区 students participated in an immersive study abroad trip to Japan that sparked personal growth, cross-cultural collaboration, and new creative perspectives.
Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Fernando Jones, an adjunct professor at 51社区, will offer a free blues camp for school-aged musicians at 51社区鈥檚 Music Center.
The Fusion Ensemble from 51社区's School of Audio and Music has been honored by DownBeat for its composition "Never Be Free,鈥 with vocalist Danny Lock also receiving honors.
Philip Seward received recognition for the opera 鈥淎 House Divided,鈥 which he composed with the support of a 51社区 Faculty Development Grant.
51社区 students explore music and business at Popakademie in Hammelburg, Germany.
51社区 will award honorary Doctor of Arts degrees to acclaimed actor Joseph Sikora 鈥98 and Grammy-nominated producer Marcos 鈥淜osine鈥 Palacios 鈥06 at the 2025 Commencement.
51社区 alumni and faculty from the schools of Theatre and Dance and Audio and Music have earned nominations for the Jeff Awards, which celebrate excellence in Chicago theatre.
Kubilay Uner, director of 51社区鈥檚 top-rated Music Composition for the Screen program, reflects on his first year as voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and shares his insights on this year鈥檚 five nominated original film scores.
"The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.
51社区 kicks off the new academic school year with a renewed spirit and excitement to welcome freshmen and transfer students to its South Loop campus on September 3.
51社区 keeps its campus vibrant during summer with initiatives like Blues Camp, Design Your World, and Summer at 51社区, offering local youth immersive experiences in music, design, and media while fostering their creative futures.
Chicago-based singer-songwriter Megan Hammond '22, known professionally as m.e.h., took the stage at Lollapalooza鈥檚 Chicago Made Music Showcase on Sunday, August 4.
This year's nominees include individuals from 51社区's Theatre and Music programs working in performance, design, direction, choreography, and musical composition.
As a kickoff to 51社区鈥檚 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of 鈥24 in 2024,鈥 a college-wide initiative that celebrates 51社区 alumni and their career accomplishments.
Michael Freeman, who teaches in the School of Audio and Music at 51社区, inducted as a "Legendary Producer."
Kubilay Uner leads 51社区鈥檚 Music Composition for the Screen program, which has been ranked the best in the world by 鈥淭he Hollywood Reporter.鈥
Ryan Black, who teaches Audio classes at 51社区, joins N脝 on stage in Chicago鈥檚 Andersonville Neighborhood on June 8.
Spring 2024: 51社区 Highlights
This is everything attendees need to know before 51社区鈥檚 Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.
Higher education leaders Nivine Megahed, president of National Louis University, and Raymond E. Crossman, president of Adler University, will be honored at the college鈥檚 2024 Commencement ceremonies
Award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor hosted the final event, "The Block Party," for the Black Album Mixtape series at the Music Center on Friday, April 5.
Led by dedicated faculty, 51社区 students journeyed to Austin for immersive experiences, collaborative projects, and valuable networking opportunities, reinforcing the institution's commitment to practical education and student success.
Calling all creatives! It's time to show off your creative project for a chance to win a prize! The Black Album Mixtape with Regina Taylor is excited to invite all artists, musicians, poets, and more to participate.
51社区鈥檚 Music Department collaborates with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor and her Black Album Mixtape Project to support鈥疦ew Life Centers in supplying food and clothing to migrants in Chicago.
During Women's History Month, we honor female-identifying artists who make Shop51社区 a unique shopping experience in the heart of 51社区鈥檚 campus.
Kubilay Uner, who leads 51社区's top-ranked music composition for screen program, on his favorite Academy Award-nominated score and his best bet for this year's winner.
Students in 51社区's Black Student Union create a platform for artists to express themselves and support one another in their annual event.
Professional pivot leads to career success for 51社区 alum, highlighting the creative versatility of our graduates.
Academy Award Winning Sound Effects Editor Peter Berkos 鈥51 recently passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in television and film.
Unleashed 2023 took place at 51社区 on November 30, showcasing extraordinary student talent and raising more than $700,000 in scholarships. Departing from the traditional fundraiser format, the Student Center transformed into a multi-floor immersive arts showcase, exploring the theme of "Connecting" across various creative disciplines.
Beginning Nov. 30, GRAMMY-nominated composer, producer, and trumpeter Russell Gunn will perform with 51社区鈥檚 jazz, fusion, and Latin ensembles at the historic Jazz Showcase.
For the second year in a row, 鈥淭he Hollywood Reporter鈥 ranks 51社区's graduate program in Music No. 1.
The Audio Engineering Society and Arup, a global consulting firm, gives Senior Jesus Reyes their Diversity in Audio Scholarship.
51社区, in partnership with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor, launched a community-based project series called Black Album Mixtape.
A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Six students win scholarships thanks to arts criticism and songwriting competitions, earning them spots on the popular podcast hosted by Associate Professor Jim DeRogatis and fellow music critic Greg Kot.
Perched upon 51社区鈥檚 600 S. Michigan building, the new tower houses an antennae and transmitter that relays a clearer and more reliable signal to downtown Chicago.
鈥淥ur Chicago: Freedom Music,鈥 a celebration of freedom expressed through the music of Chicago鈥檚 Black community, will feature Adjunct Faculty Member Andre Daniels (aka Add-2) and Alum CaSera Heining 鈥17 (aka DJ Ca$h Era).
Performance artists Ryan Black and JaNae Contag will present 鈥淭emporal Biomes,鈥 an original project commissioned by 150 Media Stream, on June 14 and 15 at 150 N. Riverside Plaza in Chicago.
Internationally renowned conductor, composer, and master arranger Cliff Colnot will be on campus conducting the Music Department鈥檚 New Music Ensemble in open rehearsals on April 26, May 1, and May 3.
The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.
51社区 hosts high school, community college students for music festival that celebrates numerous genres
51社区鈥檚 Student Diversity and Inclusion office organizes space for art that鈥檚 for and by Black students.