Wind Performance DMA at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The woodwinds programme at the Bienen School of Music dates to the 1950s and is built around an outstanding faculty, many affiliated with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The DMA in Wind Performance is offered alongside the BM and MM.

Faculty: Bienen School of Music | Department: Woodwinds | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Study includes the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and wind chamber music.

Career pathways

Graduates have joined the New York Philharmonic, Boston, San Francisco and Chicago Symphonies, the Cleveland Orchestra, orchestras worldwide and higher-education positions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Prescreening for the DMA Wind Performance is a video of 45 to 60 minutes of music representing different styles and historical periods; audition dates are coordinated after prescreening. All DMA students receive a full-tuition scholarship, stipend and fully subsidised health insurance. Northwestern Graduate School (TGS) English proficiency minimums for international applicants: TOEFL iBT 90 (tests taken before 21 Jan 2026), IELTS Academic 7.0, MET 61. Duolingo and TOEFL Essentials are not accepted; individual programmes may set higher minimums.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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