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Orchestra performing on stage
Orchestra performing on stage

Distinctly personal. Richly collaborative.

The School of the Arts Music Program provides student-centered instruction to a diverse population of versatile musicians and creative thinkers who are prepared to make a meaningful impact on communities in an ever-changing world. The School of the Arts Music Program will be recognized as a top-destination for students seeking to become well-rounded musicians who will contribute to the cultural vitality of local and global communities.

Learn More Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAV Music

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Auditions & Scholarships

Auditions are required for Music majors and the Music minor for admission into the NKU Music Program and for scholarship consideration.

  • February 19 and March 19, 2026 (strings) 
  • February 21 and March 21 (All disciplines except strings)

Learn More about Auditions

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Our programs are ideally suited to those who aspire to:

  • Start a career as a professional musician
  • Teach band, choir, orchestra or general music in a public or private school setting
  • Work as a composer, arranger, or producer in the music industry
  • Teach privately as a studio instructor
  • Seek employment in fields that engage with music (copyright law, public relations, media, non-profits, etc.)
  • Pursue advanced music studies at the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAV level

View Majors & Programs

Unique Student Experiences & Opportunities

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Audition & Scholarships

A live or video audition is required for all students wishing to pursue a music degree, a minor in music, or to receive a music scholarship. The Audio Production minor offered within the music program does not require an audition.

Learn Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAV Scholarships

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Ensembles

Music students participate in a wide variety of performing ensembles within the School of the Arts. Most of these ensembles are also open to any NKU student. Our ensembles offer a welcoming and collaborative environment where your creativity can shine.

View All Ensembles

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Study Abroad

Music students can take part in a variety of overseas study experiences. Many choose to enroll in our 4-week summer music program in Salzburg, Austria where they earn course credit in music while exploring the rich musical culture of the city where Mozart was born.

Learn Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAV Study Abroad

STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Laura Lamb

Laura Lamb

Graduating Year: 2021

Education:  Bachelor of Music in Performance (Instrumental)

Laura Lamb is an orchestral percussionist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has performed with the Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Akron, and Chautauqua Symphony Orchestras. She Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAVd from Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAV with a Bachelors of Music degree in Percussion Performance in May 2021, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Percussion Performance at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music.

Laura has studied with Michael Culligan, Associate Principal Percussionist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Jeremy Branson and Chris Allen, members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Paul Evans.

Laura has previously attended the Brevard Music Festival and the Chautauqua Festival Institution. Additionally, she is a recipient of the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts Scholarship and is also an UnderÂé¶¹ÊÓÆµAV Instrumental Music recipient of the Three Arts Scholarship Fund.

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