Photo of the NMC Concert Band, part of the NMC Music Program

Music

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The NMC Music Department offers students a unique opportunity to learn in a creative and supportive environment. Students receive individualized instruction from our dynamic faculty in classes designed for students' success.

Students in the NMC Music Program take applied (private) lessons on their main instrument/voice, perform as a member of one of our Performance Ensembles, and take coursework that will prepare them for transfer to a four-year music institution.

Student may also enroll in our Audio Technology program — a program that will prepare students for a career in music production, computer music, and sound recording.

Auditions for placement are held during the summer or between semesters. Contact Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs, to arrange for a date and time.

Would you like more information about the NMC Music Department? Want to be included on our email list for concert and event updates? Please visit our contact page.

Explore careers related to this program

Course Descriptions

Course Sequence Guide

Program Requirements

Music Student Handbook

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Testimonials From NMC Graduates

When I enrolled at NMC, I was a non-traditional student without a long-term educational plan. The NMC Music Department played a transformational role in my life and in the formation of my career path. Through challenging music history, theory, and aural skills classes, private study with outstanding educators, and unique performance opportunities as both a soloist and a member of the Chamber Singers, NMC's Music Department provided me with the intellectual and visceral fortitude that I needed in order to pursue my chosen vocation in music education. NMC's Music Department is one of the college's (and Traverse City's) best kept secrets... but let's hope it does not remain as such for much longer!

Erin Stier — Harbor Lights Middle School Choir Director
West Ottawa Public Schools

Northwestern Michigan College offers students of all ages the opportunity to experience a fun and well-rounded education that is second to none. In beautiful Traverse City, MI, students at NMC work with an exemplary faculty to learn and perfect a variety of valuable skills. As a former music student at NMC, I was extremely impressed by their state-of-the-art music technology capabilities and stellar music department. From opportunities performing on campus in the exquisite Milliken Auditorium, to collaborating with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra at Interlochen, NMC allows their students to experience a world-class, superior education. I am forever grateful to NMC!

Jay Schumacher — Choir Director
Three Rivers Community Schools

Tuition and Fees

General Academic Programs

Residency Status

Tuition Rate

In-District ( Grand Traverse County residents) Tuition

$122.00 per contact hour

In-State ( other Michigan counties) Tuition

$261.00 per contact hour

Out-of-state Tuition

$340.00 per contact hour

International Tuition

$383.00 per contact hour

General Fee for all residencies:

Other fee of $33.00 per contact hour is a general fee covering a portion of costs for technology, orientation, placement, career testing, Student Government Association, and other student service activities.

$33.00 per contact hour

Cost of Attendance

General Academic Programs Annual (Fall/Spring) Cost

Costs

In-District

In-State

Out-of-State

International

Tuition and Fees

$5,350

$10,076

$12,762

$14,224

Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment

$835

$835

$835

$835

Living Expenses: On-Campus Housing and Food

$10,200

$10,200

$10,200

$10,200

Transportation

$1,000

$1,900

$3,000

$3,000

Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

$500

$500

$500

$500

Federal Student Loan Fees

$120

$120

$120

$120

$18,005

$23,631

$27,417

$28,879

Note: For more information on how COA component estimates are calculated, see the bottom of the Tuition and Fees page.

Enrolled students can find their own calculated Cost of Attendance in NMC Self-Service under Financial Aid. Others can use the Net Price Calculator to estimate the total annual cost of attending NMC based on their program and enrollment plans, along with financial aid eligibility.

Music Department Spotlight: Canticum Novum


NMC Audio Technology program students use the program's Raven MTX mixing console

Please visit our Audio Technology program page for information about our Audio Tech program and how you can receive certification in Apple Logic Pro X and Avid Pro Tools.

View / Download The Music Program Flier