Learn more about happenings in the School of Audio and Music
Columbia College Chicago’s 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.
Columbia 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 Columbia College Chicago’s 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 Columbia’s Blues Ensemble, brings his free Blues camp to the Columbia College Chicago campus on July 5 to 10; he will also be performing with past campers at Chicago’s Blues Fest on June 6.
Columbia College Chicago 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 Columbia College Chicago about the games industry and how music intersects with interactive media.
Alex Leon, a senior at Columbia College Chicago, secures a highly competitive paid internship that leads to recognition for his work and a job.
Teerath Majumder, an assistant professor at Columbia College Chicago, taps into his roots for an upcoming performance at Chicago’s Elastic Arts Foundation.
Joe Cancellaro, a Columbia College Chicago 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 ’11, PhD, president of Columbia College Chicago’s National Alumni Board, reflects on her own educational and career path and the value of mentorship.
“Frankie,” a capstone animated short created by Columbia alums, has been selected for the 2026 New York International Children’s Film Festival.
Visiting instructor Michelle Leonard, a multiplatinum songwriter, challenges Columbia College Chicago Audio and Music students to write and record 12 songs in one extremely intense and rewarding week.
Students from Columbia College Chicago will engage with entertainment industry leaders on the same lot where “Avatar,” “The Sound of Music,” and other great films were made.
Columbia College Chicago students combine their unique talents to produce a musical competition at a local venue.
Adjunct Professor of Instruction Amina Norman-Hawkins from Columbia College Chicago’s 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, Columbia College Chicago alum and staff photographer Julie Lucas ’96 curated 25 standout photos that show Columbia at its best.
From new leadership to standout student and alumni achievements, here are the stories that captured the most attention on Columbia’s website in 2025.
This marks the third time Columbia has earned the top spot on this prestigious annual list.
Voice students at Columbia College Chicago receive personalized performance feedback from a Broadway veteran.
Alum and adjunct faculty member Eric Rutherford ’17 takes the Columbia College Chicago Gospel Choir to the Union Tabernacle Baptist Church for an authentic musical experience in the Englewood community.
Columbia College Chicago students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city’s 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 Columbia College Chicago, with the grand prize for new talent.
Columbia 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, Columbia 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 Columbia College Chicago, will offer a free blues camp for school-aged musicians at Columbia’s Music Center.
The Fusion Ensemble from Columbia College Chicago's School of Audio and Music has been honored by DownBeat for its composition "Never Be Free,” with vocalist Danny Lock also receiving honors.
Philip Seward received recognition for the opera “A House Divided,” which he composed with the support of a Columbia College Chicago Faculty Development Grant.
Columbia College Chicago students explore music and business at Popakademie in Hammelburg, Germany.
Columbia will award honorary Doctor of Arts degrees to acclaimed actor Joseph Sikora ’98 and Grammy-nominated producer Marcos “Kosine” Palacios ’06 at the 2025 Commencement.
Columbia College Chicago 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 Columbia College Chicago’s 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’s 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.
Columbia College Chicago 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.
Columbia College Chicago keeps its campus vibrant during summer with initiatives like Blues Camp, Design Your World, and Summer at Columbia, 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’s Chicago Made Music Showcase on Sunday, August 4.
This year's nominees include individuals from Columbia's Theatre and Music programs working in performance, design, direction, choreography, and musical composition.
As a kickoff to Columbia College Chicago’s 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of “24 in 2024,” a college-wide initiative that celebrates Columbia alumni and their career accomplishments.
Michael Freeman, who teaches in the School of Audio and Music at Columbia, inducted as a "Legendary Producer."
Kubilay Uner leads Columbia’s Music Composition for the Screen program, which has been ranked the best in the world by “The Hollywood Reporter.”
Ryan Black, who teaches Audio classes at Columbia, joins NÆ on stage in Chicago’s Andersonville Neighborhood on June 8.
Spring 2024: Columbia College Chicago Highlights
This is everything attendees need to know before Columbia College Chicago’s 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’s 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, Columbia 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.
Columbia’s Music Department collaborates with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor and her Black Album Mixtape Project to support New Life Centers in supplying food and clothing to migrants in Chicago.
During Women's History Month, we honor female-identifying artists who make ShopColumbia a unique shopping experience in the heart of Columbia College Chicago’s campus.
Kubilay Uner, who leads Columbia'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 Columbia College Chicago'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 Columbia College Chicago alum, highlighting the creative versatility of our graduates.
Academy Award Winning Sound Effects Editor Peter Berkos ’51 recently passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in television and film.
Unleashed 2023 took place at Columbia College Chicago on November 30, showcasing extraordinary student talent and raising more than $700,000 in scholarships. Departing from the traditional fundraiser format, the Student Center transformed into a multi-floor immersive arts showcase, exploring the theme of "Connecting" across various creative disciplines.
Beginning Nov. 30, GRAMMY-nominated composer, producer, and trumpeter Russell Gunn will perform with Columbia’s jazz, fusion, and Latin ensembles at the historic Jazz Showcase.
For the second year in a row, “The Hollywood Reporter” ranks Columbia College Chicago's graduate program in Music No. 1.
The Audio Engineering Society and Arup, a global consulting firm, gives Senior Jesus Reyes their Diversity in Audio Scholarship.
Columbia College Chicago, in partnership with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor, launched a community-based project series called Black Album Mixtape.
A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Six students win scholarships thanks to arts criticism and songwriting competitions, earning them spots on the popular podcast hosted by Associate Professor Jim DeRogatis and fellow music critic Greg Kot.
Perched upon Columbia College Chicago’s 600 S. Michigan building, the new tower houses an antennae and transmitter that relays a clearer and more reliable signal to downtown Chicago.
“Our Chicago: Freedom Music,” a celebration of freedom expressed through the music of Chicago’s Black community, will feature Adjunct Faculty Member Andre Daniels (aka Add-2) and Alum CaSera Heining ’17 (aka DJ Ca$h Era).
Performance artists Ryan Black and JaNae Contag will present “Temporal Biomes,” 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’s 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.
Columbia College Chicago hosts high school, community college students for music festival that celebrates numerous genres
Columbia College Chicago’s Student Diversity and Inclusion office organizes space for art that’s for and by Black students.