Columbia College Chicago Ranked No. 1 Music School in the World by ‘The Hollywood Reporter’
Nov 25, 2025This marks the third time Columbia has earned the top spot on this prestigious annual list.
Audio and Music Stories
December Events at Columbia College Chicago
Nov 24, 2025A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Broadway Star JJ Niemann Inspires Columbia College Students in Voice Masterclass
Nov 11, 2025Voice students at Columbia College Chicago receive personalized performance feedback from a Broadway veteran.
Gospel Choir Brings Its Sound to a South Side Church in Chicago
Nov 07, 2025Alum 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 Lights Up State Street at Chicago’s Arts in the Dark Parade
Oct 28, 2025Columbia College Chicago students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city’s annual Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.
Student Scores Big With Grand Prize Win at International Music and Film Festival
Sep 26, 2025The 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 Audio Arts Student Works With Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA on John Lennon Educational Tour Bus
Aug 14, 2025Columbia 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.
Columbia Students Explore Creativity and Culture in Japan
Jul 30, 2025This summer, Columbia students participated in an immersive study abroad trip to Japan that sparked personal growth, cross-cultural collaboration, and new creative perspectives.
July 6-11 Named International Fernando Jones' Blues Camp Week by Illinois Governor
Jul 02, 2025Chicago 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.
Columbia's Fusion Ensemble Earns DownBeat Student Music Award Recognition
May 19, 2025The 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.
Columbia Audio and Music Professor Named Finalist for American Prize in Composition
Apr 30, 2025Philip Seward received recognition for the opera “A House Divided,” which he composed with the support of a Columbia College Chicago Faculty Development Grant.
Global Grooves: Columbia Students Travel to Germany for International Band and Business Camp
Apr 28, 2025Columbia College Chicago students explore music and business at Popakademie in Hammelburg, Germany.
Producer Marcos ‘Kosine’ Palacios and Actor Joseph Sikora to Receive Honorary Degrees at Columbia's 2025 Commencement
Apr 22, 2025Columbia 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 Theatre and Audio/Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for Jeff Awards
Mar 05, 2025Columbia 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.
Academy Award Voter Kubilay Uner Talks Oscar-Nominated Film Scores
Feb 24, 2025Kubilay 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: Columbia College Chicago's Student-Led Gala Celebrates Creativity and Resilience
Dec 06, 2024"The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.
Welcoming Interim President Jerry Tarrer and a New Academic Structure for 2024-2025 School Year
Aug 30, 2024Columbia 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.
Summer Programs at Columbia Ignite Young Talent
Aug 23, 2024Columbia 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.
Megan Hammond '22 Takes the Stage at Lollapalooza
Aug 16, 2024Chicago-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.
Columbia College Chicago Honors 24 Alums for ‘24 in 2024’
Aug 12, 2024As 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.
Columbia College Chicago Theatre and Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for 2024 Joseph Jefferson Awards
Aug 08, 2024This year's nominees include individuals from Columbia's Theatre and Music programs working in performance, design, direction, choreography, and musical composition.
GRAMMY-Winning Columbia Faculty Member Inducted Into Chicago Blues Hall of Fame
Aug 08, 2024Michael Freeman, who teaches in the School of Audio and Music at Columbia, inducted as a "Legendary Producer."
Columbia's Kubilay Uner to Join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Jul 01, 2024Kubilay Uner leads Columbia’s Music Composition for the Screen program, which has been ranked the best in the world by “The Hollywood Reporter.”
Adjunct Faculty Member to Perform at Midsommarfest Street Festival
Jun 07, 2024Ryan Black, who teaches Audio classes at Columbia, joins NÆ on stage in Chicago’s Andersonville Neighborhood on June 8.
Spring Semester In Review At Columbia
May 29, 2024Spring 2024: Columbia College Chicago Highlights
Get Ready for Manifest Arts Festival 2024, a Student-Powered Event
May 06, 2024This is everything attendees need to know before Columbia College Chicago’s Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.
Columbia to Confer Honorary Degrees on Two Higher Education Trailblazers at its May 2024 Commencement
May 02, 2024Higher 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
Students Enjoy Action-Packed South by Southwest
Apr 09, 2024Led 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.
The Black Album Mixtape Block Party Event Brings Together Art With Purpose
Apr 08, 2024Award-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.
Win $400 Prize by Submitting Your Art to Black Album Mixtape
Mar 13, 2024Calling 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.
Music Department to Host Concert Benefitting Migrants
Mar 12, 2024Columbia’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.
Empowering Creatives at ShopColumbia
Mar 07, 2024During 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.
Film Composer and Professor Discusses Original Score Oscar Nominees
Mar 04, 2024Kubilay 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.
Columbia Students Prepare for 16th Annual Paint it Black Showcase
Feb 19, 2024Students in Columbia College Chicago's Black Student Union create a platform for artists to express themselves and support one another in their annual event.
Alum Brandon Faris '02 Part of Team Behind New Run-DMC Docu-Series
Feb 09, 2024Professional pivot leads to career success for Columbia College Chicago alum, highlighting the creative versatility of our graduates.
Columbia Says Goodbye to Alum Peter Berkos '51
Feb 02, 2024Academy Award Winning Sound Effects Editor Peter Berkos ’51 recently passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in television and film.
Student Work Takes Center Stage at Unleashed 2023
Dec 11, 2023Unleashed 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.
GRAMMY-Nominated Artist-in-Residence Russell Gunn to Perform With Columbia Student Ensembles
Nov 21, 2023Beginning 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.
'The Hollywood Reporter' Once Again Names Columbia’s Music Composition for Screen MFA the Best in World
Nov 16, 2023For the second year in a row, “The Hollywood Reporter” ranks Columbia College Chicago's graduate program in Music No. 1.
Audio Arts and Acoustics Student Awarded Scholarship to Travel To New York City for Audio Engineering Conference
Nov 14, 2023The Audio Engineering Society and Arup, a global consulting firm, gives Senior Jesus Reyes their Diversity in Audio Scholarship.
Stand Up, Speak Out with Actress and Playwright Regina Taylor
Oct 05, 2023Columbia College Chicago, in partnership with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor, launched a community-based project series called Black Album Mixtape.
Columbia Students Win 'Sound Opinions' Scholarships
Aug 07, 2023Six 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.
Columbia Installs New Radio Tower for Student-Led WCRX
Jul 10, 2023Perched 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.
Columbia Faculty and Alum to Be Featured on ABC7 Chicago’s Juneteenth Special
Jun 16, 2023“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).
Adjunct Faculty Member Ryan Black to Perform an Experimental Soundscape
Jun 06, 2023Performance 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.
Renowned Conductor in Residence With Columbia's New Music Ensemble
Apr 26, 2023Internationally 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.
Columbia Launches Advertising and Marketing Campaign
Apr 13, 2023The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.
Columbia to Host 6th Annual Deep Dish Music Festival
Mar 06, 2023Columbia College Chicago hosts high school, community college students for music festival that celebrates numerous genres
Black Souls Welcome Installation Celebrates Black Identity
Feb 27, 2023Columbia College Chicago’s Student Diversity and Inclusion office organizes space for art that’s for and by Black students.
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