Northwestern University
Keyboard Instruments
Field of study · Evanston, Illinois, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Evanston
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Keyboard Instruments at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Arts and design graduates build portfolio careers as practitioners, educators, creative directors and arts administrators, combining creative practice with commercial and community-facing work.
Student life (indicative)
Evanston offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
9,201
Staff Ratio
6.0:1
International
11.6%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
96%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£56,880
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Keyboard Instruments
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Keyboard Instruments topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Keyboard Instruments
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
9,201
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
6:1
Students per staff
International Students
12%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
7.5/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Evanston offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
- Evanston offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene.
- A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
What Students Love
- Thriving student social scene
- Parks & green spaces
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
96%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£56,880
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Arts and design graduates build portfolio careers as practitioners, educators, creative directors and arts administrators, combining creative practice with commercial and community-facing work.
- Arts and design graduates build portfolio careers as practitioners, educators, creative directors and arts administrators, combining creative practice with commercial and community-facing work.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Technology
- Finance
- Healthcare
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $2,395/month (housing $1,480, food $490, transport $140). London, Ontario, is one of Canada's most affordable university cities — a true classic campus-town experience.
- In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $2,395/month (housing $1,480, food $490, transport $140).
- London, Ontario, is one of Canada's most affordable university cities — a true classic campus-town experience.