What kinds of resources are available for research in the city?
The famed Newberry Library, housing a superb collection of manuscripts and early printed books is located on Chicago’s north side. This world-renowned research collection holds 1.5 million published volumes and 5 million manuscripts in the humanities (chiefly in history, literature, music, and philosophy, with special strengths in European, American, and Latin American history and culture). The collection is one of the finest in North America for Medieval and Renaissance music history and theory. There are also many locally affiliated resources that students at Chicago can take advantage of through the University Library, including Northwestern University and many local seminaries. Additionally, Chicago students enjoy privileges at peer institutions around the country through the RLG Shares program.
What library and listening facilities are available?
The Music Collection, housed in the Joseph Regenstein Memorial Library, comprises over 110,000 books and scores and 32,000 audio and video recordings. Its traditional strength has been in books about music history and scholarly editions of music. In recent years, greater emphasis has been placed on collecting materials for the study of non-western music and music theory, as well as scores of recent music. The founding of the Chicago Jazz Archive as part of the Library in 1976 prompted the development of a strong collection of books on jazz and the sociology of popular music. Most of the collection, including the Recordings Collection and most of the library’s listening and viewing equipment, can be found on the third floor of Regenstein Library. Music reference staff are available weekdays 9:00 AM–5:00 PM in the third-floor office cluster. More information on both library and online music resources that are available to University of Chicago students can be found on the Music Collection page.
What is the Computer Music Studio and can I use the equipment?
The Computer Music Studio is a research and production resource available only to graduate and undergraduate students who are enrolled in, or have completed, appropriate coursework. The Studio supports hardware and software synthesis, digital audio recording, editing and signal processing, and score development, signal analysis and music calligraphy.
Where can I find housing?
UChicagoGRAD maintains an extensive site of housing resources for graduate students.
What resources are available for international students?
The University of Chicago welcomes international students in all fields across the University. There are many organizations on campus designed to assist international students, including the International House, offering accommodations and many events and programs for international students; the Office of International Affairs, which can assist students with immigration-related issues, and is a good resource for questions about settling into Chicago and the University as an international scholar; and the International Students Association, a student-run group that holds events and offers support.
What kinds of opportunities are there for music students in the summer?
The Department of Music does not hold classes in the summer, but it does offer opportunities for advanced undergraduate students. Students may apply for grants from the Wadmond Fund to travel for research, typically in preparation for a senior essay or composition. Applications are invited in the Spring by the Chair of the Department.