2026 Fall School of Music Open House
Monday, October 12, 2026, 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Fall 2026 Open House
For over 125 years, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Music has been shaping musicians, educators, composers, and scholars who go on to make their mark around the world. By joining us for our Fall 2026 Open House, you’ll step into this unparalleled tradition and experience firsthand what it means to be part of our historic musical community.
This special event is designed for prospective students and their families to explore our programs, meet the people who make Illinois such an inspiring place to study, and imagine themselves as part of a legacy that has set the standard for higher education in music nationwide.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to connect with faculty and current students, attend information sessions, sit in on rehearsals, and explore the wide range of programs we offer. You’ll also get a front-row seat to masterclasses and special presentations led by our world-class faculty, offering a glimpse into the supportive and challenging environment that helps our students frow as artists and scholars.
Whether your passion lies in performance, education, composition, musicology, or another field, the Open House is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, build connections, and envision your thriving future here at Illinois.
Some of the activities planned include:
- Opening Welcome session
- Information session on admissions processes, financial aid, etc.
- Masterclasses given by various applied faculty
- Specific faculty forthcoming!
- Observe/participate in various ensemble rehearsals such as the Illinois Wind Symphony, Marching Illini, University Chorus, and more!
- Open classes in Musicology, Theory, Composition, Education, and so much more!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Fall 2026 School of Music Open House and helping you take the next step in your musical journey!
Click here to view/download last year’s Open House Schedule to have an idea of what our offerings might include! While last year’s schedule provides a similar list of what will be offered this year, there will most likely be slight adjustments to the 2026 Open House schedule, which will be released no later than October 1st.
Open House Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
The Open House will take please in the following four buildings, which can be found in Google Maps, Apple Maps, etc.:
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (check-in will be here!)
500 S. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Music Building
1114 W. Nevada St.
Urbana, IL 61801
Smith Memorial Hall
805 S Mathews Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Harding Band Building
1103 S. 6th St.
Champaign, IL 61820
We’ll provide coffee, bagels and muffins during the morning check-in. Lunch is on your own. Please plan to either bring money or pack a meal for lunch. At check-in, we will provide a map and list of dining options within walking distance of the Music Building.
Students choose their own schedule from the class offerings. We will post these offerings on this page by October 1.
Once you register, we will provide you with directions for parking. The School of Music is not involved in transportation decisions. Each student, along with their parent or guardian, must decide what best fits the needs of all involved.
Street Parking
Metered parking is available around the School of Music, but please know that spaces are limited. The cost of metered parking is approximately $1.25/hour. It is recommended that you download the MobileMeter Parking App. Here, you will be able to add the zone and parking space numbers for the spot that you parked in and pay the meter from your phone. You will also be able to receive alerts when your time is running out and can repay the meter from your phone without having to run back to the meter. Metered parking is strictly enforced during the week. The School of Music is located directly across the street from the Krannert Center (1114 W. Nevada St. Urbana, IL 61801).
You can bring a friend, yes. We recommend that a parent or guardian attends the Open House with their student(s). Parents/guardians are welcome to attend most classes or rehearsals (as space allows). We’ll have sessions for parents/guardians to ask questions and there are also areas around the Music complex to sit and chill. UIUC also hosts a guest WiFi network for internet access.
Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes – our campus is a walking campus. Check the forecast. You may want to bring an umbrella for walking to the various buildings in the Music complex (we have four!) and to our University Bookstore and Union (food court, Starbucks, etc.) We will provide a map and directions when you check in. If you are interested in playing or singing in one of our ensembles, bring your instrument! Singers and percussionists … we have you covered!
Check-in for Open House begins at 8:30 am on Monday, October 12 and will be ongoing until 11:00 am. However, the day will kickoff with the welcome event starting at 9:30 am. Class visitations and informal gatherings will then run throughout the day. Most events end at 5:00 pm, but there are opportunities to attend a Marching Illini rehearsal among other rehearsals later in the day if the student so chooses!
We request that you please arrive before 11:00 am to check in if possible, but after you check in and attend any events you are interested in, you are free to leave whenever you like! You can reach out to musicadmissions@illinois.edu with any concerns or questions.
Click the link that says “Register Here” on this page and you will be taken to our registration page. Once here, please fill out the form to the best of your ability and we will send follow-up emails with more information as the event approaches.