Concordia University, Nebraska - Department of Music

Concordia University, Nebraska - Department of Music The official page for the Concordia University, Nebraska Music Department. At Concordia, you can study music with over 20 highly qualified instructors.

Our six full-time faculty have among them over 30 published compositions, four awards for excellence in teaching, a national book award and a Grammy nomination for a jazz recording. All of our music programs are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Students who are not music majors also contribute to Concordia’s musical life. Ensembles and private lessons are open to a

ll students regardless of major, and any prospective student accepted to Concordia may apply for a music scholarship.

05/06/2026

From practices to recitals to tours, this year has proven that great music requires dedication. Thank you to our students and staff who put in the effort and made this a great year!

05/01/2026

On Wednesday, the Concordia Brass Quintet (CBQ) held a special rehearsal with composer Elena Ruehr. Elena was on the faculty of MIT from 1992 until 2025, and is currently completing a three-year residency with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra. She has written five operas, twelve string quartets, and numerous other chamber, film and dance works that have been recorded on over 20 CDs and performed internationally, and importantly for the CBQ, one brass quintet; Five Dance Overtures. "Ruehr's Five Dance Overtures is a delightful collection of short movements that really embodies her idea that 'that the surface be simple, the structure complex,'" says CBQ faculty coach, Dr. Kevin Madden. "The work is definitely out of our normal comfort zone, and preparing it has been a fulfilling challenge." During the rehearsal, Ruehr offered advice and guidance on the interpretation of the work, as well as entertaining anecdotes about the work's inspiration. "It's always great when you have the opportunity to play a piece for its composer; they can offer insights beyond what is printed on the page," says Dr. Madden. "I just love hearing my music played," says Ruehr. "These students sound great and I wish them luck on their performance!" The CBQ performed Five Dance Overtures on the Concordia Brass Ensembles concert in the Borland Center Recital Hall on April 29.

What a great opportunity for our Brass Quintet!
05/01/2026

What a great opportunity for our Brass Quintet!

On Wednesday, the Concordia Brass Quintet (CBQ) held a special rehearsal with composer Elena Ruehr. Elena was on the faculty of MIT from 1992 until 2025, and is currently completing a three-year residency with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra. She has written five operas, twelve string quartets, and numerous other chamber, film and dance works that have been recorded on over 20 CDs and performed internationally, and importantly for the CBQ, one brass quintet; Five Dance Overtures. "Ruehr's Five Dance Overtures is a delightful collection of short movements that really embodies her idea that 'that the surface be simple, the structure complex,'" says CBQ faculty coach, Dr. Kevin Madden. "The work is definitely out of our normal comfort zone, and preparing it has been a fulfilling challenge." During the rehearsal, Ruehr offered advice and guidance on the interpretation of the work, as well as entertaining anecdotes about the work's inspiration. "It's always great when you have the opportunity to play a piece for its composer; they can offer insights beyond what is printed on the page," says Dr. Madden. "I just love hearing my music played," says Ruehr. "These students sound great and I wish them luck on their performance!" The CBQ performed Five Dance Overtures on the Concordia Brass Ensembles concert in the Borland Center Recital Hall on April 29.

Tonight’s Honor Recital. These students performed with professionalism and artistry. We are proud of them and of all our...
04/25/2026

Tonight’s Honor Recital. These students performed with professionalism and artistry. We are proud of them and of all our student musicians.

Join us at 7:00 tonight at St. John for this wonderful recital!
04/23/2026

Join us at 7:00 tonight at St. John for this wonderful recital!

Held once each semester, Concordia Nebraska’s Honor Recital is a chance for the university’s Department of Music to celebrate outstanding students and the work that they put into the study of music.

Senior Spotlight: Hunter Re*****on! Join us on Saturday, April 25th at 2:30pm for Hunter's Senior Recital!
04/20/2026

Senior Spotlight: Hunter Re*****on! Join us on Saturday, April 25th at 2:30pm for Hunter's Senior Recital!

Senior Spotlight: Grace Donnelly! Join us on Saturday, April 25th at 11am for Grace's Senior Recital!
04/20/2026

Senior Spotlight: Grace Donnelly! Join us on Saturday, April 25th at 11am for Grace's Senior Recital!

This Weekend!
04/16/2026

This Weekend!

The Concordia University, Nebraska University Orchestra will present its spring concert on Saturday, April 18, and the University Wind Symphony will perform its spring concert the following day on

One of many fine concerts coming up in the next couple of weeks.
04/15/2026

One of many fine concerts coming up in the next couple of weeks.

Collaboration is one of the most exciting parts of musicianship. Concordia University, Nebraska offers many collaboration opportunities for musicians throughout the year, including a chamber recital

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800 N Columbia Avenue
Seward, NE
68434

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