Steelpan Studies

Our steelpan studies program at NIU is one of the most renowned and respected in the world. NIU offers both bachelor's and master's degrees in music with a steelpan emphasis, and the program attracts students from the U.S. and across the globe.

First established by G. Allan O'Connor in 1973, our steelpan program has continued its development under the direction of Liam Teague: NIU Board of Trustees Professor, Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor, Professor of Music and Director of Steelband Studies.

Steelpan majors receive one-on-one instruction from Teague, and also have the opportunity to learn in a hands-on environment the principles of steelpan building and tuning from Yuko Asada: Musical Instrument Technician, Assistant with the NIU Steelband, and Director of Community School of the Arts Steelpan.

Additionally, majors are required to participate in the steelpan studio and perform in the celebrated NIU Steelband. Each academic year, the NIU Steelband performs numerous on- and off-campus concerts in a variety of settings.

Collaboration among NIU studios allows our students to explore their musical horizons by learning new genres, instruments and history. A great example of studio collaboration occurs within the Jazz Studies and Steelpan Studios. Like any other student with a primary jazz instrument focus, i.e. saxophone, piano, trombone, etc., undergraduate and graduate students whose primary instrument is the steelpan can also declare the jazz concentration for their music performance degree (B.M. or M.M.). Students will take primary lessons with Professor Liam Teague, participate in the NIU Steelband and Steelpan Studio, as well as participating in jazz combos and other jazz ensembles.

Steelpan Construction

We offer a steelpan construction course as an independent study, allowing students to major in this field or pursue individualized instruction. In this program, students will learn both the art and science of the steelpan. Yuko has collaborated with NIU STEAM, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the College of Engineering on presentations and projects, offering students a unique intercollegiate experience and the opportunity to work with experts across disciplines.