Students not only have the opportunity to participate in our award-winning instrumental and vocal ensembles, but they also can take part in a number of world music ensembles. The school's ensembles include orchestra, choirs, concert and marching bands, instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles, early music ensemble, chamber music ensembles, percussion ensemble, steel bands, Javanese and Balinese gamelans, tabla, West African drumming, Chinese percussion, and others.

NIU has a beautiful, modern music building with its own library, classrooms, practice rooms (125 - many with Steinway grand pianos), spacious instrumental and choral rehearsal rooms, recital hall, Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, ensemble rehearsal rooms, electronic & computer studios, recording studios, and faculty offices & studios.