The Chicago College of Performing Arts is a world-class performing arts college that offers gifted students professional training at its prestigious Music Conservatory and Theatre Conservatory. Honoring its roots as one of the earliest conservatories founded in the United States, nearly 500 students – from more than 40 states and 25 countries – come together to form this unique community devoted to excellence in the performing arts.

The Music Conservatory faculty includes more than 25 members of the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera Orchestras, Metropolitan and Lyric Opera stars, Grammy award-winning jazz artists, and other internationally-recognized professionals. Our teacher-artists provide their students with one-on-one instruction, technical expertise, and an inspiring love of music.

The students of CCPA study in the midst of Chicago’s invigorating arts scene, and acquire additional experience through internships with nationally-known music companies. They watch world-renowned conductors lead the Chicago Symphony, enjoy outdoor performances at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, witness premieres of new works in Chicago’s thriving contemporary music scene, and see American legends performing at the famous Jazz Showcase. Studying in the heart of one of the nation’s greatest cities gives our students a leg up on creating a strong network of professional contacts and a head start on the career they envision.

Through specialized curricula and extensive general education offerings, the Bower School of Music seeks to prepare professionals for service, provide rich musical opportunities for students and furnish cultural enrichment for the Southwest Florida community and beyond.

A State of Florida allocation of $11.6 million funded this extraordinarily beautiful and highly functional facility for the Bower School of Music.

Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music honored Alan and Marilyn Korest, for their support in establishing the Bower School of Music, with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Music Education and Performance Building on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009.

The building serves music students, faculty, the campus, and the community.  At the dedication ceremony, FGCU President Wilson G. Bradshaw concurred, “Through music instruction, performance, community service and outreach, the Bower School of Music enhances the cultural offerings and improves the quality of life for all who live, work and play in this region.”

The new 23,000 square-foot, two-story, building is already a destination site for the greater community.  Overlooking a scenic lake and wetlands on the main campus of the University, the building is one in a series of structures within a developing pedestrian corridor for the arts.  This corridor will eventually include an art gallery, theatre, and other arts facilities to come.

The Bower School of Music’s new building is an innovative blend of art, design and function.  A comfortable, attractive grand lobby welcomes students and visitors.  The focal point in the lobby is a prominent commemorative wall of honor designed and engraved by Sanibel artisan Lucas Century and featuring Mr. Century’s eloquent porcelain tile, full-wall mural, “Water Symphony”.

The 3,260-square-foot, 196-seat U. Tobe Recital Hall features superb acoustics, a generous stage, good sightlines, and plush seating with ample personal space.  Next to the Recital Hall is the equally impressive Marilyn Bower Korest Rehearsal Hall.  This versatile 3,000 square-foot hall with state-of-the art acoustical treatment is ideally suited for band, orchestra, and choral practices.  The rehearsal hall is a laboratory for students and visitors to view rehearsals from unique, glass observation decks that allow for observation and discussion without interruption.  The Music Building’s performance spaces are served by secured equipment storage areas with direct access to the education wing.