DePaul University’s School of Music has been named as one of the “Schools that Rock” in a new college guidebook of the best music schools and rock scenes in the nation issued by Rolling Stone.

The School of Music “takes advantage of its location and the city’s resources: students are encouraged to join institutions like the Chicago Symphony or the Lyric Opera,” according to "Schools That Rock" (Wenner Books), written by Rolling Stone magazine contributing editor Jenny Eliscu and published in August.

Many DePaul music students gain experience by performing with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, which is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) training orchestra, as well as the Grant Park Orchestra and CSO and Lyric Opera choruses. The DePaul Jazz Ensemble regularly plays at the Jazz Showcase and other venues with artists that have included Phil Woods, Bobby Shew, Bob Brookmeyer, Tom Harrell and Louie Bellson. The students have recorded CDs with some of these artists.

The school’s undergraduate programs in performance, music composition, jazz studies and music education are mentioned in the guidebook. The author also singles out the performing arts management program for educating students to work in the business side of the music industry, and the sound recording technology program for preparing students for careers in music engineering and producing.

Led by Assistant Professor of Music Alan Salzenstein, students in the performing arts management program study music, liberal arts, theatre, entrepreneurship and management, with a goal of entering the arts management and administration field. Students in the sound recording technology program, coordinated by Associate Professor of Music Thomas Miller, complete many of their projects at the professional Studio Chicago recording facility, where they are exposed to real-life recording industry situations using state-of-the-art equipment.

The book rates Chicago among the top-10 music scenes in the nation, and lists the city’s best local music venues, stores and festivals.

“This guide acknowledges the School of Music’s strong connection to Chicago’s vibrant music scene and how this environment benefits students and alumni,” said Donald Casey, School of Music dean. “The school has gained a reputation as one of the best in the country because of its knowledgeable, experienced faculty and high-caliber learning environment in a music scene that offers ample opportunities to gain practical, real-world experience.”

Dedicated to excellence in music teaching and performance, the School of Music was founded in 1912 and is located on DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus. In addition to the undergraduate degrees noted in “Schools that Rock,” the school offers master’s degrees in performance, composition, music education and jazz studies, as well as a post-master’s certificate in performance.

The school enrolled 267 undergraduate and 113 graduate students for the 2004-2005 academic year. The selective enrollment is based on musical auditions and academic ability. The school’s 128 full- and part-time faculty members perform in many of Chicago’s renowned music organizations, including the CSO, Lyric Opera, Chicago Chamber Musicians, Jupiter Trio and other prominent chamber music, jazz and rock ensembles. More than 300 public performances in a variety of musical styles are presented by student, faculty and guest musicians each year at the DePaul’s Concert Hall and Merle Reskin Theatre.

For more information, call 773/325-7260 or visit the school’s Web site at music.depaul.edu.