Northwestern University

Andrew Raciti, bass faculty

General Statistics

  • US News Ranking: #12 (tie) in National Universities
  • US News Overall Score (out of 100): 89
  • Tuition & Fees 2016-17: $50,855
  • Room & Board 2016-17: $15,489
  • Total Enrollment: 20,955
  • Acceptance Rate (from 2015): 13%
  • Student – Faculty Ratio: 7:1
  • 4 year graduation rate: 82%
  • % of undergrads receiving Financial aid: 44%
  • Average Financial Aid: $40,208

Double Bass Statistics

  • Average number of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral bass students: 11-12
  • Studio Class, Orchestral Repertoire Class, Bass Ensembles, Extensive chamber music, technique class

What Alumni Are Doing

  • Adam Attard (1st place, ISB Orchestral Competition 2017)
  • Paul Nemeth  (2nd place, ISB Orchestral Competition 2017)
  • Brendan Fitzgerald (1 year position with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra 2017/18)
  • Aaron Miller (tenured professor, BYU Idaho)
  • Antonio Escobedo (1 year position with the Utah Symphony Orchestra 2017/18)
  • Sam Suggs (ISB Competition Winner 2015)
  • Andrew Goodlett (Winnipeg Symphony, 2013)
  • Matt Heller (Calgary Philharmonic, 2007)
  • Jason Heath (Contrabass Conversations host)
  • Tenured college professors, symphony orchestra jobs, graduate study, high school orchestra directors

Perspectives from Students and Alumni

Q: What are some favorite memories about studying at this school?

A: There are numerous performance opportunities, and chances to meet people in all fields of music. My favorite memory would have to be the joint freshman recital I performed in. It was an amazing first college performance experience, and I got to do it with my best friends.

Q: How did this school help prepare you for your future endeavors?

A: My professor Andy Raciti is incredibly meticulous, and would point out so many aspects of my playing that I would never have initially noticed on my own. This attention to detail has translated well into my individual practice, and I have grown immensely as a player because of him.

Q: What advice would you offer others thinking about studying at this school?

A: Do it. The music facilities are beyond incredible, and everyone at the school is incredibly kind and supportive of one another. Northwestern also allows you to pursue multiple interests through their dual degree program, which many other schools do not offer.

Perspectives from the Bass Faculty

Q: What are some of your favorite experiences teaching at your school?

A: Seeing my students earn and achieve the connection to their instrument to enable them to play with joy and freedom.

It is a highly motivated, hard working, and supportive culture.

About The Bass Faculty

Head of Northwestern Double Bass Studio. Associate Principal, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Principal and Section Bass and chamber musician, Grand Teton Music Festival. Previously Associate Principal Bass, Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Numerous appearances with many other orchestras and summer festivals Former student of Paul Ellison and Richard Davis

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