Jacobs School of Music and Southeast Campus

Stop on Indiana University, a free self-guided tour.

Next stop is the Southeast corner of the campus. Walking there takes us along or parallel to 3rd street, the southern border of the campus where you will find interesting academic buildings (like the biology building and its greenhouse) on one side and greek housing on the other.

The Jacobs School of Music is a gem within Indiana University Bloomington, known for its high-caliber music education and rich history. Founded in 1921, it has evolved into one of the largest and most renowned music schools in the world. Named in honor of Leonard Bernstein's longtime friend and mentor, David Henry Jacobs, the school attracts students from every corner of the globe.

The Jacobs School of Music has produced a stellar list of alumni who have gone on to achieve significant success. Joshua Bell, a Grammy Award-winning violinist and IU alumnus, is among the notable graduates. Over the years, the school has hosted numerous world-renowned artists for performances and masterclasses, cementing its status as a leading institution for musical training.

A fascinating tidbit about Jacobs School is its connection to the world of film music. Distinguished alumni include John Williams, the legendary composer behind iconic scores like Star Wars, Jaws, and Indiana Jones. While he didn't graduate from the school, he has collaborated extensively with its faculty and students.

The facilities at Jacobs School are nothing short of impressive. Nestled within Simon Music Center, you'll find three major performance venues. The Musical Arts Center, often compared to New York City's Metropolitan Opera House, has a 1,460-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art acoustics. There is also the Auer Hall, with its elegant design and excellent sound quality, and Ford-Crawford Hall, which provides an intimate setting for smaller recitals.

Wander into any of these venues and you might catch a symphony concert, an opera, or a chamber music performance. The school stages over 1,100 performances annually, giving students ample opportunities to showcase their talents. These performances, many of which are free or low-cost, offer the Bloomington community a taste of world-class music.

Aside from its performance halls, Jacobs School also boasts a comprehensive music library. This treasure trove houses over 700,000 items, including books, scores, recordings, and special collections. It's one of the largest academic music libraries in the world and is an indispensable resource for students, faculty, and researchers.