Art, Design, Theatre and Music

Explore diverse artistic pathways and collaborative learning.

Whether you're a beginner on your artistic path or meeting a general education requirement, Elgin Community College provides a rich experience for everyone. Still trying to figure out what to study? Break out of the theoretical and enjoy an immersive artistic class such as video motion graphics, music of the world, drawing, design, or an appreciation course. ECC is a campus community where education and artistic expression merge, and you’ll enjoy a collaborative learning experience with teachers who care about your success.

At ECC, our dynamic Art, Music, and Theatre spaces are designed for creative exploration. Look for student and professional art exhibits in on-campus fine arts galleries throughout the college and a permanent art collection displayed. While studying at ECC, you’ll learn from seasoned professionals who understand the life of a working artist, fostering a personal connection. Each spring, submit drawing, printmaking, and photography for publication to Spire, our literary and visual arts magazine.

In 2024, we unveiled reimagined spaces featuring new practice rooms, performance spaces, and music studios. These 21st-century facilities offer a platform for one-on-one engagement with teachers, honing critical thinking skills through collaborative learning. Our Student Life Clubs, such as Anime Club, Art & Design Club, Fiber Arts Club, Film Club, and Performing Arts Club, allow you to find like-minded students to expand your social networks outside the classroom.

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Please refer to the ECC catalog for program details and course descriptions.

ECC Catalog

What are ECC’s facilities like?

The ECC Arts Center hosts national touring acts and annually presents over a dozen professional dance, drama, and music events. Drama enthusiasts can participate in several plays each year, involving six to eight weeks of rehearsals, providing valuable experience in technical scene shop work, lighting, or stage management. ECC offers accessible facilities to dive into the worlds of drama, music, and visual or communication arts. Whether you’re interested in life as a working actor or web designer, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Elgin Community College.

Do you have partnerships with local community arts organizations?

We've partnered with renowned organizations like Elgin Master Chorale, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Children’s Theatre of Elgin/Fox Valley Theatre Company, Hamilton Wings, and Mexican folkloric ballet company BFH. These collaborations bring the arts to life on our campus, blurring the lines between classroom learning and the exhilarating world of real-world artistic practice.

You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference, showcasing your talents in jazz performances along with other musicians and instrumentalists. If you're into drama writing, you can submit your work and attend drama sessions, and there's also a chance to participate in open mic sessions, readings, and workshops. In the annual competition, ECC students can also showcase artistic skills, where two- and three-dimensional artworks are juried and exhibited to peers in the art world. Conferences like the Society for Photographic Education give students national opportunities to showcase their work.

ECC in the News