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Art, Design, Theatre and Music

Students viewing art in lobby

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. 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 drawings, printmaking, and photographs for publication in 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 Clubs, such as the Anime Club, Art and Design Club, Fiber Arts Club, Film Club, and Performing Arts Club, allow you to find like-minded students and expand your social networks outside the classroom.

Degree and Certificate Programs

Take a look at the offerings and explore what interests you!

Art and Design

Theatre

  • Applied Theatre
    • Acting
    • Design and Technology
    • Improvisation
    • Theatre Dance
  • General Education Courses
  • Drama Performance Ensemble

Music

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.

Register for a campus tour today!

Tour our beautiful campus and explore programs, student resources, and academic spaces. Tours are available every other Wednesday at 4 pm and are led by a friendly student ambassador or admissions staff member.

In-Person Campus Tours

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

Shawn Maxwell, professor of music
Faculty Profile
Published 03/14/2022

Shawn Maxwell strikes a harmonious cord at ECC

Shawn Maxwell began as a professor of music in 2015, but his previous job teaching high school music at Geneva Community High School was what first brought him to the campus. Outside of teaching, Maxwell has his hands full raising three young girls and his backyard barn of animals!

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ECC graduate Yesenia Arroyo
Alumni Profile
Published 11/28/2022

The Artist: Yesenia Arroyo

To Yesenia Arroyo, a black page represents a world full of possibilities. Since high school, Arroyo's passion for art, specifically charcoal and pencil drawings, inspired her desired career path. "Ever since I started high school, I wanted to be an art teacher. Art is a huge part of my life," she said.

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ECC students in a music production class
Academics
Published 01/18/2023

ECC expands options for students seeking music production careers

Elgin Community College now offers an Associate of Fine Arts in music production, allowing students to develop the skills necessary to record and produce music professionally. This degree allows ECC students to pursue a Basic Vocational certificate in music production or a full associate degree.

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From left to right: Juan Fernandez, director of art and design; ECC art students Yttzel Galia Serrato, Julian Garcia, and Anya Alfante; Mary Perkins, dean of liberal, visual, and performing arts; ECC art student Josh Selvig; and Amy Brandolino, professor of art history
Academics | Accomplishment | Student Profile
Published 06/12/2023

ECC art students use their VOICES to create a uniquely personal exhibition

During the spring 2023 semester, four students from Elgin Community College’s art independent study class developed a concept and created individually compelling art installations in the E. Max Von Isser Gallery, located between Building B and Building C at ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus.

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Take an Interactive Tour

Imagine yourself at Elgin Community College from wherever you are. View the classes and spaces you’ll walk in as a student. No matter where you are in your college search, we can help.

Launch the Tour

Contact

Admissions & Recruitment

Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu

Live Chat

Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays: 8 am to 4 pm

*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689