The mission of the Mead Witter School of Music is:
- to provide a rich, integrated program of undergraduate and graduate education that promotes the highest levels of professional, creative, and scholarly development while challenging students to achieve their greatest potential;
- to cultivate an environment that inspires creativity, stimulates intellectual curiosity, and fosters critical thinking; and
- to serve the university community, the public, and the profession through performance, composition, scholarship, music education, outreach, and engagement.
The Mead Witter School of Music enriches students' educational experience by hosting guest artists and scholars for master classes, recitals, colloquia, seminars, and festivals. Its performing organizations and ensembles perform more than 350 recitals and concerts every year, making a significant contribution to the cultural life of the university and the wider Madison community.
Mead Witter School of Music views its goals and objectives as complementary to those of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which include "to provide an environment in which faculty and students can discover, examine critically, preserve and transmit the knowledge, wisdom, and values that will help ensure the survival of the present and future generations with improvement in the quality of life."
The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and has been an institutional member of NASM since 1966.
Degrees and Majors
The MM–Music: Performance degree offers tracks for many major specialties, instrumental and vocal. Each degree pathway varies slightly, and details are provided in the course lists available through the Requirements tab. Faculty members in the appropriate area designate a major professor for each new student the first semester of enrollment. Whenever possible the faculty strive to match the student with the major professor if the applicant to the program has indicated a preference.
Mentoring of students is of prime importance to faculty members at Mead Witter School of Music. The faculty advisor and the director of graduate studies both guide the student's course planning. While each faculty member has a unique style, every student can be assured of abundant time working closely with more than one mentor in addition to the advisor during the course of a UW–Madison degree program. Take some time to access the Overview tab and review the Mead Witter School of Music mission statement, as well as the information available through the Learning Outcomes tab. These offer a glimpse of the values shared among the faculty and staff. The MM–Music: Performance degree offers tracks for many major specialties, instrumental and vocal. Each degree pathway varies slightly, and details are provided in the course lists available through the Requirements tab. Faculty members in the appropriate area designate a major professor for each new student the first semester of enrollment. Whenever possible the faculty strive to match the student with the major professor if the applicant to the program has indicated a preference.
Admissions
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
| Fall Deadline | December 1 |
| Spring Deadline | The program does not admit in the spring. |
| Summer Deadline | The program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required. |
| English Proficiency Test | Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1241 |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
Admission Requirements for MM in Music: Performance
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in music (or equivalent foundational coursework). Admission to the program requires a high level of performance ability as demonstrated in the audition, which in most cases is performed live on the UW-Madison campus, although there are options for a remote audition. The application will require a portfolio of recordings to serve as audition prescreening. In the CV, candidates should include a complete list of repertoire they have mastered, conducted, or composed. In the Statement of Purpose, candidates should discuss their academic and professional goals as well as their qualifications to serve as a Teaching Assistant in the School of Music. For details of the application process, including repertoire requirements for the portfolio and full audition, please visit the Mead Witter School of Music graduate admissions website.
Funding
Graduate School Resources
The Bursar’s Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Resources
Through the generosity of Paul J. Collins, the Mead Witter School of Music is the recipient of a substantial fellowship fund which, in combination with the Graduate School and University Foundation, allows the school to offer multiple-year funding to the highest quality graduate students in performance. The Collins fellowships, along with the Lorna Wendt and Anonymous Fund Fellowships for Choral and Voice students, are offered as Wisconsin Distinguished Fellowships and provide full tuition and fees, a generous stipend, additional funds, and comprehensive health care. The top candidates of the audition season will be nominated for these opportunities. The Mead Witter School of Music offers teaching assistantships in music history, music theory, music education, piano, conducting, voice, and other performance areas. These positions offer tuition remission plus a salary and health care benefits. In addition, the Mead Witter School of Music nominates qualified applicants for Graduate School Fellowships. Many students also take advantage of work-study opportunities on campus, and many are employed part-time in area musical organizations or business entities. Feel free to direct questions about any of these funding opportunities to the Mead Witter School of Music graduate admissions office, gradadmissions@music.wisc.edu.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Mode of Instruction
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
Curricular Requirements
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 34 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 17 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.25 GPA required. |
| Other Grade Requirements | Grades below B do not satisfy degree requirements. Mead Witter School of Music financial awards are suspended if a student is on probation for more than one semester. A student’s satisfactory progress is also in jeopardy should a major recital be judged incomplete or deficient. Failure of one or more parts of the comprehensive examinations is also considered a lapse in satisfactory progress. |
| Assessments and Examinations | In addition to evaluations in individual classes, School of Music programs examine graduate students at defined points in their career. For master’s students, comprehensive examinations measure the candidate’s range of musical knowledge in both fields of music history and the major. |
| Language Requirements | The Vocal Performance curricular path has language requirements detailed below. |
Required Courses
The following chart outlines the course requirements for all of the available MM in Music: Performance pathways. Note each one has particular requirements. Important academic policy information is available in the Policies tab, in the Mead Witter School of Music Graduate Handbook, and the Graduate School's Academic Policies and Procedures Glossary. Direct any questions about the coursework or required proficiencies to the Mead Witter School of Music graduate admissions office, gradadmissions@music.wisc.edu.
Brass Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Level Brass Instrument Applied Study | ||
| Complete the course corresponding to the major instrument for 2 semesters minimum and 4 credits each semester. | 8 | |
| Masters Level-Horn | ||
| Masters Level-Trumpet | ||
| Masters Level-Trombone | ||
| Masters Level-Euphonium | ||
| Masters Level-Tuba | ||
| Master's Recital | ||
| Enroll in this course in place of Applied Study in the recital semester: | 4 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Small Ensemble | ||
| Complete 2 credits from following: | 2 | |
| Advanced Ensemble-Brass 2 | ||
| Contemporary Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-Woodwind (horn majors only) | ||
| Large Performance Ensemble | ||
| 2 semesters, 1 credit each; eligible courses include the following: | 2 | |
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Instrumental Literature | ||
| MUSIC 798 | Seminar-Instrumental Literature 3 | 2 |
| Musicology and Music Theory | ||
| 9 credits must be earned at UW-Madison. | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval by Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible courses in music theory include (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty.): | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval by Music Theory area) | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| With advisor approval, choose courses in any department numbered 300 or above. | 7 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
Sections of this course that are eligible include: Brass Quintet, Horn Choir, Tuba Quartet/Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, Trombone Choir/Quartet. Each ensemble may be taken for two semesters. Note that the courses MUSIC 573 Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and MUSIC 565 Advanced Ensemble-Woodwind may also fulfill this requirement. Other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless first approved by the Brass area faculty.
- 3
MUSIC 799 Independent Work (two credits) or two semesters of MUSIC 567 Advanced Ensemble-Brass (1 credit) may also be eligible, with approval of major professor.
Choral Conducting Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Applied Study | ||
| 2 credits each semester of the following: | 8 | |
| Advanced Conducting Seminar | ||
| Seminar in Choral Literature | ||
| Complete 8 credits from the following: | 8 | |
| Seminar in Choral Literature (2 credits per semester) | ||
| Choral Literature and Performance Practices of Today (2 credits per semester) | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Complete 4 times for 1 credit each: | 4 | |
| Concert Choir | ||
| Teaching Assistants (TAs) working with the Concert Choir should enroll in the following as an alternative: | ||
| Chorale | ||
| Recital | ||
| Complete the following for 2 credits: | 2 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Music Reference and Research Materials | ||
| MUSIC/L I S 619 | Music Research Methods and Materials | 3 |
| Musicology and Music Theory | ||
| At least one course must be taken in Musicology and one in Music Theory. 9 credits must be earned at UW-Madison | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval by Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Collaborative Piano Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Study | ||
| 4 semesters minimum, 2 credits each semester: | 8 | |
| Masters Level Collaborative Piano | ||
| Recitals | ||
| Two recitals (1 vocal, 1 instrumental; 1 credit each) | 2 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Vocal and Instrumental Accompanying | ||
| Based on emphasis, complete the following: | 8-11 | |
| Seminar | ||
| All students are required to complete: | ||
| Seminar in Duo Sonata Literature | ||
| Vocal Accompanying Emphasis | ||
| For emphasis in Vocal Accompanying, the following three courses are required: | ||
| Language Diction for Singing I | ||
| Language Diction for Singing II | ||
| Opera Workshop | ||
| Instrumental Accompanying Emphasis | ||
| For emphasis in Instrumental Accompanying the following two courses are required: | ||
| Diction for Singers | ||
| plus 1 semester from the following courses: | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-Woodwind | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-Brass | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-Percussion | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-String | ||
| Vocal Literature | ||
| Complete 2 credits from the following: | 2 | |
| Repertoire (Vocal Repertoire, 2 credits) 2 | ||
or MUSIC 792 | Seminar in Vocal Literature | |
| Musicology and Music Theory Courses | ||
| At least one course must be taken in Musicology and one in Music Theory. 9 credits must be earned at UW-Madison. | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval by Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval by Music Theory area) | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Elective courses 3 | ||
| With advisor approval, choose courses in any department numbered 300 or above. | 2-5 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
Contact the graduate office or the voice faculty for information on the schedule for planned offerings of these courses.
- 3
Elective course credits should bring the total number of School of Music course credits to a minimum of 30.
Composition Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Composition Applied Study | ||
| Complete 3 semesters minimum, 3 credits each semester | 9 | |
| Masters Level Composition | ||
| Thesis–Composition (Project) | ||
| To be taken in the final semester of study, after three semesters of the above composition courses are completed. Attendance at Composition Master Class is required of composition majors enrolled in Master's Thesis. | 3 | |
| Masters Thesis | ||
| Courses in Musicology | ||
| Complete 6 credits; eligible musicology courses include (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | 6 | |
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval by Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Courses in Music Theory | ||
| Complete 6 credits; eligible music theory courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | 6 | |
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval by the Music Theory area) | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Composition Electives | ||
| Complete 10 credits from following: 2 | 10 | |
| Orchestration I | ||
| Seminar in Composition (topics course; may be repeated for credit) | ||
With advisor approval, choose composition-related courses numbered 300 or above. Other courses must be approved by Major Professor. | ||
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
Other courses may be eligible for this requirement, by approval of the major professor.
Guitar Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Level Guitar Applied Study | ||
| 2 semesters, 4 credits each semester | 8 | |
| Masters Level-Guitar | ||
| Recital | ||
| Enroll in this course in place of Master’s Level Applied Study in the recital semester. | 4 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Ensemble | ||
| Complete 2 semesters | 2 | |
| Advanced Ensemble-Classical Guitar | ||
| Musicology and Music Theory Courses | ||
| At least one course must be taken in Musicology and one in Music Theory. 9 credits must be earned at UW-Madison. | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval by Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval by Music Theory area) | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Elective courses | ||
| With advisor approval, choose courses in any department numbered 300 or above. | 11 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Harp Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Study | ||
| Complete twice for 4 credits each | 8 | |
| Master's Level Harp | ||
| Recital | ||
| Taken that semester instead of applied study: | 4 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Ensembles | ||
| Complete 4 credits; must include minimum of 2 credits of Orchestra. | 4 | |
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-String | ||
| Pedagogy | ||
| MUSIC 751 | Seminar in Piano Pedagogy | 3 |
| Musicology and Music Theory | ||
| Three courses to include one course each in Musicology and one course in Music Theory; required from approved course list at UW-Madison only (no waivers). | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Music Theory area) | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Electives | ||
| Numbered 300 and above, approved by Major Professor and Advisor. May include excess from above categories. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Jazz Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jazz Applied Study | ||
| 2 semesters, 4 credits each semester | 8 | |
| Masters Level Jazz Studio Instruction | ||
| Required Jazz Courses | ||
| MUSIC 629 | Jazz Theory and Analysis | 3 |
| MUSIC 417 | Jazz Histories (does not satisfy the musicology requirement) | 3 |
| Master's Recital | ||
| 2 recitals, 2 credits each | 4 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| With the approval of the student's recital committee, a recording project, composition portfolio, or research paper may be substituted as a master's project by enrolling in the following course, in place of the second recital. | ||
| Independent Work (taken for 2 credits) | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Complete 4 times for 1 credit each | 4 | |
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Musicology and Music Theory Courses | ||
| In addition to MUSIC 629, must take one course in Musicology. The second course may be either Musicology or Music Theory. | 6 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible Musicology courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Jazz Histories (Required to fulfill Musicology or elective) | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to the approval of Musicology and Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible Music Theory courses include (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Music Theory area) | ||
| Proseminar in Music Theory | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Electives | ||
| Three courses chosen from the following or other courses approved by advisor and major professor. | 6 | |
| Class Piano Pedagogy | ||
| Jazz Composition and Arranging | ||
| Jazz Arranging | ||
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Orchestral Conducting Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Applied Study | ||
| 2 semesters minimum, 4 credits each | 8 | |
| Advanced Conducting | ||
| Conducting Laboratory | ||
| Complete 4 times for 1 credit each | 4 | |
| Graduate Instrumental Conducting Laboratory | ||
| Recital | ||
| Complete 3 credits | 3 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Choral Ensemble | ||
| Complete one of following for 1 credit | 1 | |
| Concert Choir | ||
| Chorale | ||
| Musicology and Music Theory Courses | ||
| Complete 9 credits, earned at UW-Madison, including the following: | 9 | |
| Orchestration I (required) | ||
Remaining 6 credits, earned at UW-Madison, at least one course must be in Musicology. | ||
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Music Theory area) | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Elective courses | ||
| Complete 9 credits from following: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Arts Entrepreneurship | ||
| Entrepreneurship in Arts & Cultural Organizations | ||
| Seminar-Arts Administration | ||
| Seminar-Arts Administration | ||
| Nonprofit Governance & Board Membership | ||
| Diction for Singers | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Aural Skills) | ||
| Music Community Engagement | ||
| Independent Project (Students attend DANCE 157 and have unique graduate-level projects and requirements) | ||
| Special Topics in Theatre and Drama (Students attend THEATRE 150 and have unique graduate-level projects and requirements) | ||
Master's Level Applied Instrumental Lessons (Course numbers and credits vary). With advisor approval, choose courses in any department numbered 300 or above. | ||
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Percussion Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Level Percussion Applied Study | ||
| 2 semesters, 4 credits each semester | 8 | |
| Masters Level-Percussion | ||
| Recital | ||
| Enroll in this course in place of Master’s Level Applied Study in the recital semester. | 4 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Literature | ||
| MUSIC 346 | Repertoire (taken once for 2 credits) | 2 |
| or MUSIC 550 | Percussion Literature | |
| Ensemble | ||
| 2 semesters required | 2 | |
| Advanced Ensemble-Percussion 2 | ||
| Large Performance Ensemble | ||
| 2 semesters required. Select from the following: | 2 | |
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Musicology and Music Theory | ||
| At least one course must be taken in Musicology and one in Music Theory. 9 credits must be earned at UW-Madison. | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Musicology/Ethnomusicology faculty) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (Other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Music Theory faculty) | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Elective courses | ||
| With advisor approval, choose courses in any department numbered 300 or above. | 7 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
With permission of the percussion faculty, other ensembles may substitute for MUSIC 568 Advanced Ensemble-Percussion.
Piano Performance Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Level Piano Applied Study | ||
| 2 semesters minimum, 4 credits each semester | 8 | |
| Masters Level-Piano | ||
| Recitals | ||
| Enroll in these courses in place of Master’s Level Piano in the recital semesters—there are two recitals. | 8 | |
| For the Solo Recital: | ||
| Masters Recital (solo recital, taken for 4 credits) | ||
| For the Chamber Music Recital: | ||
| Masters Recital (taken for 2 credits) | ||
| Masters Level Collaborative Piano (taken for 2 credits) | ||
| Piano Pedagogy | ||
| Select from the following courses: | 3 | |
| Class Piano Pedagogy | ||
| Seminar in Piano Pedagogy (topics course; may be repeated for credit) | ||
| Piano Literature | ||
| Select from the following courses: | 3 | |
| Seminar in Piano Literature | ||
| Repertoire | ||
| Seminar in Duo Sonata Literature | ||
| Musicology and Music Theory Courses | ||
| At least one course must be taken in Musicology and one in Music Theory. 9 credits must be earned at UW-Madison. | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Musicology/Ethnomusicology faculty) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Music Theory faculty) | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Elective credits | ||
| With advisor approval, choose courses in any department numbered 300 or above. | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Piano Performance and Pedagogy Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Level Piano Applied Study | ||
| Complete 2 semesters minimum, 4 credits each semester | 4 | |
| Masters Level-Piano | ||
| Complete an additional 4 credits selected from the following: | 4 | |
| Masters Level-Piano (4 credits minimum) | ||
| Masters Level Collaborative Piano | ||
| Recital | ||
| Enroll in this course in the recital semester instead of MUS PERF 501 or MUS PERF 542. | 4 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Pedagogy | ||
| Complete 8 credits; any combination of the following courses: | 8 | |
| Class Piano Pedagogy | ||
| Seminar in Piano Pedagogy | ||
| Piano Pedagogy Workshop | ||
| Current Topics in Dance: Workshop (Feldenkrais for Performing Artists, 1 credit) | ||
| Piano Pedagogy Workshop | ||
| Past Perspectives on Music Education | ||
| Current Issues in Music Education | ||
| Final Project | ||
| MUSIC 799 | Independent Work | 1 |
| Practicum | ||
| MUSIC 560 | Practicum in Advanced Studio Teaching-Piano | 1 |
| Piano Literature | ||
| Complete 3 credits; select from the following: | 3 | |
| Repertoire | ||
| Seminar in Piano Literature | ||
| Seminar in Duo Sonata Literature | ||
| Musicology and Music Theory | ||
| At least one course must be taken in Musicology and one in Music Theory. 9 credits must be earned at UW-Madison. | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
String Performance Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| String Instrument Applied Study | ||
| Enroll in the course corresponding to the major instrument. 2 semesters minimum, 4 credits each semester: | 8 | |
| Masters Level-Violin | ||
| Masters Level-Viola | ||
| Masters Level-Cello | ||
| Master's Level Double Bass | ||
| Recital | ||
| Enroll in this course in place of Master’s Level Applied Study in the recital semester. | 4 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Ensemble | ||
| Choose from the following two courses; must include at least 2 credits of Symphony Orchestra. | 4 | |
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Advanced Ensemble-String | ||
| Pedagogy | ||
| Complete 2 credits; select from the following courses: | 2 | |
| Advanced String Pedagogy | ||
| Advanced String Pedagogy | ||
| Advanced Pedagogy (instrumental) | ||
| Current Topics in Dance: Workshop (Feldenkrais for Performing Musicians) | ||
| Literature | ||
| MUSIC 546 | String Literature | 2 |
| or MUSIC 796 | Seminar in Duo Sonata Literature | |
| Musicology and Music Theory Courses | ||
| At least one course must be taken in Musicology and one in Music Theory. 9 credits must be earned at UW-Madison. | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Music Theory area) | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Elective courses | ||
| With advisor approval, choose courses in any department numbered 300 or above. | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Vocal Performance Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Level Voice Applied Study | ||
| 2 semesters minimum, 4 credits each semester | 8 | |
| Masters Level-Voice | ||
| Recital | ||
| Enroll in this course in place of Master’s Level Applied Study in the recital semester. | 4 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Advanced Diction 2 | ||
| MUSIC 467 | Language Diction for Singing I 3 | 2 |
| MUSIC 468 | Language Diction for Singing II 3 | 2 |
| Vocal Literature | ||
| MUSIC 792 | Seminar in Vocal Literature 3, 4 | 3 |
| Vocal Pedagogy | ||
| MUSIC 749 | Seminar in Vocal Techniques 3 | 2 |
| Ensemble | ||
| Complete 2 credits; select from the following courses: 5 | 2 | |
| Collegium Musicum | ||
| University Opera | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Opera Workshop | ||
| Musicology and Music Theory Courses | ||
| At least one course must be taken in Musicology and one in Music Theory. 9 credits must be earned at UW-Madison. | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include the following (other ensembles may be eligible for this requirement, with voice faculty approval): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Music Theory faculty) | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Language Proficiency | ||
| Prior to graduation the voice and opera faculty must certify that a candidate has a level of proficiency in French, Italian, and German that is equivalent to successfully completing one semester of college-level coursework in all three languages plus a second of one of these languages (a total of four semesters of college-level study). The major professor in voice and the director of opera will determine proficiency through review of prior coursework and/or proficiency examination. | ||
| Consult the voice faculty and the director of graduate studies for information on ways in which the language proficiency requirement may be satisfied. | ||
| Elective courses | ||
| With advisor approval, choose courses in any department numbered 300 or above. | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
All or part of this requirement may be waived, should the student's diction proficiency is satisfactory in certain languages. The voice faculty will review past diction study or administer a qualifying examination to determine proficiency.
- 3
Consult the graduate office or the voice faculty for information on the schedule for planned offerings of this course.
- 4
MUSIC 346 Repertoire (Topic: Vocal Repertoire) or equivalent is a prerequisite for this course.
- 5
Other ensembles may be eligible for this requirement, with voice faculty approval.
Wind Conducting Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Applied Study | ||
| 2 semesters, 4 credits each | 8 | |
| Advanced Conducting | ||
| Recital | ||
| 1 credit per semester; can be either 2 recitals for 1 credit each, or 1 recital for 2 credits, at discretion of Conducting Faculty. | 2 | |
| Masters Recital 2 | ||
| Conducting Laboratory | ||
| 4 semesters required | 4 | |
| Graduate Instrumental Conducting Laboratory | ||
| Wind Ensemble or Concert Band | ||
| Select from the following; 2 semesters minimum required. | 2 | |
| Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Musicology and Music Theory | ||
| Three courses, to include one course in Musicology and one course in Music Theory from approved course list. | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicoloygy faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Music Theory area) | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Elective courses | ||
| Advisor and major professor approved, from the following list: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Arts Entrepreneurship | ||
| Entrepreneurship in Arts & Cultural Organizations | ||
| Seminar-Arts Administration | ||
| Seminar-Arts Administration | ||
| Nonprofit Governance & Board Membership | ||
| Diction for Singers | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Aural Skills, 1 credit) | ||
| Music Community Engagement | ||
| Independent Project (Students attend DANCE 157 and have unique garduate-level projects and requirements.) | ||
| Special Topics in Theatre and Drama (Students attend THEATRE 150 and have unique garduate-level projects and requirements.) | ||
Master's Level Applied Instrumental Lessons (course numbers and credits vary). With advisor approval, courses in the School of Music numbered 300 or above. | ||
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
At the discretion of the conducting faculty, the recital credit may be fulfilled with either 4 recitals at 1 credit each or 1 recital, 4 credits.
Woodwind Performance Path1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Level Woodwind Instrument Applied Study | ||
| Select the course corresponding to the major instrument; 2 semesters minimum, 4 credits each semester. | 8 | |
| Masters Level-Flute | ||
| Masters Level-Oboe | ||
| Masters Level-Clarinet | ||
| Masters Level-Saxophone | ||
| Masters Level-Bassoon | ||
| Recital | ||
| Enroll for this course in place of Master’s Level Applied Study in the recital semester. | 4 | |
| Masters Recital | ||
| Large Performance Ensemble | ||
| Complete 2 credits from following: | 2 | |
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Small Performance Ensemble | ||
| Select from the following; 2 semesters required. | 2 | |
| Advanced Ensemble-Woodwind | ||
| Musicology and Music Theory Courses | ||
| At least one course must be taken in Musicology and one in Music Theory. 9 credits must be earned at UW-Madison. | 9 | |
| Musicology | ||
| Eligible musicology courses include the following (other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the musicology faculty): | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Musicology/Ethnomusicology area) | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Ethnographic Methods for Music and Sound | ||
| Historical Music Theories 1 | ||
| Historical Music Theories 2 | ||
| Seminar in Musicology | ||
| Seminar in Ethnomusicology | ||
| Music Theory | ||
| Eligible music theory courses include the following (Other courses do not fulfill this requirement unless specifically approved by the music theory faculty): | ||
| Special Topics in Music (Subject to approval of Music Theory area) | ||
| Orchestration I | ||
| Renaissance Polyphony | ||
| Baroque Counterpoint | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Form and Analysis II | ||
| Jazz Theory and Analysis | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Post-tonal Analysis | ||
| Current Issues in Musical Thought 1 | ||
| Seminar in Composition | ||
| Elective courses | ||
| With advisor approval, choose courses in any department numbered 300 or above. | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures and are updated continuously. Note some policies redirect to entries in the official UW-Madison Policy Library. Programs may set more stringent policies than the Graduate School. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Major-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions
No more than 6 credits may be approved for graduate coursework taken at other institutions.
Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy. The Mead Witter School of Music faculty rarely approve these exceptions.
Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Credits Earned as a University Special student at UW–Madison
The program allows up to 6 credits of UW-Madison University Special student credit to transfer. Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Probation
MM students who fail to make satisfactory progress in any of the four following areas: grades, course load, time limits, or exams, will be notified in writing by the director of graduate studies. At the end of the second semester of failing to make satisfactory progress the student is placed on probation effective the next semester. This action suspends financial aid (but does not affect loans or work-study). See details in the Satisfactory Progress for Master's Students.
Advisor / Committee
All programs provide for faculty from several disciplines to follow the student’s progress through the degree, provide mentorship along the way, and assess the student’s success in reaching expected learning outcomes. The principal advisor for most graduate students in the Mead Witter School of Music is generally referred to as the major professor. In all programs the major professor is determined with the student's particular interests in mind. In music performance programs, the faculty attempts, whenever possible. to assign the major professor based upon a student's request.
The director of graduate studies is also an advisor for all graduate students in Mead Witter School of Music programs. Students are expected to consult with the director of graduate studies at least once per semester to determine appropriate course plans. Consultation is mandatory in the semester before intended graduation.
Credits Per Term Allowed
15 credit maximum. Refer to the Graduate School: Maximum Credit Loads and Overload Requests policy.
Time Limits
MM and MA students not receiving University funding are expected to complete requirements and pass comprehensive examinations within seven years from the time of enrollment in the program. While graduate students may enroll on a part-time basis, this time constraint still applies.
All MM and MA students holding teaching assistant, project assistant, or fellowship appointments must complete requirements for the degree within four semesters (not counting summer sessions or thesis credits). If the appointment is more than 33.4% the expectation is to complete requirements in the sixth semester.
Grievances and Appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
- Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
- Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
- Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
- Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
- Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)
L&S Policy for Graduate Student Academic Appeals
Graduate students have the right to appeal an academic decision related to an L&S graduate program if the student believes that the decision is inconsistent with published policy.
Academic decisions that may be appealed include:
- Dismissal from the graduate program
- Failure to pass a qualifying or preliminary examination
- Failure to achieve satisfactory academic progress
- Academic disciplinary action related to failure to meet professional conduct standards
Issues such as the following cannot be appealed using this process:
- A faculty member declining to serve as a graduate student’s advisor.
- Decisions regarding the student’s disciplinary knowledge, evaluation of the quality of work, or similar judgements. These are the domain of the department faculty.
- Course grades. These can be appealed instead using the L&S Policy for Grade Appeal.
- Incidents of bias or hate, hostile and intimidating behavior, or discrimination (Title IX, Office of Compliance). Direct these to the linked campus offices appropriate for the incident(s).
Appeal Process for Graduate Students
A graduate student wishing to appeal an academic decision must follow the process in the order listed below. Note time limits within each step.
- The student should first seek informal resolution, if possible, by discussing the concern with their academic advisor, the department’s Director of Graduate Studies, and/or the department chair.
- If the program has an appeal policy listed in their graduate program handbook, the student should follow the policy as written, including adhering to any indicated deadlines. In the absence of a specific departmental process, the chair or designee will be the reviewer and decision maker, and the student should submit a written appeal to the chair within 15 business days of the academic decision. The chair or designee will notify the student in writing of their decision.
- If the departmental process upholds the original decision, the graduate student may next initiate an appeal to L&S. To do so, the student must submit a written appeal to the L&S Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Academic Affairs within 15 business days of notification of the department’s decision.
- To the fullest extent possible, the written appeal should include, in a single document: a clear and concise statement of the academic decision being appealed, any relevant background on what led to the decision, the specific policies involved, the relief sought, any relevant documentation related to the departmental appeal, and the names and titles of any individuals contributing to or involved in the decision.
- The Assistant Dean will work with the Academic Associate Dean of the appropriate division to consider the appeal. They may seek additional information and/or meetings related to the case.
- The Assistant Dean and Academic Associate Dean will provide a written decision within 20 business days.
- If L&S upholds the original decision, the graduate student may appeal to the Graduate School. More information can be found on their website: Grievances and Appeals (see: Graduate School Appeal Process).
Other
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Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
College of Letters and Science Resources
The College of Letters and Science's SuccessWorks program can assist with professional development and with identifying opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
- Communicates well-developed musical ideas clearly and energetically in performance and, where applicable, in compositions.
- Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate stylistic details in performance of music from a variety of historical periods and cultural origins.
- Draws upon extensive understanding of a variety of musical cultures and historical periods for the preparation of a performance or a composition.
- Selects the most appropriate methods of technique or notation to achieve the intended result in performance.
- Shows ability to express, verbally and in writing, musical ideas and interpretive conclusions to peers and colleagues.
- Recognizes and applies principles of ethical and professional conduct.
- Respects colleagues and values contributions of others in collaborative endeavors.
Accreditation
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1966.
Accreditation status: Accredited. Next accreditation review: 2032-2033; final 2022-2023 report forthcoming.