Student playing a French horn

VALUES AND EDUCATIONAL PRIORITIES

At the Mead Witter School of Music

  • we teach by example offering participatory, mentor-driven education;
  • we provide individualized instruction and flexible curricula that encourage students to find their own musical pathways;
  • we foster musical excellence and high academic standards;
  • our faculty exhibit the best of their respective fields, are deeply engaged in artistic scholarship and research, and are committed to teaching at all levels;
  • we whole-heartedly embrace the Wisconsin Idea;
  • our department is a dynamic educational community, part of a large and vibrant research university within a city that values and supports the arts.

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. Facilities specifically designed for music study and performance offer excellent resources for students to pursue their interests. 

In addition to a thriving undergraduate student body, music students have the advantage of working side-by-side with master's-level and doctoral-level music students. Working collegially in class and studio, making music together on stage and off, and building professional relationships across program boundaries all enable the sharing of expertise, experience, and perspectives and add immeasurably to every student's development.

The music degree programs are demanding and require care in taking courses in the proper sequence. Graduation could be delayed if a course is not taken in the appropriate semester. Refer to the Requirements tab for details on the coursework and sequences of study in specific majors.

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.

PEOPLE AND FACILITIES

The greatest asset of Mead Witter School of Music is its people—staff, faculty, and students—who are daily immersed in learning, building, researching, writing, and making music. Mentoring is the core of our teaching, manifest in one-on-one applied instruction as well as in small-group coaching and classes. Undergraduate students will build professional relationships with many faculty, form friendships with peers across the boundaries of degree programs, and collaborate with staff in addressing the practical matters of academic study. Extensive information on faculty, including biographies, is available here.

The Mosse Humanities Building, built in 1969, houses most of the music classrooms, rehearsal rooms, faculty studios, and 111 practice rooms. Most recitals and concerts take place in one of three performance spaces: Mills Concert Hall, Morphy Recital Hall, and Eastman Organ Recital Hall. The school's extensive collection of instruments, both common and unusual, is available to both faculty and students. Music Hall with its clock tower, built in 1879, is a campus landmark. Renovated in 1985, it is the home of the opera program. The new Hamel Music Center includes a concert hall, a recital hall, and a large ensemble rehearsal space.

Memorial Library is the home of the Mills Music Library, which offers extensive research and circulating collections, attractive study space, and personal staff assistance with research. Music materials on campus number over half a million, ranging from scores and sheet music to archival collections and historic audio recordings. Through Mills Music Library and other UW–Madison libraries, students have access to a wide range of online research databases as well as millions of articles, books, and streaming media. All genres of music are represented, with notably strong collections in Americana and ethnic music. Nationally known special collections include the Tams–Witmark Collection, a treasury of early American musical theater materials, and the Wisconsin Music Archives.

CHOOSING A MUSIC MAJOR

Mead Witter School of Music offers several degree programs at the undergraduate level. The bachelor of arts and bachelor of science curricula are liberal arts majors in the College of Letters & Science and are excellent programs for students interested in exploring the wide array of course offerings in the college or in two or more major areas of study. In these programs music courses comprise one-third of a student's work toward the degree. By comparison, the bachelor of music curriculum, a professional degree in music, requires 75 percent of total coursework within the Mead Witter School of Music. Students in this program are looking for depth in performance study along with a large complement of other musical studies at advanced level. A number of alumni from both B.A. and B.S. have completed two majors at UW–Madison. Both of these programs may provide a foundation for graduate study and sometimes for a career in music. We encourage conversations with Mead Witter School of Music professors at any point during your first two years as a music major to learn as much as possible about options that are available to you.

GRADES AND ADVISING

Mead Witter School of Music is a department of the UW–Madison College of Letters & Science. Information on the grading system and academic procedures/policies is available in the College of Letters & Science section of this Guide under the policies and regulations tab.

The undergraduate advisor of the Mead Witter School of Music serves as the advisor for every music major. The advisor maintains records and assists students in determining an appropriate course schedule each semester.

Admission Procedures

To be admitted to the Mead Witter School of Music a student needs to apply to and be admitted  by both UW-Madison and the Mead Witter School of Music:

declaring a music major

Students admitted to UW-Madison and the Mead Witter School of Music will be declared in their music major or music degree program.  All students must make satisfactory progress, as described below, to continue in their major or degree program. Students not meeting these requirements should meet with the Undergraduate Music Advisor to discuss their options for continuing in the Mead Witter School of Music.

Music Major Continuation Requirements

Students must meet all of the requirements below to continue in the program. Students not meeting any one of these requirements will be removed from the program and must choose a new major. Contact the Undergraduate Music Advisor for consideration of extenuating circumstances or if the student is considering a leave of absence (such as family emergency, personal wellness, study abroad, or approved accommodations)

(1) Enrollment Requirements  

  • Enroll every fall and spring semester in a course that meets the Performance Study Requirements, until that requirement is completed. 

  • Enroll in MUSIC 121 and MUSIC 171 to begin the music theory/history sequence in the first possible fall semester after declaration.

(2) Performance Study Jury and Progress Report  

At least once a year, students must pass a performance jury with their major instrument. The purpose of this jury will be to evaluate performance study progress and to set goals for the coming year.  Students who do not pass will receive guidance about making improvements and a warning letter and will have a semester to work with their professor to make improvements needed to remain in the program.

(3) Progression to 400-Level Performance Study   

At the end of the fourth semester of enrollment in Performance Study, students will be evaluated for permission to advance to 400-level performance study. Students who do not meet progression requirements to advance to 400-level performance study may be given an additional semester to meet those requirements.

(4) Meet GPA Requirements in three areas:   

University General Education Requirements

All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.

General Education
  • Breadth—Humanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits
  • Breadth—Natural Science: 4 to 6 credits, consisting of one 4- or 5-credit course with a laboratory component; or two courses providing a total of 6 credits
  • Breadth—Social Studies: 3 credits
  • Communication Part A & Part B *
  • Ethnic Studies *
  • Quantitative Reasoning Part A & Part B *

* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements.

College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.

Bachelor of Science DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Mathematics Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement.
Foreign Language Complete the third unit of a foreign language.
L&S Breadth Complete:
• 12 credits of Humanities, which must include at least 6 credits of Literature; and
• 12 credits of Social Science; and
• 12 credits of Natural Science, which must include 6 credits of Biological Science and 6 credits of Physical Science.
Liberal Arts and Science Coursework Complete at least 108 credits.
Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework Complete at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level.
Major Declare and complete at least one major.
Total Credits Complete at least 120 credits.
UW-Madison Experience Complete both:
• 30 credits in residence, overall, and
• 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit.
Quality of Work • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison
• 2.000 in Intermediate/Advanced level coursework at UW–Madison

Non–L&S Students PURSUING AN L&S MAJOR

Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.

Requirements for the Major

Students who do not declare a Named Option must complete the requirements below.

Student must work with a School of Music faculty member to create a cohesive plan to meet requirements; the plan must be approved by the appropriate faculty area committee(s) and by the Curriculum Committee.

Performance Study  - three semesters in one of the Following areas:

Bass
MUS PERF 237 Elementary/Intermediate Double Bass2-4
or MUS PERF 437 Advanced Double Bass
Bassoon
MUS PERF 215 Elementary/Intermediate Bassoon2-4
or MUS PERF 415 Advanced Bassoon
Cello
MUS PERF 235 Elementary/Intermediate Cello2-4
or MUS PERF 435 Advanced Cello
Clarinet
MUS PERF 211 Elementary/Intermediate Clarinet2-4
or MUS PERF 411 Advanced Clarinet
Euphonium
MUS PERF 223 Elementary/Intermediate Euphonium2-4
or MUS PERF 423 Advanced Euphonium
Flute
MUS PERF 207 Elementary/Intermediate Flute2-4
or MUS PERF 407 Advanced Flute
Guitar
MUS PERF 240 Elementary/Intermediate Guitar2-4
or MUS PERF 440 Advanced Guitar
Harp
MUS PERF 239 Elementary/Intermediate Harp2-4
or MUS PERF 439 Advanced Harp
Harpsichord
MUS PERF 202 Elementary/Intermediate Harpsichord2-4
or MUS PERF 402 Advanced Harpsichord
Horn
MUS PERF 217 Elementary/Intermediate Horn2-4
or MUS PERF 417 Advanced Horn
Percussion
MUS PERF 227 Elementary/Intermediate Percussion2-4
or MUS PERF 427 Advanced Percussion
Piano
MUS PERF 201 Elementary/Intermediate Piano2-4
or MUS PERF 401 Advanced Piano
Oboe
MUS PERF 209 Elementary/Intermediate Oboe2-4
or MUS PERF 409 Advanced Oboe
Organ
MUS PERF 203 Elementary/Intermediate Organ2-4
or MUS PERF 403 Advanced Organ
Saxophone
MUS PERF 213 Elementary/Intermediate Saxophone2-4
or MUS PERF 413 Advanced Saxophone
Trombone
MUS PERF 221 Elementary/Intermediate Trombone2-4
or MUS PERF 421 Advanced Trombone
Trumpet
MUS PERF 219 Elementary/Intermediate Trumpet2-4
or MUS PERF 419 Advanced Trumpet
Tuba
MUS PERF 225 Elementary/Intermediate Tuba2-4
or MUS PERF 425 Advanced Tuba
Viola
MUS PERF 233 Elementary/Intermediate Viola2-4
or MUS PERF 433 Advanced Viola
Violin
MUS PERF 231 Elementary/Intermediate Violin2-4
or MUS PERF 231 Elementary/Intermediate Violin
Voice
MUS PERF 205 Elementary/Intermediate Voice2-4
or MUS PERF 405 Advanced Voice

Music THEORY, MUSIC HISTORY, and Piano Skills

MUSIC 121
MUSIC 171
Musica Practica 1
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 1
4
MUSIC 122
MUSIC 172
Musica Practica 2
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 2
4
MUSIC 211 Survey of the History of Western Music3
MUSIC 212 Survey of the History of Western Music3
MUS PERF 102 Beginning Class Piano (Students who enroll in Mus Perf 201 or Mus Perf 203 are exempt from this course requirement.) 12
Total Credits16
1

 A student may complete a proficiency exam in piano, instead of completing this course.

MUSIC CORE COURSES

6 credits from at least two categories:6
Theory3-4
Musica Practica 3
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 3 (must be taken concurrently)
Musica Practica 4
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 4 (must be taken concurrently)
History3
Musical Cultures of the World
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
Additional Performance3
Complete courses beyond the minimum three semesters required. Consult performance course list above.
Total Credits15-16

MUSIC EMPHASIS -  electives to meet 42 credits IN THE MAJOR 2,3

MUSIC 40 Wind Ensemble1
MUSIC 41 Concert Band1
MUSIC 43 University Band1
MUSIC 50 Concert Choir1
MUSIC 52 Treble Choir1
MUSIC 53 Choral Union1
MUSIC 55 Masters' Singers1
MUSIC 56 Chorale1
MUSIC 58 Madrigal Singers1
MUSIC 59 University Chorus1
MUSIC 61 Chamber Orchestra1
MUSIC 62 University Symphony Orchestra1
MUSIC 107 Music & Film3
MUSIC 201 Music and Society2
MUSIC 221 Musica Practica 33
MUSIC 222 Musica Practica 43
MUSIC 229 Jazz Theory & Composition3
MUSIC 252 Introduction to Conducting and Pedagogy2
MUSIC 253 Conducting2
MUSIC 254 Conducting2
MUSIC 256 University Opera1-2
MUSIC 257 Opera Workshop2
MUSIC 262 Jazz Ensemble1
MUSIC 265 Ensemble-Woodwind1
MUSIC 266 Black Music Ensemble1
MUSIC 267 Ensemble-Brass1
MUSIC 268 Ensemble-Percussion1
MUSIC 269 Ensemble-String1
MUSIC 270 Ensemble-Guitar1
MUSIC 271 Musica Practica: Aural Skills 31
MUSIC 272 Musica Practica: Aural Skills 41
MUSIC/​AFROAMER/​DANCE  318 Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas3
MUSIC 319 Topics in Music and Ethnicity in the United States3
MUSIC 331 Jazz Improvisation3
MUSIC 332 Jazz Improvisation3
MUSIC 340 Pedagogy1-2
MUSIC 345 Practicum in String Pedagogy2
MUSIC 346 Repertoire1-2
MUSIC/​FOLKLORE  402 Musical Cultures of the World3
MUSIC 405 Seminar: Cultural Study of Music3
MUSIC 411 Survey of Music in the Middle Ages3
MUSIC 412 Survey of Music in the Renaissance3
MUSIC 413 Survey of Music in the Baroque Era3
MUSIC 414 Survey of Music in the Classic Era3
MUSIC 415 Survey of Music in the Romantic Era3
MUSIC 416 Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century3
MUSIC 419 Music in the United States3
MUSIC 461 Collegium Musicum1
MUSIC 466 Diction for Singers2
MUSIC 467 Language Diction for Singing I2
MUSIC 468 Language Diction for Singing II2
MUSIC 497 Special Topics in Music1-3
MUSIC 499 Directed Study1-3
MUSIC 502 Figured Bass and Basso Continuo3
MUSIC 511 Historical Performance Practices3
MUSIC 513 Survey of Opera3
MUSIC 523 Orchestration I3
MUS PERF 101 Beginning Class Piano2
MUS PERF 102 Beginning Class Piano2
MUS PERF 103 Elementary Class Piano2
MUS PERF 104 Intermediate Class Piano2
MUS PERF 108 Jazz Class Piano2
MUS PERF 143 Introduction to Performance: Voice1
MUS PERF 144 Vocal Instruction for Non-Voice Majors1-2
MUS PERF 148 First Year Composition3
MUS PERF 200 Elementary/Intermediate Piano for Non-Piano Majors2
MUS PERF 201 Elementary/Intermediate Piano2-4
MUS PERF 202 Elementary/Intermediate Harpsichord2-4
MUS PERF 203 Elementary/Intermediate Organ2-4
MUS PERF 205 Elementary/Intermediate Voice2-4
MUS PERF 207 Elementary/Intermediate Flute2-4
MUS PERF 209 Elementary/Intermediate Oboe2-4
MUS PERF 211 Elementary/Intermediate Clarinet2-4
MUS PERF 213 Elementary/Intermediate Saxophone2-4
MUS PERF 215 Elementary/Intermediate Bassoon2-4
MUS PERF 217 Elementary/Intermediate Horn2-4
MUS PERF 219 Elementary/Intermediate Trumpet2-4
MUS PERF 221 Elementary/Intermediate Trombone2-4
MUS PERF 223 Elementary/Intermediate Euphonium2-4
MUS PERF 225 Elementary/Intermediate Tuba2-4
MUS PERF 227 Elementary/Intermediate Percussion2-4
MUS PERF 231 Elementary/Intermediate Violin2-4
MUS PERF 233 Elementary/Intermediate Viola2-4
MUS PERF 235 Elementary/Intermediate Cello2-4
MUS PERF 237 Elementary/Intermediate Double Bass2-4
MUS PERF 239 Elementary/Intermediate Harp2-4
MUS PERF 240 Elementary/Intermediate Guitar2-4
MUS PERF 242 Accompanying2
MUS PERF 247 Second Year Composition3
MUS PERF 248 Second Year Composition3
MUS PERF 251 Keyboard Skills2
MUS PERF 311 Advanced Techniques: Clarinet1-2
MUS PERF 327 Advanced Techniques: Percussion1-2
MUS PERF 331 Advanced Techniques: Violin1-2
MUS PERF 333 Advanced Techniques: Viola1-2
MUS PERF 339 Advanced Techniques: Harp1-2
MUS PERF 342 Piano Accompanying Lab1
MUS PERF 347 Third Year Composition3
MUS PERF 348 Third Year Composition3
MUS PERF 401 Advanced Piano2-4
MUS PERF 402 Advanced Harpsichord2-4
MUS PERF 403 Advanced Organ2-4
MUS PERF 405 Advanced Voice2-4
MUS PERF 407 Advanced Flute2-4
MUS PERF 409 Advanced Oboe2-4
MUS PERF 411 Advanced Clarinet2-4
MUS PERF 413 Advanced Saxophone2-4
MUS PERF 415 Advanced Bassoon2-4
MUS PERF 417 Advanced Horn2-4
MUS PERF 419 Advanced Trumpet2-4
MUS PERF 421 Advanced Trombone2-4
MUS PERF 423 Advanced Euphonium2-4
MUS PERF 425 Advanced Tuba2-4
MUS PERF 427 Advanced Percussion2-4
MUS PERF 431 Advanced Violin2-4
MUS PERF 433 Advanced Viola2-4
MUS PERF 435 Advanced Cello2-4
MUS PERF 437 Advanced Double Bass2-4
MUS PERF 439 Advanced Harp2-4
MUS PERF 440 Advanced Guitar2-4
MUS PERF 447 Fourth Year Composition3
MUS PERF 448 Fourth Year Composition3
MUS PERF 457 Jazz Composition and Arranging3
MUS PERF 458 Jazz Composition and Arranging3
2

A maximum of 16 credits can be taken from courses numbered below 100.

3

 Students who complete MUSIC 122MUSIC 221, or MUSIC 222 without having taken the earlier courses in the theory sequence, or who achieve advanced placement in theory through department examination, may not be required to complete the prerequisite courses in the theory sequence. However, no retroactive course credit will be granted. All students must complete at least 42 credits in Mead Witter School of Music coursework.

Residence & Quality of Work

  • 2.000 GPA in all MUSIC, MUS PERF and other courses counting in the major
  • 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits in the major, taken in Residence (see below)
  • 15 credits in MUSIC or MUS PERF, taken on the UW-Madison campus

 Music

MUSIC 40 Wind Ensemble1
MUSIC 41 Concert Band1
MUSIC 50 Concert Choir1
MUSIC 52 Treble Choir1
MUSIC 53 Choral Union1
MUSIC 55 Masters' Singers1
MUSIC 56 Chorale1
MUSIC 58 Madrigal Singers1
MUSIC 61 Chamber Orchestra1
MUSIC 62 University Symphony Orchestra1
MUSIC 211 Survey of the History of Western Music3
MUSIC 212 Survey of the History of Western Music3
MUSIC 221 Musica Practica 33
MUSIC 222 Musica Practica 43
MUSIC 229 Jazz Theory & Composition3
MUSIC 252 Introduction to Conducting and Pedagogy2
MUSIC 253 Conducting2
MUSIC 254 Conducting2
MUSIC 256 University Opera1-2
MUSIC 257 Opera Workshop2
MUSIC 262 Jazz Ensemble1
MUSIC 265 Ensemble-Woodwind1
MUSIC 266 Black Music Ensemble1
MUSIC 267 Ensemble-Brass1
MUSIC 268 Ensemble-Percussion1
MUSIC 269 Ensemble-String1
MUSIC 270 Ensemble-Guitar1
MUSIC 271 Musica Practica: Aural Skills 31
MUSIC 272 Musica Practica: Aural Skills 41
MUSIC/​CURRIC  301 Music Learning and Teaching 12
MUSIC/​CURRIC  303 Fieldwork in Music Communities1
MUSIC/​CURRIC  304 Composition, Arrangement, and Orchestration for the Music Teacher2
MUSIC 317 Musical Women in Europe and America: Creativity, Performance, and Identity3
MUSIC/​AFROAMER/​DANCE  318 Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas3
MUSIC 319 Topics in Music and Ethnicity in the United States3
MUSIC 331 Jazz Improvisation3
MUSIC 332 Jazz Improvisation3
MUSIC/​CURRIC  337 Practicum in Teaching Music1
MUSIC 340 Pedagogy1-2
MUSIC/​CURRIC  344 Teaching Vocal Styles in the Music Classroom1
MUSIC 345 Practicum in String Pedagogy2
MUSIC 346 Repertoire1-2
MUSIC/​FOLKLORE  402 Musical Cultures of the World3
MUSIC 405 Seminar: Cultural Study of Music3
MUSIC/​CURRIC  409 Student Teaching in General and Vocal Music6-12
MUSIC/​CURRIC  410 Student Teaching in General and Instrumental Music6-12
MUSIC 411 Survey of Music in the Middle Ages3
MUSIC 412 Survey of Music in the Renaissance3
MUSIC 413 Survey of Music in the Baroque Era3
MUSIC 414 Survey of Music in the Classic Era3
MUSIC 415 Survey of Music in the Romantic Era3
MUSIC 416 Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century3
MUSIC 419 Music in the United States3
MUSIC/​CURRIC  420 Teaching Popular Instrumental Music 11
MUSIC/​CURRIC  421 Teaching Popular Instrumental Music 21
MUSIC 461 Collegium Musicum1
MUSIC 463 Acting for Singers1
MUSIC 465 Marching Band Techniques1
MUSIC 466 Diction for Singers2
MUSIC 467 Language Diction for Singing I2
MUSIC 468 Language Diction for Singing II2
MUSIC 497 Special Topics in Music1-3
MUSIC 499 Directed Study1-3
MUSIC 502 Figured Bass and Basso Continuo3
MUSIC 511 Historical Performance Practices3
MUSIC 513 Survey of Opera3
MUSIC/​FOLKLORE  515 Proseminar in Ethnomusicology3
MUSIC 523 Orchestration I3
MUSIC 540 Advanced Pedagogy2
MUSIC 541 Seminar in Choral Literature2
MUSIC 546 String Literature2
MUSIC 548 Piano Pedagogy II3
MUSIC 591 Organ Literature and Design2
MUSIC 621 Renaissance Polyphony3
MUSIC 622 Baroque Counterpoint3
MUSIC 623 Form and Analysis2-3
MUSIC 624 Form and Analysis II2-3
MUSIC 629 Jazz Theory and Analysis3
MUSIC 681 Senior Honors Thesis3
MUSIC 682 Senior Honors Thesis3

 Music Performance

MUS PERF 311 Advanced Techniques: Clarinet1-2
MUS PERF 327 Advanced Techniques: Percussion1-2
MUS PERF 331 Advanced Techniques: Violin1-2
MUS PERF 333 Advanced Techniques: Viola1-2
MUS PERF 339 Advanced Techniques: Harp1-2
MUS PERF 342 Piano Accompanying Lab1
MUS PERF 347 Third Year Composition3
MUS PERF 348 Third Year Composition3
MUS PERF 401 Advanced Piano2-4
MUS PERF 402 Advanced Harpsichord2-4
MUS PERF 403 Advanced Organ2-4
MUS PERF 405 Advanced Voice2-4
MUS PERF 407 Advanced Flute2-4
MUS PERF 409 Advanced Oboe2-4
MUS PERF 411 Advanced Clarinet2-4
MUS PERF 413 Advanced Saxophone2-4
MUS PERF 415 Advanced Bassoon2-4
MUS PERF 417 Advanced Horn2-4
MUS PERF 419 Advanced Trumpet2-4
MUS PERF 421 Advanced Trombone2-4
MUS PERF 423 Advanced Euphonium2-4
MUS PERF 425 Advanced Tuba2-4
MUS PERF 427 Advanced Percussion2-4
MUS PERF 431 Advanced Violin2-4
MUS PERF 433 Advanced Viola2-4
MUS PERF 435 Advanced Cello2-4
MUS PERF 437 Advanced Double Bass2-4
MUS PERF 439 Advanced Harp2-4
MUS PERF 440 Advanced Guitar2-4
MUS PERF 441 Advanced Jazz Studio Instruction2-4
MUS PERF 447 Fourth Year Composition3
MUS PERF 448 Fourth Year Composition3
MUS PERF 457 Jazz Composition and Arranging3
MUS PERF 458 Jazz Composition and Arranging3
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2

Honors in the Major

To participate in the Honors in the Major program, students must:

  • Notify the School of Music undergraduate advisor of their intention to become a candidate for Honors in the Major. This will usually occur in the sophomore year.
  • Present a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.300 in all courses taken at UW–Madison and maintain this average throughout the degree.
  • Present a minimum 3.500 GPA in all music coursework
  • Engage a faculty member and plan 12 credits of honors curriculum coursework; submit this plan to the undergraduate music advisor. 
  • Prior to beginning work on the Senior Honors Thesis sequence, confirm a faculty advisor for this sequence (who may be the same person as for the 12 credits above) and submit a prospectus outlining in detail the planned work including (a) the topic, (b) plans for research, and (c) a clear substantive written component, although it may also include oral and/or performance components. The faculty advisor must sign the prospectus indicating approval.

To complete and earn Honors in any Music major, students must satisfy the requirements for the major and these additional requirements:

  • Earn a minimum 3.300 University GPA
  • Earn a minimum 3.500 GPA in the major
  • MUSIC 681MUSIC 682 for a total of 6 credits
  • 12 credits of Honors coursework in music: 6 of the 12 credits must be at the 300 level or higher and only 6 credits can be taken in any one of the three music areas of theory, history, and performance.

University Degree Requirements

Total Degree To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements.
Residency Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs.
Quality of Work Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation.
  1. Demonstrate technical proficiency in the major performance medium.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to learn independently and collaboratively.
  3. Integrate knowledge across domains of music research and applied studies.
  4. Demonstrate artistry, creativity, and discipline in preparation and performance.
  5. Employ an advanced vocabulary to discuss music verbally and in writing.

Sample Four-Year Plan

This Sample Four-Year Plan is a tool to assist students and their advisor(s). Students should use it—along with their DARS report, the Degree Planner, and Course Search & Enroll tools—to make their own four-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests. As students become involved in athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, volunteer experiences, and/or work, they might adjust the order of their courses to accommodate these experiences. Students will likely revise their own four-year plan several times during college.

Student must work with a School of Music faculty member to create a cohesive plan to meet requirements; the plan must be approved by the appropriate faculty area committee(s) and by the Curriculum Committee.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Communication A3Ethnic Studies3
MUSIC 121
MUSIC 171
4Quantitative Reasoning A3
MUSIC 200-level (Performance Study)2MUSIC 122
MUSIC 172
4
Music emphasis course1MUS PERF 200-level (Performance Study)2
Foreign Language (if required)4Music emphasis course1
 INTER-LS 2101
 14 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Quantitative Reasoning B3Communication Part B3
Biological Science Breadth3Physical Science Breadth3
MUSIC 2113MUSIC 2123
MUS PERF 2XX (Performance Study)2Social Science Breadth6
Music emphasis course1Submit music emphasis study plan for approval by departmental Curriculum Committee
Social Science Breadth3 
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Declare the majorMusic core course3
Music emphasis course3Music emphasis course3
Music Core course3Literature Breadth6
Literature Breadth3Natural Science Breadth4
Natural Science Breadth7 
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Music emphasis course6Music emphasis course1
Social Science Breadth3Electives14
Electives6 
 15 15
Total Credits 120

Undergraduate Advising

Advisor: Todd Reck
Office: 3561G Humanities Building
Email: ugradadvisor@music.wisc.edu
Office phone: (608) 263-1918

If you wish to schedule an advising appointment, please note the following:

  • Online access to schedule advising appointments is restricted to students who applied to, auditioned for, and have been admitted to the Mead Witter School of Music.
  • Students considering applying to the School of Music should contact our undergraduate admissions coordinator, Jared Jellison, at admissions@music.wisc.edu or (608) 263-5986.


INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC ADVISING

Current music majors can schedule an appointment with Todd via Starfish, which can be accessed via your MyUW student portal.  If uncertain how to use Starfish, please see https://advising.wisc.edu/facstaff/starfish/starfish-student-resources/

Appointments can also be made by phone at 608-263-1918.

BE PREPARED FOR YOUR ADVISING APPOINTMENT

Please bring the following to your appointment:

  • Any questions you have about requirements, extracurricular opportunities, study abroad, or whatever is on your mind.
  • A pen and paper for note taking.
  • Any form you may need signed. Be sure you have filled out all pertinent information and have read the form/document thoroughly.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN ACADEMIC ADVISING APPOINTMENT

Academic advisors help students learn and understand their degree and major requirements. Programs in the Mead Witter School of Music are highly sequential, and some required courses are offered only once each year. Many of our undergraduates are interested in earning an additional major and/or certificate; with careful planning each semester, this is possible. Advisors often can explain some of the differences between courses that meet the same degree requirement. For students considering study abroad, it’s a good idea to begin exploring programs early in your degree and work with your advisor to determine the program length (semester/summer/year) that will best fit your needs and interests.

It is recommended that you see an advisor at least once a semester to plan your courses and check progress toward degree completion. Students sometimes need clarification of degree requirements, particularly if they are considering switching to a different major/degree program within the School of Music.

GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION:

Mead Witter School of Music
3561 Mosse Humanities Building
455 North Park Street
Madison, WI 53706-1483
(608) 263-1900
music@music.wisc.edu

School of Education Career Center

Need assistance with preparing for your next step after college?
Want to explore career options linked to Music Education major?
Want help beginning your job search and don't know where to start?
Need assistance with your résumé, cover letter, or interviewing skills?
Want to connect with potential employers?

L&S career resources

Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities.  SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.

In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.

Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.

L&S career resources

Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities.  SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.

In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.

Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.

Faculty: Professors Cook (director), Calderón, Chisholm, Di Sanza, Dominguez, Fischer, Fulmer, Hetzler, Johnson, Karp, Perry, Rowe, Schwendinger, Taylor, Teeple, Thimmig, Vallon, Wallmann; Associate Professors Butler, Farah, Grabois, Nelson, Ronis; Assistant Professors Chana, Cornish, Flowers, Laurenz, Lee, Lewis, Rathgeber, Sans, Walsh, Weinstein-Reimann; Marching Band Director Pompey; Teaching Faculty Brailey, Curry, Gladstone, Gonzalez, Koester, Pompey, Purdue, Rottmayer, Weinholts, Wohn; Faculty Associate Rich; Lecturers Lee, McCullough, Mok, Patenaude, Tran, Waldo; Teaching Specialists Hammes, Ross

The faculty of the Mead Witter School of Music is a distinguished group of educators, performing musicians, and active scholars. The backgrounds of performance faculty include rich experiences as professional musicians, researchers, recording artists, and entrepreneurs. Faculty in music education have particular insight into their field as a result of their backgrounds as school educators, performers, and scholars. In areas such as music theory and musicology, the musical community has high regard for the past and current contributions to the study of musical theory, historical perspectives on music, the role of music in societies around the world, and the unique contributions of American musicians. Teaching is a priority for the faculty, who are readily accessible to students for advice and support. Faculty, staff, and students cooperate in extraordinary ways with joint ventures that reach across disciplines both in research or instruction. 

Office of Student Financial Aid

Prospective music students should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (333 East Campus Mall #9701, Madison, WI 53715-1382; 608-262-3060) to obtain information about grants and loans when returning the application for admission.

School of Music Scholarships

Some funds are available for scholarships awarded by the School of Music to outstanding applicants. It is always advisable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Application materials will serve as support for music scholarship consideration.

Scholarship applicants must audition in person and must take the Theory Placement Examination on the audition day in order to be considered for an award. After the audition and review of materials, the associate director will notify each applicant about the scholarship decision. Accompanying each award notification will be a Letter of Commitment, to be signed and returned to the School of Music. Criteria used for awarding scholarships are:

  1. Quality of the performance audition
  2. High school and/or college academic record
  3. Letters of recommendation

Most Mead Witter School of Music scholarships are awarded for a four-year period. The music faculty reviews every scholarship award each semester and expects that each student on scholarship will maintain satisfactory progress toward completing the music major and degree requirements, continue to make significant contributions in performing organizations or accompanying, and maintain a minimum 3.000 grade point average. Please see the Mead Witter School of Music website for more information regarding music scholarships.

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Music

Accreditation status: Accredited. Next accreditation review: 2022–2023