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The Mead Witter School of Music offers the Music major for students earning a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and want to study music in addition to another major. This program has the fewest credit requirements of all the Music programs. Students who have completed this major have gone on to pursue careers in music as well as taking advantage of the skills music taught them to pursue an array of other career paths.

This major offers several options for students including Performance, Composition, or an Individualized Music Curriculum. Students focusing on Jazz Studies can also pursue the Performance option.

Facilities

Mead Witter School of Music - Facilities

Concerts & Events

We offer concerts and events throughout the year that are open to everyone. 

How to Get in

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:

On This Page

University Requirements

All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later. 

Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.

Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements

Civics & Perspectives 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework.
Communication & Literacy 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement
Humanities & Arts 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework.
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement
Natural Science & Wellness Complete both:
  • 6 credits of Natural Science & Wellness or Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
  • one course must be in Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
Social & Behavioral Science 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework.
Total Credits 30 credits.

For more information see the policy.

University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements

All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.

Total Degree 120 degree credits.
Residency Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
  • is offered by UW-Madison and completed on the UW-Madison campus or at an approved off-site location, or
  • is offered by UW-Madison in an online or distance format, or is completed during participation in a UW-Madison study abroad/study away program.
Quality of Work Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program.
Math Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by:
English Language If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
  • earning credit for ESL 118 at UW-Madison, or
  • achieving a qualifying MSN-ESLAT placement test score.
Language Complete one:
  • 2 high school units of a single language other than English, or
  • one course with the second semester Language designation.
Major Declaration Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major.

College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details). 

This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

Communication Complete both:
  • Part A: one course with the Communication A designation or eligible UW Placement Score; and
  • Part B: one course with the Communication B designation
Quantitative Reasoning Complete both:
  • Part A: one course with the Quantitative Reasoning A designation or eligible UW Placement Score; and
  • Part B: one course with the Quantitative Reasoning B designation
Ethnic Studies one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation
Language the third unit of a language other than English
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.
L&S Breadth: Humanities Complete 12 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation, which must include at least 6 credits with the Literature designation.
L&S Breadth: Social Sciences Complete 12 credits with the Social Science designation.
L&S Breadth: Natural Sciences Complete 12 credits, which must include both:
  • 6 credits with the Biological Science designation, and
  • 6 credits with the Physical Science designation.
Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Coursework at least 108 credits
Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level
Major Declare and complete at least one major.
Total Credits at least 120 credits
UW-Madison Experience
  • 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 must complete the Core Requirements for the Music major (at least 14 credits) and the requirements of one Named Option (at least 30 credits) for at least 44 total credits.

Requirements for All Music Major Named Options

Music Theory and Music History

Students in all named options must complete the core requirements of the Music major.

Core Requirements
Complete six courses from:
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 211Survey of the History of Western Music3
MUSIC 212Survey of the History of Western Music3
Total Credits14

Named Options

 

Residence & Quality of Work

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

Music

MUSIC 40Wind Ensemble1
MUSIC 41Concert Band1
MUSIC 50Concert Choir1
MUSIC 52Treble Choir1
MUSIC 53Choral Union1
MUSIC 55Masters' Singers1
MUSIC 56Chorale1
MUSIC 58Madrigal Singers1
MUSIC 62University Symphony Orchestra1
MUSIC 211Survey of the History of Western Music3
MUSIC 212Survey of the History of Western Music3
MUSIC 221Musica Practica 33
MUSIC 222Musica Practica 43
MUSIC 229Jazz Theory & Composition3
MUSIC 252Introduction to Conducting and Pedagogy2
MUSIC 253Conducting2
MUSIC 254Conducting2
MUSIC 256University Opera1-2
MUSIC 257Opera Workshop2
MUSIC 262Jazz Ensemble1
MUSIC 265Ensemble-Woodwind1
MUSIC 266Resistance Music Ensemble1
MUSIC 267Ensemble-Brass1
MUSIC 268Ensemble-Percussion1
MUSIC 269Ensemble-String1
MUSIC 270Ensemble-Guitar1
MUSIC 271Musica Practica: Aural Skills 31
MUSIC 272Musica Practica: Aural Skills 41
MUSIC/​CURRIC  301Music Learning and Teaching 12
MUSIC/​CURRIC  304Composition, Arrangement, and Orchestration for the Music Teacher2
MUSIC 317Musical Women in Europe and America: Creativity, Performance, and Identity3
MUSIC/​AFROAMER/​DANCE  318Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas3
MUSIC 319Topics in Music and Ethnicity in the United States3
MUSIC 331Jazz Improvisation3
MUSIC 332Jazz Improvisation3
MUSIC/​CURRIC  337Practicum in Teaching Music1
MUSIC 340Pedagogy1-2
MUSIC 346Repertoire1-2
MUSIC 405Seminar: Cultural Study of Music3
MUSIC/​CURRIC  409Student Teaching in General and Vocal Music6-12
MUSIC/​CURRIC  410Student Teaching in General and Instrumental Music6-12
MUSIC 411Survey of Music in the Middle Ages3
MUSIC 412Survey of Music in the Renaissance3
MUSIC 413Survey of Music in the Baroque Era3
MUSIC 414Survey of Music in the Classic Era3
MUSIC 415Survey of Music in the Romantic Era3
MUSIC 416Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century3
MUSIC 417Jazz Histories3
MUSIC 418Music and the City3
MUSIC 419Music in the United States3
MUSIC/​CURRIC  420Teaching Popular Instrumental Music 11
MUSIC/​CURRIC  421Teaching Popular Instrumental Music 21
MUSIC 422Fundamentals of Music Production3
MUSIC 423Contemporary Issues in Popular Music Studies3
MUSIC 461Collegium Musicum1
MUSIC 463Acting for Singers1
MUSIC 465Marching Band Techniques1
MUSIC 466Diction for Singers2
MUSIC 467Language Diction for Singing I2
MUSIC 468Language Diction for Singing II2
MUSIC 497Special Topics in Music1-3
MUSIC 499Directed Study1-3
MUSIC 502Figured Bass and Basso Continuo3
MUSIC 511Historical Performance Practices3
MUSIC 513Survey of Opera3
MUSIC/​FOLKLORE  515Proseminar in Ethnomusicology3
MUSIC 523Orchestration I3
MUSIC 540Advanced Pedagogy2
MUSIC 541Seminar in Choral Literature2
MUSIC 546String Literature2
MUSIC 621Renaissance Polyphony3
MUSIC 622Baroque Counterpoint3
MUSIC 623Form and Analysis2-3
MUSIC 624Form and Analysis II2-3
MUSIC 629Jazz Theory and Analysis3
MUSIC 681Senior Honors Thesis3
MUSIC 682Senior Honors Thesis3

Music Performance

MUS PERF 339Advanced Techniques: Harp1-2
MUS PERF 342Piano Accompanying Lab1
MUS PERF 347Third Year Composition3
MUS PERF 348Third Year Composition3
MUS PERF 401Advanced Piano2-4
MUS PERF 405Advanced Voice2-4
MUS PERF 407Advanced Flute2-4
MUS PERF 409Advanced Oboe2-4
MUS PERF 411Advanced Clarinet2-4
MUS PERF 413Advanced Saxophone2-4
MUS PERF 415Advanced Bassoon2-4
MUS PERF 417Advanced Horn2-4
MUS PERF 419Advanced Trumpet2-4
MUS PERF 421Advanced Trombone2-4
MUS PERF 423Advanced Euphonium2-4
MUS PERF 425Advanced Tuba2-4
MUS PERF 427Advanced Percussion2-4
MUS PERF 431Advanced Violin2-4
MUS PERF 433Advanced Viola2-4
MUS PERF 435Advanced Cello2-4
MUS PERF 437Advanced Double Bass2-4
MUS PERF 439Advanced Harp2-4
MUS PERF 440Advanced Guitar2-4
MUS PERF 441Advanced Jazz Studio Instruction2-4
MUS PERF 447Fourth Year Composition3
MUS PERF 448Fourth Year Composition3
MUS PERF 457Jazz Composition and Arranging3
MUS PERF 499Senior 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.
  • Students may also complete Honors in the Major for the Music: Performance and Music: Composition options by completing the requirements for the option in addition to the requirements for Honors in the Major.

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 681–MUSIC 682 for a total of 6 credits
  • 12 credits of Honors coursework in music: 6 of the 12 credits must be numbered 300 or above and only 6 credits can be taken in any one of the three music areas of theory, history, and instrument performance study/composition study.
MUSIC 40Wind Ensemble1
MUSIC 41Concert Band1
MUSIC 50Concert Choir1
MUSIC 52Treble Choir1
MUSIC 56Chorale1
MUSIC 58Madrigal Singers1
MUSIC 62University Symphony Orchestra1
MUSIC 102Jazz in 20th-Century America3
MUSIC 107Music & Film3
MUSIC 221Musica Practica 33
MUSIC 222Musica Practica 43
MUSIC 229Jazz Theory & Composition3
MUSIC 252Introduction to Conducting and Pedagogy2
MUSIC 253Conducting2
MUSIC 254Conducting2
MUSIC 256University Opera1-2
MUSIC 257Opera Workshop2
MUSIC 262Jazz Ensemble1
MUSIC 265Ensemble-Woodwind1
MUSIC 266Resistance Music Ensemble1
MUSIC 267Ensemble-Brass1
MUSIC 268Ensemble-Percussion1
MUSIC 269Ensemble-String1
MUSIC 270Ensemble-Guitar1
MUSIC 271Musica Practica: Aural Skills 31
MUSIC 272Musica Practica: Aural Skills 41
MUSIC/​AFROAMER/​DANCE  318Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas3
MUSIC 319Topics in Music and Ethnicity in the United States3
MUSIC 331Jazz Improvisation3
MUSIC 332Jazz Improvisation3
MUSIC 340Pedagogy1-2
MUSIC 346Repertoire1-2
MUSIC 405Seminar: Cultural Study of Music3
MUSIC 411Survey of Music in the Middle Ages3
MUSIC 412Survey of Music in the Renaissance3
MUSIC 413Survey of Music in the Baroque Era3
MUSIC 414Survey of Music in the Classic Era3
MUSIC 415Survey of Music in the Romantic Era3
MUSIC 416Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century3
MUSIC 417Jazz Histories3
MUSIC 418Music and the City3
MUSIC 419Music in the United States3
MUSIC 422Fundamentals of Music Production3
MUSIC 423Contemporary Issues in Popular Music Studies3
MUSIC 461Collegium Musicum1
MUSIC 466Diction for Singers2
MUSIC 467Language Diction for Singing I2
MUSIC 468Language Diction for Singing II2
MUSIC 497Special Topics in Music1-3
MUSIC 499Directed Study1-3
MUSIC 502Figured Bass and Basso Continuo3
MUSIC 511Historical Performance Practices3
MUSIC 513Survey of Opera3
MUSIC 523Orchestration I3
MUS PERF 101Beginning Class Piano2
MUS PERF 102Beginning Class Piano2
MUS PERF 103Elementary Class Piano2
MUS PERF 104Intermediate Class Piano2
MUS PERF 108Jazz Class Piano2
MUS PERF 143Introduction to Performance: Voice1
MUS PERF 144Vocal Instruction for Non-Voice Majors1-2
MUS PERF 148First Year Composition3
MUS PERF 200Elementary/Intermediate Piano for Non-Piano Majors2
MUS PERF 201Elementary/Intermediate Piano2-4
MUS PERF 205Elementary/Intermediate Voice2-4
MUS PERF 207Elementary/Intermediate Flute2-4
MUS PERF 209Elementary/Intermediate Oboe2-4
MUS PERF 211Elementary/Intermediate Clarinet2-4
MUS PERF 213Elementary/Intermediate Saxophone2-4
MUS PERF 215Elementary/Intermediate Bassoon2-4
MUS PERF 217Elementary/Intermediate Horn2-4
MUS PERF 219Elementary/Intermediate Trumpet2-4
MUS PERF 221Elementary/Intermediate Trombone2-4
MUS PERF 223Elementary/Intermediate Euphonium2-4
MUS PERF 225Elementary/Intermediate Tuba2-4
MUS PERF 227Elementary/Intermediate Percussion2-4
MUS PERF 231Elementary/Intermediate Violin2-4
MUS PERF 233Elementary/Intermediate Viola2-4
MUS PERF 235Elementary/Intermediate Cello2-4
MUS PERF 237Elementary/Intermediate Double Bass2-4
MUS PERF 239Elementary/Intermediate Harp2-4
MUS PERF 240Elementary/Intermediate Guitar2-4
MUS PERF 241Elementary/Intermediate Jazz Studio Instruction2-4
MUS PERF 242Accompanying2
MUS PERF 247Second Year Composition3
MUS PERF 248Second Year Composition3
MUS PERF 251Keyboard Skills2
MUS PERF 339Advanced Techniques: Harp1-2
MUS PERF 342Piano Accompanying Lab1
MUS PERF 347Third Year Composition3
MUS PERF 348Third Year Composition3
MUS PERF 401Advanced Piano2-4
MUS PERF 405Advanced Voice2-4
MUS PERF 407Advanced Flute2-4
MUS PERF 409Advanced Oboe2-4
MUS PERF 411Advanced Clarinet2-4
MUS PERF 413Advanced Saxophone2-4
MUS PERF 415Advanced Bassoon2-4
MUS PERF 417Advanced Horn2-4
MUS PERF 419Advanced Trumpet2-4
MUS PERF 421Advanced Trombone2-4
MUS PERF 423Advanced Euphonium2-4
MUS PERF 425Advanced Tuba2-4
MUS PERF 427Advanced Percussion2-4
MUS PERF 431Advanced Violin2-4
MUS PERF 433Advanced Viola2-4
MUS PERF 435Advanced Cello2-4
MUS PERF 437Advanced Double Bass2-4
MUS PERF 439Advanced Harp2-4
MUS PERF 440Advanced Guitar2-4
MUS PERF 441Advanced Jazz Studio Instruction2-4
MUS PERF 447Fourth Year Composition3
MUS PERF 448Fourth Year Composition3
MUS PERF 457Jazz Composition and Arranging3
2

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

3

 Students who complete MUSIC 122, MUSIC 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.

Learning Outcomes

  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.

Each of the options in the Music major has its own four-year plan. Click each option to see its four-year plan.

Advising and Careers

Advising Resources

All current UW–Madison undergraduate students majoring or interested in majoring in Music are welcome to schedule an advising appointment with the music advisor. Advising appointments can be scheduled using Starfish.

Questions from current and prospective Music students, or students interested in music classes or ensembles may also be email to the School of Music Undergraduate Advisor at  ugradadvisor@music.wisc.edu

The Mead Witter School of Music recommends that Music students meet with their music advisor regularly to discuss their academic plans. School of Music Programs can be highly sequential and include required courses that are offered only one a year or once every other year. Students considering studying abroad are also recommended to meet with their music advisor early to determine the best way of fitting their experience abroad into their graduation plans. 

Are you a prospective Music student?

The Mead Witter School of Music offers the opportunity to audition several times a year. Check out the School of Music website for more information about audition information. Prospective music majors are welcome to reach out to the Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator with an questions at: admissions@music.wisc.edu

Career Resources

A Music major or degree can offer students many opportunities for careers in music industry and music education, as well as provide valuable skills that can be applied to any career path. 

The Mills Music Library has resources to help musicians with their career search.

There are many campus resources to help students explore, plan for, and start their careers. Students who are undecided about their major plans and career can visit the Career Exploration Center. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science offers Music students a wealth of resources to explore career options, build experience, prepare for the job market, and to find a job, internship, or graduate school opportunities. Music majors should be sure to explore the Communications, Media, & the Arts career cluster including signing up for their newsletter.

Music Education Career Resources

Music Education majors are also encouraged to work with the Mary T. Kellner Teacher Education Center for their licensure process and with the Career Center at the School of Education to assist with their job search.

Study Abroad

Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu

As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.

SuccessWorks

SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.

Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.

Resources and Scholarships

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Music Students

The Mead Witter School of Music is able to offer some scholarships to its applicants based on the quality of the audition performance and the School of Music application. Continuing students are also considered for scholarship based on their progress in the School of Music. Please see the School of Music website for more information regarding music scholarships.

Students are also encouraged to fill out the FAFSA and consult the Office of Student Financial Aid to regarding other available grants and loans.

Hire a Musician

The School of Music maintains a blog for posting part-time job opportunities, gigs in the area, and other professional development opportunities at musicgigs.music.wisc.edu.

Musician Health

For more information on student resources and information on the prevention and treatment of music-related injuries, please check out our musician health page: music.wisc.edu/musician-health.

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