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The Bachelor of Music: Education (BM) offers students the opportunity to become licensed music teachers in the State of Wisconsin. The degree is also a good comprehensive performance and music teaching degree that can be excellent preparation for teaching outside of the classroom, for graduate school, or for a career teaching at the college level.

This program offers two options: a specialty in Instrumental Music and a specialty in Choral Music. Regardless of chosen specialty, the BM degree requirements prepare students to teach in all areas of Music (K–12) instruction, including General Music. Upon completion of both the Bachelor of Music: Education and additional statutory and certification requirements, students may choose to apply for a Wisconsin teaching license in Music (K-12). Music Education is a program offered jointly by the School of Music and the School of Education. The Bachelor of Music: Education degree is conferred by the College of Letters & Science; teacher certification is earned through the School of Education.

The Bachelor of Music: Education curricula accomplish several important goals:

  • Enable broad teaching certification for music instruction in Wisconsin’s elementary and secondary schools, grades K through 12. Students may specialize in vocal or instrumental music, but all students successfully completing the program and additional certification requirements will qualify for certification in Music (K-12) in accordance with Wisconsin’s PI 34 requirements as outlined by the Department of Public Instruction.
  • Explore popular culture in music education. Graduates will be prepared to teach multiple forms of musical literacy, not just the traditional band, orchestra, and choral curriculum.
  • Expand the number of musical styles studied in the curriculum. Students also participate in performance ensembles that reflect the diverse array of musical activities in today’s schools.
  • Offer an introductory music education class to sophomores prior to admission into the program.
  • Provide instruction and experiences so that graduates can teach in culturally responsive ways.
  • Increase performance collaboration between students in the instrumental and vocal options.
  • Create an interdisciplinary program by including a core set of courses for all Bachelor of Music: Education students.
  • Enable potential completion of the undergraduate degree in four years, including the final semester of student teaching.

Although these programs are designed with the goal of preparing teachers to work in K–12 schools, the programs also provide a good preparation for individuals seeking careers in continuing education or music education-related fields outside of the traditional K-12 teaching environment.

 

How to Get in

Admission to the Bachelor of Music: Education Program

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:

  • Prospective (new or transfer) and re-entry students should apply to UW-Madison through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

  • All students must also complete an application and pass an audition. See the Mead Witter School of Music website for more information. Questions about the Music application and audition process should be directed to the Music Undergraduate Audition and Admissions Coordinator.

    Note: Students declared in the Bachelor of Music: Education program are not eligible to declare Music: Performance, or the Music major. Students who are interested in pursuing a second major or certificate outside of music should meet with the Undergraduate Music Advisor to discuss their interests and ways of meeting their educational goals.

Declare the Music Education Program

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 Education Continuation Requirements

Students must meet all of the requirements below to continue in the program. Students not meeting any one of these requirements may 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 courses that meet the Performance Study Requirements, until those requirements are completed. 

  • Enroll in MUSIC 121 & 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:  

As part of the Music Education application process, the School of Music requires students to be meeting the following GPA requirements:

(5) Music Education Teacher Education Program (METEP) Application, Audition, and Background Check  

While enrolled in MUSIC/​CURRIC  300 , students declared in Music Education will be required to:

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 Breadth and Degree Requirements:  Bachelor of Music (BM)

The Mead Witter School of Music (MWSoM) is a professional school within the College of Letters & Science (L&S). The College confers the Bachelor of Music (BM) degree for two distinct programs within the MWSoM: BM-Performance and BM-Education. The BM is a special degree program; it is not a major. The BM degree is not available to students who intend to earn a degree outside the College of Letters & Science.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Music 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).

Bachelor of Music - 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 Complete the second unit of one language other than English (some Named Options require additional or specific languages).
Breadth in the Degree: Humanities Complete 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation.
Breadth in the Degree: Social Sciences Complete 3 credits with the Social Science designation.
Breadth in the Degree: Natural Sciences Complete 4 to 6 credits with the Natural Science, Biological Science, or Physical Science designation, consisting of:
  • one 4- or 5-credit course with a laboratory component; or
  • two courses providing a total of 6 credits.
Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level
Major Gain admission to and complete one option within the degree program.
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

Requirements for the Program

The Bachelor of Music: Education program includes core requirements common to both options within the program, as well as specific requirements unique to each option. Requirements common to both options are detailed below. Refer to the Named Options section below for links to the specific requirements of a particular option within the program.

Requirements for Both Music Education Program Options

All students in the Bachelor of Music: Education program must complete the following requirements:

Music
Music Theory/Aural Skills (complete all):16
Musica Practica 1
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 1
Musica Practica 2
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 2
Musica Practica 3
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 3
Musica Practica 4
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 4
Music History (complete both):6
Survey of the History of Western Music
Survey of the History of Western Music
Cultural Breadth Ensemble (complete 2 courses from the following):2
Global Hand Drumming Ensemble: Survey of Selected Global Hand Drumming Traditions
Jazz Ensemble
Resistance Music Ensemble
Keyboard Skills (complete 4 credits):4
All students must pass MUS PERF 104 keyboard proficiency. Extra credits earned in reaching proficiency will count as music electives.
Elementary Class Piano
Intermediate Class Piano
Jazz (complete 2 credits):2
Jazz Class Piano
Jazz Improvisation
Global Music Cultures (complete 3 credits):3
Jazz in 20th-Century America
Introduction to Music Cultures of the World
Delta Blues
American Ethnicities and Popular Song
Global Hand Drumming Ensemble: Survey of Selected Global Hand Drumming Traditions
Jazz Ensemble
Resistance Music Ensemble
Ensemble-Percussion
Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas
Topics in Music and Ethnicity in the United States
Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Improvisation
Seminar: Cultural Study of Music
Conducting (complete both):4
Conducting
Conducting
Music Education
Composition, Arrangement, & Orchestration for the Music Teacher2
Composition, Arrangement, and Orchestration for the Music Teacher
Teaching Popular Music (complete both):2
Teaching Popular Instrumental Music 1
Teaching Popular Instrumental Music 2
Music Education Professional Sequence (complete all):8
Principles of Music Education
Music Learning and Teaching 1
and Practicum in Teaching Music
Music Learning and Teaching 2
and Practicum in Teaching Music
Education
Human Development (complete one):3
Human Development in Infancy and Childhood
Human Development in Adolescence
Learning3
How People Learn
Foundations of the Profession (complete one):3
School and Society
History of American Education
Special Education3
Strategies for Inclusive Schooling
Literacy3
Integrating the Teaching of Reading with Other Language Arts
Total Credits64

Electives for the degree to reach 120 credits    

In addition to the requirements for the program, students need to earn additional free elective credit to total 120 credits to graduate.

Further Details on Certification Requirements

In addition to completing the requirements for the BM: Music Education program, students must also complete the statutory and certification requirements established by PI 34’s Administrative Code and enacted by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Completing the requirements for the BM: Music Education degree alone is not sufficient to obtain a music education license in the state of Wisconsin. For more information see Certification/Licensure page.

Named Options

Choosing a Music Education Option

The music education major consists of two main options, both leading to certification at both the elementary and secondary levels. Students choose to complete the certification option in either General and Instrumental Music or General and Choral Music. The Bachelor of Music: Education degree requires a minimum of 120 credits. The Undergraduate Advisor, supported by the music education faculty, can advise you on which option is most suited to your goals. Information on how to apply to the Music Education program can be found under the "How to Get In" tab.

Residence & Quality of Work

  • Minimum 2.000 GPA in all MUSIC, MUS PERF, and program courses
  • Minimum 2.000 GPA on at least 15 credits of upper-level work in the program, in residence
  • 15 credits in MUSIC and/or MUS PERF, taken on the UW–Madison campus

Upper-Level Courses

The following courses are approved for upper-level credit in both options of the Bachelor of Music: Education program:

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 3441
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 419Music in the United States3
MUSIC/​CURRIC  420Teaching Popular Instrumental Music 11
MUSIC/​CURRIC  421Teaching Popular Instrumental Music 21
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 3111-2
MUS PERF 3331-2
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 402Advanced Harpsichord2-4
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 4583
MUS PERF 499Senior Recital2

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in foundational concepts of Pre-K-12 music education: planning, delivering, and assessing music learning experiences to a diverse population of learners.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge in music learning and teaching to bring novel, musical perspectives and solutions to challenging social, musical, and technological challenges in Pre-K-12 music settings.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to think critically, musically, and creatively as a music educator to synthesize, analyze, and integrate ideas for decision-making and problem-solving in the best interest of a diverse student population.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with multiple and diverse constituencies (students, parents, colleagues, community) to share knowledge, values, and beliefs regarding music learning and teaching.
  5. Develop and demonstrate the professionalism required as a music educator in the field of music education: acting ethically, allowing space for diverse views, recognizing and reducing bias in one’s own thinking, and contributing to the profession as a whole.

Four-Year Plan

Each of the options in the Music: Education, BM has its own four-year plan. Click each option to see its four year plan.

 

Advising and Careers

Advising Resources

All current UWMadison 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.

Certification/Licensure

Additional Certification Requirements and Applying for a License

In addition to completing UW–Madison's program requirements, students must also complete Wisconsin statutory requirements and certification requirements established by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). For additional certification requirements and information about applying for a license, see Teacher Education Center.

Some specific expectations for teaching licensure must be met while taking coursework. 

  • Multicultural Education and Human Relations: 52 hours of field experience are satisfied for music education students who successfully complete the required two semesters of CURRIC/​MUSIC  337 Practicum in Teaching Music.
  • Conflict Resolution Workshop: this non-credit bearing requirement is taught/fulfilled in CURRIC/​MUSIC  300 Principles of Music Education.
  • American Indian Studies and Education (Wis. Act 31): There are a variety of ways to earn certification. Consult with the MWSOM undergraduate advisor.
  • Teacher Performance Assessment conducted by METEP faculty during student teaching semester.

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires higher GPAs for licensure. Students who meet the GPA requirements for the BM: Music Education and not the GPA requirements for licensure will need to work with the Undergraduate Music Advisor, the Music Education Faculty, and the Teacher Education Center to complete alternative work. Requirements for licensure are as follows:

  • 3.000 cumulative GPA in all MUSIC and MUSIC PERFORMANCE coursework
  • 2.750 cumulative GPA in all UW-Madison coursework

Professional Certification/Licensure Disclosure (NC-SARA)

The United States Department of Education (via 34 CFR Part 668) requires institutions that provide distance education to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure. The expectation is that institutions will determine whether each applicable academic program meets state professional licensure requirements and provide a general disclosure of such on an official university website.

Professional licensure requirements vary from state-to-state and can change year-to-year; they are established in a variety of state statutes, regulations, rules, and policies; and they center on a range of educational requirements, including degree type, specialized accreditation, total credits, specific courses, and examinations.  

UW-Madison has taken reasonable efforts to determine whether this program satisfies the educational requirements for certification/licensure in states where prospective and enrolled students are located and is disclosing that information as follows.

Disclaimer: This information is based on the most recent annual review of state agency certification/licensure data and is subject to change. All students are strongly encouraged to consult with the individual/office listed in the Contact Information box on this page and with the applicable state agency for specific information.

The requirements of this program meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:

Wisconsin

The requirements of this program do not meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:

Not applicable

For more information about teacher licensure in Wisconsin and other states please see the Teacher Education Center’s website.

Updated: 1 June 2025

 

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.