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The Bachelor of Music: Performance degree offers students the opportunity to focus deeply on music at UW–Madison and pursue a conservatory-style college education. Students have the opportunity to work side-by-side with students in master‘s and doctoral-level programs. 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. Students in this program have professional interests in solo performance, chamber music performance, orchestra or wind ensemble performance, studio teaching (private or in a college or university), church music, conducting, music technology or production, opera or musical theater, or many combinations of these. Some students may consider this program as preparation for graduate study in music, arts administration, and other areas.

The Music faculty have designed the curricula to include extensive coursework (90 credits) in performance study, chamber and larger ensembles, music theory, music history, repertoire, and pedagogy. Each option has been specifically created to meet the unique needs of your instrument.

A Bachelor of Music: Performance program can be demanding and requires care in taking courses in the proper sequence. Students are encouraged to meet with their music advisor regularly to stay on track. Please refer to the Requirements and Four-Year Plan sections for more details.

 

How to Get in

Admission to the Bachelor of Music: Performance 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:

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: Performance are not eligible to declare Music: Education, 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.

Declaring the Bachelor of Music: Performance 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.

Bachelor of Music: Performance Program 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 a course that meets the Performance Study Requirements, until that requirement is 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 Four Credit Performance Study  

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

(4) 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.

(5) Meet GPA Requirements in three areas: 

As part of the evaluation for progression to 400-level performance study, the School of Music requires students to be meeting the following GPA requirements:

 
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 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: Performance curriculum includes core requirements common to all options within the program, as well as specific requirements unique to each option. Requirements common to all 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 All Music Performance Program Options

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

Music History
Survey (complete both):6
MUSIC 211
Survey of the History of Western Music
MUSIC 212
Survey of the History of Western Music
Music History Electives (complete 6 credits):6
MUSIC 405
Seminar: Cultural Study of Music
MUSIC 411
Survey of Music in the Middle Ages
MUSIC 412
Survey of Music in the Renaissance
MUSIC 413
Survey of Music in the Baroque Era
MUSIC 414
Survey of Music in the Classic Era
MUSIC 415
Survey of Music in the Romantic Era
MUSIC 416
Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century
MUSIC 417
Jazz Histories
MUSIC 419
Music in the United States
MUSIC 511
Historical Performance Practices
MUSIC 513
Survey of Opera
Core Music Theory (complete all):12
MUSIC 121
& MUSIC 171
Musica Practica 1
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 1
MUSIC 122
& MUSIC 172
Musica Practica 2
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 2
MUSIC 221
& MUSIC 271
Musica Practica 3
and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 3
Conducting/Pedagogy
MUSIC 252Introduction to Conducting and Pedagogy2
Global Music Cultures (complete 3 credits):3
MUSIC 102
Jazz in 20th-Century America
MUSIC/​FOLKLORE  103
Introduction to Music Cultures of the World
MUSIC 202
Delta Blues
MUSIC 203
American Ethnicities and Popular Song
MUSIC 260
Global Hand Drumming Ensemble: Survey of Selected Global Hand Drumming Traditions
MUSIC 262
Jazz Ensemble
MUSIC 266
Resistance Music Ensemble
MUSIC 268
Ensemble-Percussion
MUSIC/​AFROAMER/​DANCE  318
Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas
MUSIC 319
Topics in Music and Ethnicity in the United States
MUSIC 331
Jazz Improvisation
MUSIC 332
Jazz Improvisation
MUSIC 405
Seminar: Cultural Study of Music
Total Credits29

Electives for All Music Performance Program Options

The following courses have been approved as electives for all options within the Bachelor of Music: Performance program. The minimum number of Elective credits varies between options, but all options accept the list of courses below toward the minimum credits of Electives required within the option.

MUSIC and MUS PERF Electives
MUSIC 40Wind Ensemble1
MUSIC 41Concert Band1
MUSIC 42Varsity Band1
MUSIC 50Concert Choir1
MUSIC 52Treble Choir1
MUSIC 56Chorale1
MUSIC 58Madrigal Singers1
MUSIC 62University Symphony Orchestra1
MUSIC 102Jazz in 20th-Century America3
MUSIC/​FOLKLORE  103Introduction to Music Cultures of the World3
MUSIC 107Music & Film3
MUSIC 2012
MUSIC 202Delta Blues3
MUSIC 211Survey of the History of Western Music3
MUSIC 212Survey of the History of Western Music3
MUSIC 222Musica Practica 43
MUSIC 229Jazz Theory & Composition3
MUSIC 253Conducting2
MUSIC 254Conducting2
MUSIC 256University Opera1-2
MUSIC 257Opera Workshop2
MUSIC 260Global Hand Drumming Ensemble: Survey of Selected Global Hand Drumming Traditions1
MUSIC 262Jazz Ensemble1
MUSIC 265Ensemble-Woodwind1
MUSIC 266Resistance Music Ensemble1
MUSIC 267Ensemble-Brass1
MUSIC 268Ensemble-Percussion1
MUSIC 269Ensemble-String1
MUSIC 270Ensemble-Guitar1
MUSIC 272Musica Practica: Aural Skills 41
MUSIC/​CURRIC  300Principles of Music Education2
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 340Pedagogy1-2
MUSIC 3441
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 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 573Contemporary Chamber Ensemble1
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
MUS PERF 21Brass Fundamentals1
MUS PERF 22Strings Fundamentals1
MUS PERF 23Woodwind Fundamentals1
MUS PERF 27Fundamentals-Percussion1
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 146Music Lessons for Non-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 248Second Year Composition3
MUS PERF 251Keyboard Skills2
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

Named Options

Students must select one of the following named options:

Degree Progress

Upon admission as a Music major, all students begin applied study at the 200-level on the major instrument or voice. In the second or third year each student's progress is assessed by the faculty of the relevant performance area. If that assessment indicates that the student is ready, the faculty recommends the student for advanced-level (400-level) study. With a recommendation from the faculty at the end of the second year, and provided the student meets all GPA requirements and completes the first- and second-year courses in music theory and music history, the student may formally declare for the Bachelor of Music: Performance degree.

The minimum GPA requirements that must be met before declaring are as follows:

  • Minimum 2.500 GPA in Musica Practica and in music history courses
  • Minimum 3.000 GPA in all MUSIC courses
  • Minimum 2.750 University GPA (all UW-Madison coursework)

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 MUSIC PERF, taken on the UW–Madison campus

Upper-Level Courses

The following courses are approved for upper-level credit in all options of the Bachelor of Music: Performance 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

Honors in the Major

To earn Honors in any music major, students must satisfy the requirements below as well as all other requirements for their music degree and major:

  • 6 credits of MUSIC 681 Senior Honors Thesis–MUSIC 682 Senior Honors Thesis
  • 12 credits of honors coursework in music: 6 of the 12 credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above and only 6 credits can be taken in any one of the three music areas of theory, history, and performance.

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 and maintain a minimum 3.500 GPA in all music honors coursework.
  • Engage a faculty member who will collaborate in planning the 12 credits of honors curriculum coursework; submit this plan to the undergraduate advisor. The course plan may change as students progress through their work.
  • Prior to beginning work on the MUSIC 681–MUSIC 682 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.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop advanced levels of proficiency in solo, chamber and ensemble performance sufficient to enter music professions or graduate programs.
  2. Understand, synthesize and apply foundational concepts of musical study in theory, history and pedagogy.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to learn independently and to integrate knowledge across domains of research and applied studies.
  4. Communicate verbally, in writing and through public performance, musical ideas and concepts.
  5. Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively and professionally in multiple settings.

Four-Year Plan

Four-Year Plan

Each of the options in the Music: Performance, BM 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.

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.