Brass students performing in a Mead Witter School of Music Wind Ensemble Concert

All Graduate School students must utilize the Graduate Student Portal in MyUW to add, change, or discontinue any doctoral minor. To apply to this minor, log in to MyUW, click on Graduate Student Portal, and then click on Add/Change Programs. Select the information for the doctoral minor for which you are applying. 

Breadth is a required component of doctoral work at UW–Madison. Coursework taken as part of a minor area of study do not count for requirements in the major program.

Doctoral students who are not music majors, but are seeking to pursue a minor in a music field, are encouraged to contact the Mead Witter School of Music graduate office for further information. The defined programs below are excellent models of minor plans for students from non-music programs.

Course credits taken in a minor plan of study will not satisfy requirements in the major. This is important to consider in planning a minor plan of study, especially for DMA students. 

Below are outlines for the minor programs approved for students in Ph.D.–music and DMA programs. Note that most of the plans restrict eligibility for students based upon major specialty. Exceptions to the stated requirements are extremely rare. 

Curricular Paths in the Music Doctoral Minor

Brass Instrument Performance Curricular Path1

This minor plan is not available to students completing a track in horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, or tuba performance.

Minor Performance Instrument
Enroll in course corresponding to minor performance instrument:
First semester4
Advanced Horn
Advanced Trumpet
Advanced Trombone
Advanced Euphonium
Advanced Tuba
Second semester2
Advanced Horn
Advanced Trumpet
Advanced Trombone
Advanced Euphonium
Advanced Tuba
Senior Recital
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2
Additional Coursework
MUSIC 798 Seminar-Instrumental Literature 22
or MUSIC 799 Independent Work
Any 2 credits from the following:2
Jazz Ensemble
Advanced Ensemble-Woodwind
Advanced Ensemble-Brass
University Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra
Contemporary Chamber Ensemble
Wind Ensemble
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

MUSIC 799 Independent Work is eligible to satisfy this requirement ONLY with prior approval by the minor professor.

Choral Conducting Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to DMA students completing a track in conducting.

MUSIC 553 Advanced Conducting Seminar (taken twice)4
MUSIC 541 Seminar in Choral Literature (taken twice)4
MUSIC 578 Concert Choir (taken twice)2
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

For the recital the student must be the conductor of the choral ensemble or organization in the performance.

Collaborative Piano Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to students completing a track in organ performance, piano performance, or piano pedagogy and performance.

MUS PERF 542 Advanced Accompanying2
MUS PERF 542 Advanced Accompanying2
MUSIC 346 Repertoire 22
or MUSIC 792 Seminar in Vocal Literature
MUSIC 796 Seminar in Duo Sonata Literature3
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital (as accompanist)2
AND
2 credits from the following:2
Diction for Singers
Survey of Opera
Opera Workshop
Advanced Ensemble-String
Contemporary Chamber Ensemble
Total Credits13
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

MUSIC 346 Repertoire topic must be Vocal Literature.

Composition Curricular Path1

MUSIC 523 Orchestration I or its equivalent is a prerequisite for acceptance to this minor plan of study.

Two minor plans are possible. Consult with the minor professor. 2
Minor Plan I
Composition applied study
MUS PERF 447
MUS PERF 448
Fourth Year Composition
and Fourth Year Composition
6
MUSIC 927 Seminar in Composition3
MUSIC 927 Seminar in Composition 33
Minor Plan I Total Credits12
Minor Plan II
Composition applied study
MUS PERF 447 Fourth Year Composition3
MUS PERF 448 Fourth Year Composition3
MUS PERF 447 Fourth Year Composition 43
or MUS PERF 448 Fourth Year Composition
MUSIC 927 Seminar in Composition3
Minor Plan II Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

In both minor plans, MUSIC 799 Independent Work is available as an option for credit. However The Graduate School allows only 32 credits of Independent Work to count toward minor credits.

3

MUSIC 927 Seminar in Composition may be taken twice (with different topics) or, with approval of the minor professor, MUSIC 799 Independent Work (3 credits) may substitute for one of the courses.

4

If necessary, MUSIC 799 Independent Work (3 credits) may substitute for one of the semesters of applied composition study. 

Early Music Curricular Path1

MUSIC 461 Collegium Musicum (two semesters) 22
Advanced Performance Practice Study4
May be satisfied with any MUS PERF course 401-440 and may include up to 2 credits MUSIC 799
Remaining credits from the following courses:6
Survey of Music in the Renaissance
Survey of Music in the Baroque Era
Collegium Musicum
Historical Performance Practices
Renaissance Polyphony
Baroque Counterpoint
Historical Music Theories 1
Historical Music Theories 2
Seminar in Musicology (Topic relevant to historically informed performance)
Topics in Music Analysis 1 (Topic relevant to historically informed performance)
Topics in Music Analysis 2
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

 Students must take MUSIC 461 twice, and may take it up to 3 times.

Guitar Performance Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to students completing a track in violin, viola, violoncello, string bass, or harp performance.

MUS PERF 440 Advanced Guitar (2 semesters, 3 credits each semester)3
MUS PERF 440 Advanced Guitar3
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2
MUSIC 572
572
Advanced Ensemble-Classical Guitar
and Advanced Ensemble-Classical Guitar (2 semesters)
2
AND any combination of 2 of the following courses:2
Jazz Ensemble
Advanced Ensemble-String
Contemporary Chamber Ensemble
Independent Work (prior approval of minor professor required)
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

Harpsichord Performance Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to students completing a track in piano performance, piano performance and pedagogy, or collaborative piano. Students accepted into this minor plan must have sufficient prior study of harpsichord. An audition is required.

MUS PERF 402 Advanced Harpsichord4
MUS PERF 402 Advanced Harpsichord2
MUSIC 461
461
Collegium Musicum
and Collegium Musicum 2
2
MUSIC 511 Historical Performance Practices 33
or MUSIC 502 Figured Bass and Basso Continuo
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2
Total Credits13
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

 Two semesters are required.

3

 MUSIC 799 Independent Work may substitute for MUSIC 502 Figured Bass and Basso Continuo, with approval of minor professor.

Historical Musicology Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to students completing an Ethnomusicology track. Students with a minor in historical musicology write a minor field preliminary examination.  Course credits in a minor DO NOT count for requirements in the major. A DMA student or Ph.D.–music: music theory student must still meet the major requirements for courses in musicology.

Three of the following courses (3 credits each) 29
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
Plus one of the following courses:3
Historical Music Theories 1
Historical Music Theories 2
Seminar in Musicology
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

MUSIC 799 Independent Work and MUSIC 497 Special Topics in Music are eligible to satisfy this requirement ONLY with prior approval by the minor professor.

Jazz Studies Curricular Path1

MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2
10 additional credits from the following courses:10
Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Improvisation
Advanced Jazz Studio Instruction
Fourth Year Composition
Jazz Composition and Arranging
Jazz Composition and Arranging
Special Topics in Music (approved topics only)
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Theory and Analysis
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

Music Theory Curricular Path1

Course credits in a minor DO NOT count for requirements in the major. A DMA student or Ph.D.–music: musicology student must still meet the major requirements for courses in music theory.

Courses selected from the following to total 12 credits: 2
Renaissance Polyphony
Baroque Counterpoint
Form and Analysis
Form and Analysis II
Independent Work (approval by the minor professor required)
Historical Music Theories 1
Historical Music Theories 2
Schenkerian Analysis
Post-tonal Analysis
Current Issues in Musical Thought 1
Topics in Music Analysis 1
Topics in Music Analysis 2
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

MUSIC 799 Independent Work and MUSIC 497 Special Topics in Music are eligible to satisfy this requirement ONLY with prior approval by the minor professor.

Opera Production Curricular Path1

MUSIC 556 University Opera (in directorial capacity)2
MUSIC 556 University Opera (taken twice, 2 credits each time) 24
MUSIC 463 Acting for Singers1
Project in the minor field2-3
Independent Work (with Director of opera)
Remaining credits from the following courses:2-3
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
Acting for Singers
Survey of Opera
University Opera (maximum 2 credits)
Opera Workshop
Fundamentals of Movement for the Stage
Fundamentals of Directing
Introduction to Stage Management
Musical Performance for the Actor
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

With advisor approval, some students may use MUSIC 557 Opera Workshop (2 credits) in place of one instance of MUSIC 556 University Opera.

Opera/Voice Coaching Curricular Path1

This minor is available only to students in Piano Performance, Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Collaborative Piano, Conducting, or other track with approval of the Voice & Opera faculty. All courses are selected in consultation with the minor professor.

Required courses:
Diction4
Language Diction for Singing I
and Language Diction for Singing II 2
MUSIC 556 University Opera (rehearsal pianist) 32
Project in the Minor field2-3
Independent Work 4
Remaining credits from the following courses:3-4
Advanced Voice (audition and voice faculty approval required)
Music in the United States
Acting for Singers
Special Topics in Music (approved topics only)
Survey of Opera
Advanced Conducting
Advanced Conducting Seminar
University Opera (rehearsal pianist, 2 credits maximum allowed)
Opera Workshop (2 credits maximum allowed)
Seminar in Vocal Literature
Seminar in Musicology (opera and vocal literature topics only)
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

With the approval of the minor professor, MUSIC 466 Diction for Singers may be eligible to fulfill this requirement.

3

Enrollment in MUSIC 556 University Opera should be for 2 credits.

4

This course is taken under the supervision of the director of opera.

Orchestral Conducting Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to DMA students completing a track in conducting.

MUS PERF 532 Advanced Conducting (multiple semesters possible)3
MUSIC 632 Graduate Instrumental Conducting Laboratory (taken twice)2
The remaining credits from the following courses:7
Advanced Conducting
Repertoire
Historical Performance Practices
Orchestration I
Independent Work (prior approval by minor professor required)
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

Organ Performance Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to students completing a track in piano performance, collaborative piano, or piano performance and pedagogy.

Organ Applied Study6
Advanced Organ (2 semesters, 3 credits each semester)
Additional Courses 4
Organ Literature and Design
and Repertoire 2
OR
Organ Improvisation and Liturgy
and Organ Improvisation and Liturgy
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

MUSIC 346 Repertoire topic must be Organ Repertoire, 2 credits.

Piano Pedagogy Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to students completing a track in organ performance, piano performance, or collaborative piano.

MUS PERF 401 Advanced Piano4
MUSIC 799 Independent Work (final project) 21
Additional credits from the following:7
Piano Pedagogy II
Class Piano Pedagogy
Practicum in Advanced Studio Teaching-Piano
Seminar in Piano Pedagogy
Current Topics in Dance: Workshop (topic: Feldenkrais for the performing musician) 2
Special Topics in Music
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

If taking MUSIC 497 Special Topics in Music, select topic "Feldenkrais Workshop for Musicians."

Piano Performance Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to students completing a track in organ performance, collaborative piano, or piano performance and pedagogy.

MUS PERF 401 Advanced Piano4
MUS PERF 401 Advanced Piano2
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2
AND
4 credits selected from the following:4
Piano Pedagogy II
Class Piano Pedagogy
Practicum in Advanced Studio Teaching-Piano
Advanced Ensemble-Woodwind
Advanced Ensemble-Brass
Advanced Ensemble-Percussion
Advanced Ensemble-String
Seminar in Piano Literature
Independent Work (approval by minor professor required)
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

String Instrument Performance Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to students completing a track in violin, viola, violoncello, string bass, harp, or guitar performance.

Minor Performance Instrument
Enroll in the course corresponding to the minor instrument:
First semester4
Advanced Violin
Advanced Viola
Advanced Cello
Advanced Double Bass
Advanced Harp
Second semester2
Advanced Violin
Advanced Viola
Advanced Cello
Advanced Double Bass
Advanced Harp
Senior Recital
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2
Additional Coursework
One of the following courses:2
Repertoire
Advanced String Pedagogy
String Literature
Independent Work 2
Any combination of the following:2
Advanced Ensemble-String
University Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

2

MUSIC 799 Independent Work may only be used to fulfill this requirement if the other course choices in this category are not available.

Wind Conducting Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to DMA students completing a track in conducting.

MUS PERF 532 Advanced Conducting (2 semesters; note: one or more public performances are required)6
MUSIC 632 Graduate Instrumental Conducting Laboratory (taken twice)2
AND remaining credits from the following courses:4
Advanced Conducting
Repertoire
Historical Performance Practices
Orchestration I
Independent Work (1-3 credits)
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

Woodwind Instrument Performance Curricular Path1

This minor is not available to students completing a track in a woodwind instrument.

Minor Performance Instrument
Enroll for the course number that corresponds to the minor instrument.
First semester2
Advanced Flute
Advanced Oboe
Advanced Clarinet
Advanced Saxophone
Advanced Bassoon
Second semester2
Advanced Flute
Advanced Oboe
Advanced Clarinet
Advanced Saxophone
Advanced Bassoon
Senior Recital
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2
Additional courses selected from the following:6
Jazz Ensemble
Advanced Ensemble-Woodwind
University Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra
Contemporary Chamber Ensemble
Wind Ensemble
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

 Vocal Performance Curricular Path1

MUS PERF 405 Advanced Voice2
MUS PERF 405 Advanced Voice3
MUSIC 749 Seminar in Vocal Techniques2
MUSIC 792 Seminar in Vocal Literature3
MUS PERF 499 Senior Recital2
Total Credits12
1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

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, Ronis; Assistant Professors Chana, Cornish, Laurenz, Lee, Nelson, Rathgeber, Sans, Walsh; Marching Band Director Pompey; Teaching Faculty Brailey, Curry, Gladstone, Gonzalez, Koester, Rottmayer, Wohn; Lecturers Patenaude, Wienholts.

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.