VALUES AND EDUCATIONAL PRIORITIES
At the Mead Witter School of Music
- we teach by example offering participatory, mentor-driven education;
- we provide individualized instruction and flexible curricula that encourage students to find their own musical pathways;
- we foster musical excellence and high academic standards;
- our faculty exhibit the best of their respective fields, are deeply engaged in artistic scholarship and research, and are committed to teaching at all levels;
- we whole-heartedly embrace the Wisconsin Idea;
- our department is a dynamic educational community, part of a large and vibrant research university within a city that values and supports the arts.
The Mead Witter School of Music enriches students' educational experience by hosting guest artists and scholars for master classes, recitals, colloquia, seminars, and festivals. Its performing organizations and ensembles perform more than 350 recitals and concerts every year, making a significant contribution to the cultural life of the university and the wider Madison community. Facilities specifically designed for music study and performance offer excellent resources for students to pursue their interests.
In addition to a thriving undergraduate student body, music students have the advantage of working side-by-side with master's-level and doctoral-level music students. Working collegially in class and studio, making music together on stage and off, and building professional relationships across program boundaries all enable the sharing of expertise, experience, and perspectives and add immeasurably to every student's development.
The music degree programs are demanding and require care in taking courses in the proper sequence. Graduation could be delayed if a course is not taken in the appropriate semester. Refer to the Requirements tab for details on the coursework and sequences of study in specific majors.
Mead Witter School of Music views its goals and objectives as complementary to those of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which include "to provide an environment in which faculty and students can discover, examine critically, preserve and transmit the knowledge, wisdom and values that will help ensure the survival of the present and future generations with improvement in the quality of life."
The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and has been an institutional member of NASM since 1966.
PEOPLE AND FACILITIES
The greatest asset of Mead Witter School of Music is its people—staff, faculty, and students—who are daily immersed in learning, building, researching, writing, and making music. Mentoring is the core of our teaching, manifest in one-on-one applied instruction as well as in small-group coaching and classes. Undergraduate students will build professional relationships with many faculty, form friendships with peers across the boundaries of degree programs, and collaborate with staff in addressing the practical matters of academic study. Extensive information on faculty, including biographies, is available here.
The Mosse Humanities Building, built in 1969, houses most of the music classrooms, rehearsal rooms, faculty studios, and 111 practice rooms. Most recitals and concerts take place in one of three performance spaces: Mills Concert Hall, Morphy Recital Hall, and Eastman Organ Recital Hall. The school's extensive collection of instruments, both common and unusual, is available to both faculty and students. Music Hall with its clock tower, built in 1879, is a campus landmark. Renovated in 1985, it is the home of the opera program. The new Hamel Music Center includes a concert hall, a recital hall, and a large ensemble rehearsal space.
Memorial Library is the home of the Mills Music Library, which offers extensive research and circulating collections, attractive study space, and personal staff assistance with research. Music materials on campus number over half a million, ranging from scores and sheet music to archival collections and historic audio recordings. Through Mills Music Library and other UW–Madison libraries, students have access to a wide range of online research databases as well as millions of articles, books, and streaming media. All genres of music are represented, with notably strong collections in Americana and ethnic music. Nationally known special collections include the Tams–Witmark Collection, a treasury of early American musical theater materials, and the Wisconsin Music Archives.
CHOOSING A MUSIC MAJOR
Mead Witter School of Music offers several degree programs at the undergraduate level. The bachelor of arts and bachelor of science curricula are liberal arts majors in the College of Letters & Science and are excellent programs for students interested in exploring the wide array of course offerings in the college or in two or more major areas of study. In these programs music courses comprise one-third of a student's work toward the degree. By comparison, the bachelor of music curriculum, a professional degree in music, requires 75 percent of total coursework within the Mead Witter School of Music. Students in this program are looking for depth in performance study along with a large complement of other musical studies at advanced level. A number of alumni from both B.A. and B.S. have completed two majors at UW–Madison. Both of these programs may provide a foundation for graduate study and sometimes for a career in music. We encourage conversations with Mead Witter School of Music professors at any point during your first two years as a music major to learn as much as possible about options that are available to you.
GRADES AND ADVISING
Mead Witter School of Music is a department of the UW–Madison College of Letters & Science. Information on the grading system and academic procedures/policies is available in the College of Letters & Science section of this Guide under the policies and regulations tab.
The undergraduate advisor of the Mead Witter School of Music serves as the advisor for every music major. The advisor maintains records and assists students in determining an appropriate course schedule each semester.
Admissions Procedures
To major in music at Mead Witter School of Music, a student must:
- apply and be accepted by the UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment and
- apply, audition, and be accepted by the School of Music faculty.
In addition to the UW-Madison application, students must apply to the Mead Witter School of Music. Application material is available on the School of Music website and the music application process is handled by the Undergraduate Admissions Office, 3561H Mosse Humanities Building.
The steps for applying to the UW–Madison School of Music are:
- Review the information on the website for Mead Witter School of Music. Follow instructions carefully. Any questions may be directed to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
- Download and complete the music application. On the application you will request an audition date.
- Download and provide the recommendation forms to two recommenders. These will be people who can attest to the applicant's musical background and ability.
- If there will be need for financial assistance, consult the Office of Student Financial Aid.
- Request that official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended be sent to the Office of Admission and Recruitment.
- Prepare the appropriate repertoire and materials for the audition.
- Come to the campus for an audition, which includes a ten- to twenty-minute performance audition, music theory and piano placement examinations, and an introduction to School of Music faculty, students, and facilities.
In the second or third year of study, the faculty of the Mead Witter School of Music assesses each student's readiness to continue in advanced-level work in the major and to declare the major. To be eligible to continue in the major, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 GPA in the core academic music courses (theory and history) specified for their major option.
Transfer Students
Students who have earned more than 24 course credits at another college or university follow the same application and audition procedures described above. Upon acceptance by UW–Madison and the School of Music, credits for music courses taken at another institution are interpreted by the UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment simply as elective music credits. These course credits, as they appear on the transcript(s), will be reviewed during a conference with the advisor upon enrolling at UW–Madison. Transfer credit for music courses will be reviewed only after all placement and proficiency examinations in theory and piano have been taken at UW–Madison and syllabi for academic music courses have been submitted.
Reentering the School of Music
Students who were previously enrolled in the School of Music and UW–Madison who desire to reenter to seek an undergraduate degree should apply for reentry to both the UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment and the School of Music Undergraduate Admissions Office. An audition will be required in most cases.
International Students
Students from foreign countries who seek admission to the university and the School of Music should contact International Student Services in addition to the UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment and the School of Music Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Special Students
Persons who are interested in courses offered by the School of Music but who are not working toward a UW–Madison degree should contact the Division of Continuing Studies, 21 North Park Street, Madison, WI 53715; 608-263-6960. Enrollment is limited in music courses, and priority is given to UW–Madison undergraduate degree candidates.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| Foreign Language | Complete the third unit of a foreign language. |
| L&S Breadth | Complete: • 12 credits of Humanities, which must include at least 6 credits of Literature; and • 12 credits of Social Science; and • 12 credits of Natural Science, which must include 6 credits of Biological Science and 6 credits of Physical Science. |
| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | Complete at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level. |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | Complete at least 120 credits. |
| UW-Madison Experience | Complete both: • 30 credits in residence, overall, and • 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit. |
| Quality of Work | • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison • 2.000 in Intermediate/Advanced level coursework at UW–Madison |
Non–L&S Students PURSUING AN L&S MAJOR
Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
Students who do not declare a Named Option must complete the requirements below.
Student must work with a School of Music faculty member to create a cohesive plan to meet requirements; the plan must be approved by the appropriate faculty area committee(s) and by the Curriculum Committee.
Performance Study - three semesters in one of the Following areas:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | ||
| MUS PERF 237 | Elementary/Intermediate String Bass | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 437 | Advanced String Bass | |
| Bassoon | ||
| MUS PERF 215 | Elementary/Intermediate Bassoon | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 415 | Advanced Bassoon | |
| Cello | ||
| MUS PERF 235 | Elementary/Intermediate Cello | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 435 | Advanced Cello | |
| Clarinet | ||
| MUS PERF 211 | Elementary/Intermediate Clarinet | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 411 | Advanced Clarinet | |
| Euphonium | ||
| MUS PERF 223 | Elementary/Intermediate Euphonium | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 423 | Advanced Euphonium | |
| Flute | ||
| MUS PERF 207 | Elementary/Intermediate Flute | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 407 | Advanced Flute | |
| Guitar | ||
| MUS PERF 240 | Elementary/Intermediate Guitar | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 440 | Advanced Guitar | |
| Harp | ||
| MUS PERF 239 | Elementary/Intermediate Harp | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 439 | Advanced Harp | |
| Harpsichord | ||
| MUS PERF 202 | Elementary/Intermediate Harpsichord | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 402 | Advanced Harpsichord | |
| Horn | ||
| MUS PERF 217 | Elementary/Intermediate Horn | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 417 | Advanced Horn | |
| Percussion | ||
| MUS PERF 227 | Elementary/Intermediate Percussion | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 427 | Advanced Percussion | |
| Piano | ||
| MUS PERF 201 | Elementary/Intermediate Piano | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 401 | Advanced Piano | |
| Oboe | ||
| MUS PERF 209 | Elementary/Intermediate Oboe | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 409 | Advanced Oboe | |
| Organ | ||
| MUS PERF 203 | Elementary/Intermediate Organ | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 403 | Advanced Organ | |
| Saxophone | ||
| MUS PERF 213 | Elementary/Intermediate Saxophone | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 413 | Advanced Saxophone | |
| Trombone | ||
| MUS PERF 221 | Elementary/Intermediate Trombone | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 421 | Advanced Trombone | |
| Trumpet | ||
| MUS PERF 219 | Elementary/Intermediate Trumpet | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 419 | Advanced Trumpet | |
| Tuba | ||
| MUS PERF 225 | Elementary/Intermediate Tuba | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 425 | Advanced Tuba | |
| Viola | ||
| MUS PERF 233 | Elementary/Intermediate Viola | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 433 | Advanced Viola | |
| Violin | ||
| MUS PERF 231 | Elementary/Intermediate Violin | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 231 | Elementary/Intermediate Violin | |
| Voice | ||
| MUS PERF 205 | Elementary/Intermediate Voice | 2-4 |
| or MUS PERF 405 | Advanced Voice | |
Music THEORY, MUSIC HISTORY, and Piano Skills
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC 121 & MUSIC 171 | Musica Practica 1 and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 1 | 4 |
| MUSIC 122 & MUSIC 172 | Musica Practica 2 and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 2 | 4 |
| MUSIC 211 | Survey of the History of Western Music | 3 |
| MUSIC 212 | Survey of the History of Western Music | 3 |
| MUS PERF 102 | Beginning Class Piano (Students who enroll in MUS PERF 201 or MUS PERF 203 are exempt from this course requirement.) 1 | 2 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
- 1
A student may complete a proficiency exam in piano, instead of completing this course.
MUSIC CORE COURSES
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 6 credits from at least two categories: | 6 | |
| Theory | 3-4 | |
| Musica Practica 3 and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 3 (must be taken concurrently) | ||
| Musica Practica 4 and Musica Practica: Aural Skills 4 (must be taken concurrently) | ||
| History | 3 | |
| Musical Cultures of the World | ||
| Musical Cultures of the World | ||
| Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | ||
| Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Music in the Renaissance | ||
| Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Classic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | ||
| Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Music in the United States | ||
| Historical Performance Practices | ||
| Survey of Opera | ||
| Additional Performance | 3 | |
| Complete courses beyond the minimum three semesters required. Consult performance course list above. | ||
| Total Credits | 15-16 | |
MUSIC EMPHASIS - electives to meet 42 credits IN THE MAJOR 2,3
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC 40 | Wind Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSIC 41 | Concert Band | 1 |
| MUSIC 43 | University Band | 1 |
| MUSIC 50 | Concert Choir | 1 |
| MUSIC 52 | Women's Chorus | 1 |
| MUSIC 53 | Choral Union | 1 |
| MUSIC 55 | Masters' Singers | 1 |
| MUSIC 56 | Chorale | 1 |
| MUSIC 58 | Madrigal Singers | 1 |
| MUSIC 59 | University Chorus | 1 |
| MUSIC 61 | Chamber Orchestra | 1 |
| MUSIC 62 | University Symphony Orchestra | 1 |
| MUSIC 107 | Music & Film | 3 |
| MUSIC 201 | Music and Society | 2 |
| MUSIC 221 | Musica Practica 3 | 3 |
| MUSIC 222 | Musica Practica 4 | 3 |
| MUSIC 229 | Jazz Theory & Composition | 3 |
| MUSIC 252 | Introduction to Conducting and Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSIC 253 | Conducting | 2 |
| MUSIC 254 | Conducting | 2 |
| MUSIC 256 | University Opera | 1-2 |
| MUSIC 257 | Opera Workshop | 2 |
| MUSIC 262 | Jazz Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSIC 265 | Ensemble-Woodwind | 1 |
| MUSIC 266 | Black Music Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSIC 267 | Ensemble-Brass | 1 |
| MUSIC 268 | Ensemble-Percussion | 1 |
| MUSIC 269 | Ensemble-String | 1 |
| MUSIC 270 | Ensemble-Guitar | 1 |
| MUSIC 271 | Musica Practica: Aural Skills 3 | 1 |
| MUSIC 272 | Musica Practica: Aural Skills 4 | 1 |
| MUSIC/AFROAMER/DANCE 318 | Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas | 3 |
| MUSIC 319 | Topics in Music and Ethnicity in the United States | 3 |
| MUSIC 331 | Jazz Improvisation | 3 |
| MUSIC 332 | Jazz Improvisation | 3 |
| MUSIC 340 | Pedagogy | 1-2 |
| MUSIC 345 | Practicum in String Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSIC 346 | Repertoire | 1-2 |
| MUSIC/FOLKLORE 401 | Musical Cultures of the World | 3 |
| MUSIC/FOLKLORE 402 | Musical Cultures of the World | 3 |
| MUSIC 405 | Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | 3 |
| MUSIC 411 | Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | 3 |
| MUSIC 412 | Survey of Music in the Renaissance | 3 |
| MUSIC 413 | Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | 3 |
| MUSIC 414 | Survey of Music in the Classic Era | 3 |
| MUSIC 415 | Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | 3 |
| MUSIC 416 | Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | 3 |
| MUSIC 419 | Music in the United States | 3 |
| MUSIC 461 | Collegium Musicum | 1 |
| MUSIC 466 | Diction for Singers | 2 |
| MUSIC 467 | Language Diction for Singing I | 2 |
| MUSIC 468 | Language Diction for Singing II | 2 |
| MUSIC 497 | Special Topics in Music | 1-3 |
| MUSIC 499 | Directed Study | 1-3 |
| MUSIC 502 | Figured Bass and Basso Continuo | 3 |
| MUSIC 511 | Historical Performance Practices | 3 |
| MUSIC 513 | Survey of Opera | 3 |
| MUSIC 523 | Orchestration I | 3 |
| MUS PERF 101 | Beginning Class Piano | 2 |
| MUS PERF 102 | Beginning Class Piano | 2 |
| MUS PERF 103 | Elementary Class Piano | 2 |
| MUS PERF 104 | Intermediate Class Piano | 2 |
| MUS PERF 108 | Jazz Class Piano | 2 |
| MUS PERF 143 | Introduction to Performance: Voice | 1 |
| MUS PERF 144 | Vocal Instruction for Non-Voice Majors | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 148 | First Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 200 | Elementary/Intermediate Piano for Non-Piano Majors | 2 |
| MUS PERF 201 | Elementary/Intermediate Piano | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 202 | Elementary/Intermediate Harpsichord | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 203 | Elementary/Intermediate Organ | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 205 | Elementary/Intermediate Voice | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 207 | Elementary/Intermediate Flute | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 209 | Elementary/Intermediate Oboe | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 211 | Elementary/Intermediate Clarinet | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 213 | Elementary/Intermediate Saxophone | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 215 | Elementary/Intermediate Bassoon | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 217 | Elementary/Intermediate Horn | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 219 | Elementary/Intermediate Trumpet | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 221 | Elementary/Intermediate Trombone | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 223 | Elementary/Intermediate Euphonium | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 225 | Elementary/Intermediate Tuba | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 227 | Elementary/Intermediate Percussion | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 231 | Elementary/Intermediate Violin | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 233 | Elementary/Intermediate Viola | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 235 | Elementary/Intermediate Cello | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 237 | Elementary/Intermediate String Bass | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 239 | Elementary/Intermediate Harp | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 240 | Elementary/Intermediate Guitar | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 242 | Accompanying | 2 |
| MUS PERF 247 | Second Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 248 | Second Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 251 | Keyboard Skills | 2 |
| MUS PERF 311 | Advanced Techniques: Clarinet | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 327 | Advanced Techniques: Percussion | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 331 | Advanced Techniques: Violin | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 333 | Advanced Techniques: Viola | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 339 | Advanced Techniques: Harp | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 342 | Piano Accompanying Lab | 1 |
| MUS PERF 347 | Third Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 348 | Third Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 401 | Advanced Piano | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 402 | Advanced Harpsichord | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 403 | Advanced Organ | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 405 | Advanced Voice | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 407 | Advanced Flute | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 409 | Advanced Oboe | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 411 | Advanced Clarinet | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 413 | Advanced Saxophone | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 415 | Advanced Bassoon | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 417 | Advanced Horn | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 419 | Advanced Trumpet | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 421 | Advanced Trombone | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 423 | Advanced Euphonium | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 425 | Advanced Tuba | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 427 | Advanced Percussion | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 431 | Advanced Violin | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 433 | Advanced Viola | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 435 | Advanced Cello | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 437 | Advanced String Bass | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 439 | Advanced Harp | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 440 | Advanced Guitar | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 447 | Fourth Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 448 | Fourth Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 457 | Jazz Composition and Arranging | 3 |
| MUS PERF 458 | Jazz Composition and Arranging | 3 |
- 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.
Residence & Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all MUSIC, MUS PERF and other courses counting in the major
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits in the major, taken in Residence (see below)
- 15 credits in MUSIC or MUS PERF, taken on the UW-Madison campus
Music
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC 40 | Wind Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSIC 41 | Concert Band | 1 |
| MUSIC 50 | Concert Choir | 1 |
| MUSIC 52 | Women's Chorus | 1 |
| MUSIC 53 | Choral Union | 1 |
| MUSIC 55 | Masters' Singers | 1 |
| MUSIC 56 | Chorale | 1 |
| MUSIC 58 | Madrigal Singers | 1 |
| MUSIC 61 | Chamber Orchestra | 1 |
| MUSIC 62 | University Symphony Orchestra | 1 |
| MUSIC 211 | Survey of the History of Western Music | 3 |
| MUSIC 212 | Survey of the History of Western Music | 3 |
| MUSIC 221 | Musica Practica 3 | 3 |
| MUSIC 222 | Musica Practica 4 | 3 |
| MUSIC 229 | Jazz Theory & Composition | 3 |
| MUSIC 252 | Introduction to Conducting and Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSIC 253 | Conducting | 2 |
| MUSIC 254 | Conducting | 2 |
| MUSIC 256 | University Opera | 1-2 |
| MUSIC 257 | Opera Workshop | 2 |
| MUSIC 262 | Jazz Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSIC 265 | Ensemble-Woodwind | 1 |
| MUSIC 266 | Black Music Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSIC 267 | Ensemble-Brass | 1 |
| MUSIC 268 | Ensemble-Percussion | 1 |
| MUSIC 269 | Ensemble-String | 1 |
| MUSIC 270 | Ensemble-Guitar | 1 |
| MUSIC 271 | Musica Practica: Aural Skills 3 | 1 |
| MUSIC 272 | Musica Practica: Aural Skills 4 | 1 |
| MUSIC/CURRIC 301 | Music Learning and Teaching 1 | 2 |
| MUSIC/CURRIC 303 | Fieldwork in Music Communities | 1 |
| MUSIC/CURRIC 304 | Composition, Arrangement, and Orchestration for the Music Teacher | 2 |
| MUSIC 317 | Musical Women in Europe and America: Creativity, Performance, and Identity | 3 |
| MUSIC/AFROAMER/DANCE 318 | Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas | 3 |
| MUSIC 319 | Topics in Music and Ethnicity in the United States | 3 |
| MUSIC 331 | Jazz Improvisation | 3 |
| MUSIC 332 | Jazz Improvisation | 3 |
| MUSIC/CURRIC 337 | Practicum in Teaching Music | 1 |
| MUSIC 340 | Pedagogy | 1-2 |
| MUSIC/CURRIC 344 | Teaching Vocal Styles in the Music Classroom | 1 |
| MUSIC 345 | Practicum in String Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSIC 346 | Repertoire | 1-2 |
| MUSIC/CURRIC 354 | Teaching Music | 3 |
| MUSIC/FOLKLORE 401 | Musical Cultures of the World | 3 |
| MUSIC/FOLKLORE 402 | Musical Cultures of the World | 3 |
| MUSIC 405 | Seminar: Cultural Study of Music | 3 |
| MUSIC/CURRIC 409 | Student Teaching in General and Vocal Music | 6-12 |
| MUSIC/CURRIC 410 | Student Teaching in General and Instrumental Music | 6-12 |
| MUSIC 411 | Survey of Music in the Middle Ages | 3 |
| MUSIC 412 | Survey of Music in the Renaissance | 3 |
| MUSIC 413 | Survey of Music in the Baroque Era | 3 |
| MUSIC 414 | Survey of Music in the Classic Era | 3 |
| MUSIC 415 | Survey of Music in the Romantic Era | 3 |
| MUSIC 416 | Survey of Music in the Twentieth Century | 3 |
| MUSIC 419 | Music in the United States | 3 |
| MUSIC/CURRIC 420 | Teaching Popular Instrumental Music 1 | 1 |
| MUSIC/CURRIC 421 | Teaching Popular Instrumental Music 2 | 1 |
| MUSIC 461 | Collegium Musicum | 1 |
| MUSIC 463 | Acting for Singers | 1 |
| MUSIC 465 | Marching Band Techniques | 1 |
| MUSIC 466 | Diction for Singers | 2 |
| MUSIC 467 | Language Diction for Singing I | 2 |
| MUSIC 468 | Language Diction for Singing II | 2 |
| MUSIC 497 | Special Topics in Music | 1-3 |
| MUSIC 499 | Directed Study | 1-3 |
| MUSIC 502 | Figured Bass and Basso Continuo | 3 |
| MUSIC 511 | Historical Performance Practices | 3 |
| MUSIC 513 | Survey of Opera | 3 |
| MUSIC/FOLKLORE 515 | Proseminar in Ethnomusicology | 3 |
| MUSIC 523 | Orchestration I | 3 |
| MUSIC/ANTHRO/FOLKLORE/THEATRE 539 | The Folklore of Festivals and Celebrations | 3 |
| MUSIC 540 | Advanced Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSIC 541 | Seminar in Choral Literature | 2 |
| MUSIC 546 | String Literature | 2 |
| MUSIC 548 | Piano Pedagogy II | 3 |
| MUSIC 591 | Organ Literature and Design | 2 |
| MUSIC 621 | Renaissance Polyphony | 3 |
| MUSIC 622 | Baroque Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUSIC 623 | Form and Analysis | 2-3 |
| MUSIC 624 | Form and Analysis II | 2-3 |
| MUSIC 629 | Jazz Theory and Analysis | 3 |
| MUSIC 681 | Senior Honors Thesis | 3 |
| MUSIC 682 | Senior Honors Thesis | 3 |
Music Performance
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS PERF 311 | Advanced Techniques: Clarinet | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 327 | Advanced Techniques: Percussion | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 331 | Advanced Techniques: Violin | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 333 | Advanced Techniques: Viola | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 339 | Advanced Techniques: Harp | 1-2 |
| MUS PERF 342 | Piano Accompanying Lab | 1 |
| MUS PERF 347 | Third Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 348 | Third Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 401 | Advanced Piano | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 402 | Advanced Harpsichord | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 403 | Advanced Organ | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 405 | Advanced Voice | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 407 | Advanced Flute | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 409 | Advanced Oboe | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 411 | Advanced Clarinet | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 413 | Advanced Saxophone | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 415 | Advanced Bassoon | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 417 | Advanced Horn | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 419 | Advanced Trumpet | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 421 | Advanced Trombone | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 423 | Advanced Euphonium | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 425 | Advanced Tuba | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 427 | Advanced Percussion | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 431 | Advanced Violin | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 433 | Advanced Viola | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 435 | Advanced Cello | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 437 | Advanced String Bass | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 439 | Advanced Harp | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 440 | Advanced Guitar | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 441 | Advanced Jazz Studio Instruction | 2-4 |
| MUS PERF 447 | Fourth Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 448 | Fourth Year Composition | 3 |
| MUS PERF 457 | Jazz Composition and Arranging | 3 |
| MUS PERF 458 | Jazz Composition and Arranging | 3 |
| MUS PERF 499 | Senior Recital | 2 |
Honors in the Major
To participate in the Honors in the Major program, students must:
- Notify the School of Music undergraduate advisor of their intention to become a candidate for Honors in the Major. This will usually occur in the sophomore year.
- Present a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.300 in all courses taken at UW–Madison and maintain this average throughout the degree.
- Present a minimum 3.500 GPA in all music coursework
- Engage a faculty member and plan 12 credits of honors curriculum coursework; submit this plan to the undergraduate music advisor.
- Prior to beginning work on the Senior Honors Thesis sequence, confirm a faculty advisor for this sequence (who may be the same person as for the 12 credits above) and submit a prospectus outlining in detail the planned work including (a) the topic, (b) plans for research, and (c) a clear substantive written component, although it may also include oral and/or performance components. The faculty advisor must sign the prospectus indicating approval.
To complete and earn Honors in any Music major, students must satisfy the requirements for the major and these additional requirements:
- Earn a minimum 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a minimum 3.500 GPA in the major
- MUSIC 681–MUSIC 682 for a total of 6 credits
- 12 credits of Honors coursework in music: 6 of the 12 credits must be at the 300 level or higher and only 6 credits can be taken in any one of the three music areas of theory, history, and performance.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
- Develop advanced levels of proficiency in solo, chamber and ensemble performance sufficient to enter music professions or graduate programs.
- Understand, apply and synthesize foundational concepts of musical study in theory, history and pedagogy.
- Demonstrate the ability to learn independently and to integrate knowledge across domains of research and applied studies.
- Communicate verbally, in writing and through public performance, musical ideas and concepts.
- Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively and professionally in multiple social and professional settings.
Sample Four-Year Plan
This Sample Four-Year Plan is a tool to assist students and their advisor(s). Students should use it—along with their DARS report, the Degree Planner, and Course Search & Enroll tools—to make their own four-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests. As students become involved in athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, volunteer experiences, and/or work, they might adjust the order of their courses to accommodate these experiences. Students will likely revise their own four-year plan several times during college.
Student must work with a School of Music faculty member to create a cohesive plan to meet requirements; the plan must be approved by the appropriate faculty area committee(s) and by the Curriculum Committee.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| MUSIC 121 & MUSIC 171 | 4 | Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 |
| MUSIC 200-level (Performance Study) | 2 | MUSIC 122 & MUSIC 172 | 4 |
| Music emphasis course | 1 | MUS PERF 200-level (Performance Study) | 2 |
| Foreign Language (if required) | 4 | Music emphasis course | 1 |
| INTER-LS 210 | 1 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 | Communication Part B | 3 |
| Biological Science Breadth | 3 | Physical Science Breadth | 3 |
| MUSIC 211 | 3 | MUSIC 212 | 3 |
| MUS PERF 2XX (Performance Study) | 2 | Social Science Breadth | 6 |
| Music emphasis course | 1 | Submit music emphasis study plan for approval by departmental Curriculum Committee | |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Declare the major | Music core course | 3 | |
| Music emphasis course | 3 | Music emphasis course | 3 |
| Music Core course | 3 | Literature Breadth | 6 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | Natural Science Breadth | 4 |
| Natural Science Breadth | 7 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Music emphasis course | 6 | Music emphasis course | 1 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Electives | 14 |
| Electives | 6 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Undergraduate Advising
Advisor: Todd Reck
Office: 3561G Humanities Building
Email: ugradadvisor@music.wisc.edu
Office phone: (608) 263-1918
If you wish to schedule an advising appointment, please note the following:
- Online access to schedule advising appointments is restricted to students who applied to, auditioned for, and have been admitted to the Mead Witter School of Music.
- Students considering applying to the School of Music should contact our undergraduate admissions coordinator, Jared Jellison, at admissions@music.wisc.edu or (608) 263-5986.
INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC ADVISING
Current music majors can schedule an appointment with Todd via Starfish, which can be accessed via your MyUW student portal. If uncertain how to use Starfish, please see https://advising.wisc.edu/facstaff/starfish/starfish-student-resources/
Appointments can also be made by phone at 608-263-1918.
BE PREPARED FOR YOUR ADVISING APPOINTMENT
Please bring the following to your appointment:
- Any questions you have about requirements, extracurricular opportunities, study abroad, or whatever is on your mind.
- A pen and paper for note taking.
- Any form you may need signed. Be sure you have filled out all pertinent information and have read the form/document thoroughly.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN ACADEMIC ADVISING APPOINTMENT
Academic advisors help students learn and understand their degree and major requirements. Programs in the Mead Witter School of Music are highly sequential, and some required courses are offered only once each year. Many of our undergraduates are interested in earning an additional major and/or certificate; with careful planning each semester, this is possible. Advisors often can explain some of the differences between courses that meet the same degree requirement. For students considering study abroad, it’s a good idea to begin exploring programs early in your degree and work with your advisor to determine the program length (semester/summer/year) that will best fit your needs and interests.
It is recommended that you see an advisor at least once a semester to plan your courses and check progress toward degree completion. Students sometimes need clarification of degree requirements, particularly if they are considering switching to a different major/degree program within the School of Music.
GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mead Witter School of Music
3561 Mosse Humanities Building
455 North Park Street
Madison, WI 53706-1483
(608) 263-1900
music@music.wisc.edu
L&S career resources
Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.
In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives
L&S career resources
Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.
In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives
Faculty: Professors Cook (director), Calderón, Chisholm, Di Sanza, Dobbs, Doing, Dominguez, Fischer, Fulmer, Hetzler, Hyer, Johnson, Karp, Perry, Rowe, Schwendinger, Taylor, Teeple, Thimmig, Vallon, Wallmann; Associate Professors Butler, Farah, Grabois, Nelson, Ronis; Assistant Professors Chana, Flowers, Laurenz, Lee, Sans, Weinstein-Reimann; Marching Band Director Pompey; Teaching Faculty 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.
Office of Student Financial Aid
Prospective music students should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (333 East Campus Mall #9701, Madison, WI 53715-1382; 608-262-3060) to obtain information about grants and loans when returning the application for admission.
School of Music Scholarships
Some funds are available for scholarships awarded by the School of Music to outstanding applicants. It is always advisable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Application materials will serve as support for music scholarship consideration.
Scholarship applicants must audition in person and must take the Theory Placement Examination on the audition day in order to be considered for an award. After the audition and review of materials, the associate director will notify each applicant about the scholarship decision. Accompanying each award notification will be a Letter of Commitment, to be signed and returned to the School of Music. Criteria used for awarding scholarships are:
- Quality of the performance audition
- High school and/or college academic record
- Letters of recommendation
Most Mead Witter School of Music scholarships are awarded for a four-year period. The music faculty reviews every scholarship award each semester and expects that each student on scholarship will maintain satisfactory progress toward completing the music major and degree requirements, continue to make significant contributions in performing organizations or accompanying, and maintain a minimum 3.000 grade point average. Please see the Mead Witter School of Music website for more information regarding music scholarships.
Accreditation
National Association of Schools of Music
Accreditation status: Accredited. Next accreditation review: 2022–2023