COLLEGE OF ARTS AND COMMUNICATION

MUSIC

Bachelor's Degree Programs

Music has always been a part of your life, always defined who you are. If you’re inspired to turn that passion into a career you love, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is the right place for you to prepare for a future of performance, composing, teaching or succeeding in another music-related role.

Along with Music degree programs in education, performance and theory and composition — and seven concentration areas — we offer a welcoming environment filled with plenty of opportunities to sharpen your musical skills and share your talents.

Over the next decade, U.S. jobs in music are expected to grow across the board, including an 8% increase for postsecondary music teachers, 3% for music directors and composers, and 2% for musicians and singers.

Are you a high school student interested in music? See all events Apply 4-year plan

Why study Music at UW-Whitewater?

We stand out among other Music degree programs in Wisconsin because we’re just the right size for big-school opportunities (like internationally respected ensembles and faculty-artists) and small-school perks (like a close-knit music department where everyone is heard loud and clear.)  

Our graduates say time and again the strong relationships with our faculty and countless opportunities for involvement helped them launch successful careers in music.

What our Music students do

Blue icon of music notes.

Perform in 25 ensembles

Green icon of music student and mentor.

Mentor young musicians

Orange icon of paper and magnifying glass.

Participate in music research

Pink icon of calendar and music notes.

Enjoy 60+ musical events per semester

Warhawk wins national music award

Charlie Shilhavy, a music major from Racine, was named the 2024 recipient of the Student Exemplary Service Award from the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) as part of the organization’s Student Chapter Awards and will be honored in Louisville, Kentucky. Shilhavy is the fourth Warhawk to win the award in the last 11 years.

Read more about Charlie

Ensembles and performance opportunities

A faculty member conducts orchestra at music gala.

 

As a student musician at UW-Whitewater, you’ll contribute your talents to one (or more) of our 25 ensembles. Work with amazing conductors, perfect your skills, earn college credit, and entertain crowds on campus and beyond — including international trips. All musical groups are open to all UW-Whitewater students, regardless of major!

BANDS
Symphonic Wind Ensemble*
Warhawk Marching Band
University/Community Band

ORCHESTRAS
Symphony Orchestra*
Chamber Orchestra*

JAZZ
Jazz Ensemble I*
Jazz Ensemble II*
Jazz Combos*

CHORAL
Chamber Singers*
Concert Choir
Harmonia (sopranos and altos)
Hawk Kor (tenors and basses)
Vocal Jazz Ensemble*

CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
Brass Choir
Cello Ensemble
Chancellor's Quartet*
Clarinet Ensemble
Flute Choir
Improvisors Orchestra
Percussion Ensemble
Saxophone Quartets and Ensemble
Sonict New Music Ensemble
Trombone Choir
Trumpet Ensemble

OTHER VOCAL
Opera Workshop*
Operas and Musicals

*requires audition

Frequently asked questions [PDF]

Student productions: Musicals and operas

Play in the pit. Take a lead role. Paint the set. Open to all majors, our musicals and operas are a fantastic way to collaborate with your peers from all over campus while gaining real-world production experience.

Hands-on learning experiences

By nature, a major in Music means plenty of hands-on experience. But at UW-Whitewater, that goes beyond practicing and performing.

Research Projects

Dive deep into a topic that interests you and present your findings at UW-Whitewater’s Undergraduate Research Day and at the National Council on Undergraduate Research conference.

Music Days

Gather with local musicians of all ages for an instrument-specific master class with a guest artist.

Music Camp

Teach and inspire the next generation of music majors at one of our nine summer music camps.

Our learning spaces and performing arts venues

The Greenhill Center of the Arts is our home. A gathering place for Music majors, it’s always abuzz with students learning, rehearsing, practicing, and creating. In addition to teaching studios and multimedia classrooms, the Greenhill Center is home to:

Barnett Theatre: With a fully trapped stage — including an orchestra pit and fly system — this 386-seat theater hosts five major productions a year.

Light Recital Hall: An intimate atmosphere with excellent acoustics, this 350-seat is a perfect home for student recitals and choir concerts.

Greenhill Center of the Arts: The largest academic building on campus and home to the departments of art, music and theatre/dance.

The Young: This 1,300-seat venue holds dozens of national and university events each year, from concerts and comedy to theater and dance.

What our grads say

“The kids who struggle — I want to help them the most. Lesson after lesson, you’ll finally say something that turns on the lightbulb for them. That emotion you feel as a teacher when you see your previously struggling student succeed is indescribable.”

— Ryan Schultz, Future teacher, music major and 2019 Richard G. Gaarder Award Winner

Meet Ryan

What our graduates do

Purple icon of music teacher in front of class.

Teach music in K-12 or at the college level

Teal icon of sheet music.

Study in respected graduate degree programs

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Tour with ensembles

Green icon of money and music note.

Work in music publishing, retailing and tech

Jobs for Music majors: Career success

Warhawk-grown musicians, composers and teachers take their music careers to classrooms, auditoriums, and studios throughout Wisconsin and around the country.

  • School band, orchestra and choir director
  • General music teacher
  • Music professor
  • Professional composer/arranger
  • Music minister
  • Education sales representative for national music retailer
  • Voice-over talent
  • Private music teacher
  • Music promoter/manager
  • Professional orchestral musician
  • Instrument repair manager
  • Vice president at SESAC, a performing rights organization

Second act: Grad school success

After earning their Bachelor of Music degree at UW-Whitewater, many of our graduates pursue advanced study at schools such as:

  • Arizona State University
  • Bowling Green State University
  • Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University
  • Conservatoire Regional de Boulogne-Billancourt (Paris, France)
  • Indiana University
  • Louisiana State University
  • New England Conservatory
  • New York University
  • Texas Tech University
  • University of Alaska Fairbanks
  • University of Massachusetts
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  • University of North Texas
  • University of Texas
  • University of Western Ontario
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison

Contact us

Want to learn more about earning a Music degree at UW-Whitewater?

262-472-1310 | music@uww.edu

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Our Music faculty

Teachers. Performers. Composers. Scholars. Mentors. You won’t find teaching assistants here: Unlike other state schools, 100% of our music courses are taught by faculty members.

Our low student-teacher ratio means it’s almost impossible not to form strong relationships at UW-Whitewater: Regardless of your major, career interests or primary instrument, you’ll to get to know — and learn from — Music faculty and staff members from across the department.

Meet our faculty

Auditions

Your audition lets us get to know you and helps determine music scholarship eligibility. Note: To be considered for a scholarship in the 25/26 academic year, you must audition on or before March 6, 2026. How to Prepare for Your Audition [PDF] »

Upcoming audition dates:

  • Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
  • Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
  • Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
  • Friday, March 6, 2026*
  • Friday, April 24, 2026

*To be considered for a scholarship you must audition before or on Friday, March 6, 2026.

 

Special Events

Music Major for a Day
Monday, Oct. 13, 2025
Experience a day in the life of a music major. Attend college courses, meet and participate in ensemble rehearsals with current students and enjoy master classes with our music faculty.
Tentative Schedule of the Day [PDF] »
Register for Music Major for a Day »

 

Events

View all upcoming events for the Department of Music »

 

Camps and Clinics

Explore all of the UW-Whitewater Music Clinics and Camps »

How to apply for our Music programs:

Apply now »

Major Audition Application »

Minor Audition Application »

Teacher Recommendation »

 

Music major applications
1. Apply to UW-Whitewater for admission to the university.
2. Apply to the Music Department for audition and acceptance as a Music major.
3. Ask a private instructor or high school director to submit a teacher recommendation form.
4. Audition.

Music minor applications
1. Apply to UW-Whitewater for admission to the university.
2. Apply to the Music Department for audition and acceptance as a Music minor.
3. Ask a private instructor or high school director to submit a teacher recommendation form.

In addition to UW-Whitewater’s general education requirements, Music students take a set of core courses and electives that will vary greatly depending upon major or emphasis. The Bachelor of Music — Music Education leads to teaching licensure. Select a program below to download the individual requirements.

UW-Whitewater offers the following Music degrees:

Minors:

Undergraduate Certificates:

Post-Baccalaureate Licensure:

Explore related programs at UW-Whitewater

Theatre and Dance

Art and Design

Electronic Media
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