This academic year, the School of Music is proud to celebrate its 130th anniversary at UW–Madison. Music has been a feature at the university in some form since 1848, but it wasn’t until 1895 that the School of Music became an official department on campus. Since then, the school has become a hub of creativity, scholarship, performance, collaboration, and innovation.

The School of Music has a 130-year tradition of artistic excellence, now serving as a destination comprehensive music program in higher education, especially in the greater Midwest. Our traditions are strong–the Pro Arte String Quartet was the first string quartet in residence at a university in the United States, Gunnar Johanssen was the first solo artist in residence, the Wisconsin Brass Quintet and Wingra Woodwind Quintet are both celebrating long histories of performance and outreach. Many School of Music alumni go on to have successful and prominent careers in higher education, performing, composing, music education, and arts leadership.

Join us for an official 130th anniversary celebration at our annual Panorama concert on January 31, 2026. In addition to showcasing the work that goes on at the School of Music, the Panorama concert this year will recognize distinguished alumni. Tickets to Panorama are on sale October 6.