Outreach
We offer multiple opportunities for music students, educators, and the public to experience music.
Community Music Lessons
The Community Music Lessons (CML) program is managed by School of Music to provide our students with valuable experience teaching applied music lessons for children and adults. Lessons are provided by undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the School of Music who are overseen by individual faculty members, an experienced graduate coordinator, and a staff supervisor. Lessons are taught on campus in the Humanities Building.
Educational clinics
Each year, the School of Music brings ensembles to the Hamel Music Center for an engaging, high-impact clinic experience led by our expert faculty. Each visit is designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate your ensemble through a dynamic, hands-on rehearsal, with the option to incorporate a variety of specialized workshops tailored to your group’s goals.
How to apply
Contact meo@music.wisc.edu to request your clinic. Include your program, number and type of ensembles, approximate number of students in each ensemble, and preferred dates and times.
Cost
The standard clinic fee is $500 per ensemble. If cost presents a barrier, please contact us to discuss available options.
All clinic agreements contain a Certificate of Insurance liability requirement as well as a “1 adult chaperone for every 18 students” requirement.
Faculty ensemble & faculty visits
Our faculty ensembles travel throughout Wisconsin to visit high schools, colleges, and concert halls, working with young musicians and performing for local concert series patrons. Our faculty ensembles continue to expand its involvement with Wisconsin communities by providing mentoring, educational leadership, and training opportunities to students of all ages and backgrounds.
Contact meo@music.wisc.edu to learn more.
Chamber ensemble coaching
Private coaching of small chamber ensembles can be most beneficial when preparing for an upcoming performance. The faculty ensemble will split up so that one individual will coach one ensemble. Coaches will discuss specific techniques, performance practices, and develop musical ideas with the ensemble. All levels are welcome.
Collaborative performance
The ensemble will rehearse with and prepare work(s) to be performed alongside a student ensemble. Side-by-side performances typically take one to two rehearsals. Repertoire varies depending on ensemble and ability level of collaborators.
Community recitals
Whether in an elementary classroom or a concert hall, audiences are sure to enjoy a recital by any of our faculty ensembles. Concerts range from 40 to 90 minutes in length and are comprised of engaging selections from a diverse classical repertoire for strings, winds, or brass. In community recitals, program selections are accompanied by an accessible presentation of musical and historical context, as well as insight into the ensemble’s unique approach to performance.
Open rehearsal
Members of the ensemble will lead auditors through a public rehearsal of current repertoire. Repertoire for the class will be chosen by the ensemble. Questions from the audience will be addressed throughout the rehearsal.
Performance class
In this workshop offering, members from the ensemble will listen to solo or small ensemble performances and offer comments and suggestions. Groups of any instrumentation playing music from any era are welcome! Students and/or public audiences are invited to observe.
Instrument days
We offer Single Reed Day, Double Reed Day, and other specific instrument days throughout the year for students of various abilities. Instrument days give students a chance to work with our faculty and perform in our concert hall.
Summer Music Clinic
A partnership between Summer Music Clinic and the School of Music, Summer Music Clinic is a week-long music camp with sessions for both middle and high school students.
Summer Music Clinic offers the opportunity to learn from experienced educators around the country and UW–Madison, meet and collaborate with people of similar interests, create, and share and grow your own unique creative and musical voice with others.
Open House
We participate in Experience Wisconsin Open House each year. This is an opportunity for prospective students to explore musical pathways, tour our facilities, and learn about our undergraduate/graduate programs, ensembles, and student life.
Mini Clinics & Teacher Retreats
Mini Band, Mini Orchestra, Mini Choir
Students in grades 9–12 and/or music educators of all levels and experiences are invited to join us on the UW–Madison campus for a challenging, fast-paced day of musical growth and connection. Designed to supplement students’ school, community or individual music experience, Mini Music Clinics serve to enhance music education through large and small group learning from UW–Madison faculty and graduate students and renowned educators from across the country. Learn more at
Jazz Badgers
Our Jazz Badgers program offers an auditioned small-group jazz experience for high school instrumentalists in grades 9 through 12 enrolled in a Wisconsin high school jazz ensemble. Led by School of Music jazz faculty, the day includes rehearsals leading up to a final performance for selected jazz ensembles.
Music conferences
The School of Music regularly attends the Wisconsin State Music Conference, as well as conferences in Minnesota, Illinois, and more. Stop by our booth to hello and experience our VR head set.
Sample lessons
Our faculty will occasionally offer sample lessons based on availability. Contact a faculty member you are interested in having a sample lesson with.