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A student-centered education in the heart of UW–Madison

We are a community of musicians, scholars, and teachers. Since its beginning in 1895, the School of Music has lived out a commitment to a practical and enriching student-centered musical education. Our faculty and staff provide models of academic and artistic leadership, and our students reap the benefits of a dynamic public university and the limitless intellectual and artistic opportunities provided in Madison, Wisconsin.

What we look for in our applicants

Just like UW–Madison’s general admissions process, the School of Music has a holistic application review. While individual specialties may apply their own criteria, broadly speaking we are looking for qualities such as leadership, community engagement, and success in other areas, in addition to academic excellence and potential for growth and achievement in music. Pre-college musical opportunities and interests vary widely between individual applicants. Musical engagement and drive to excel may be evidenced by a wide range of qualifying experiences. We also consider personal background and potential to contribute to the School of Music community.

For auditions for entry in Spring 2026/Fall 2026, applicants have the option of either a remote or in-person audition. Please review the application/audition information below for additional important details.

Degree Offerings

Bachelor of Arts in Music*
Bachelor of Science in Music*
Bachelor of Music in Performance*
Bachelor of Music in Music Education

*Performance, Jazz Studies, and Composition options available

UW–Madison is awaiting approval for the new BA/BS Music Composition option and the new BA/BS Music Studies option by the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) before we are able to accept prospective F-1 students into this named option or issue a Form I-20 for this program. F-1 students may apply for other majors and options they have been admitted to in the School of Music, but cannot select the BA/BS Music: Composition option or the BA/BS Music Studies option until the program is approved. If you have questions please contact the School of Music Academic Advisor, Todd Reck at ugradadvisor@music.wisc.edu

Application Process

Students interested in admission to the School of Music apply both to the university and to the School of Music. Admission to the School of Music is contingent upon admission to UW-Madison, as well as passing an audition.

Our interview/audition dates for the 2025-26 school year are as follows:

Saturday, November 22, 2025
Application due 10/31/25

Saturday, January 31, 2026
Application due 12/31/25

Saturday, February 28, 2026
Application due 1/15/26

Important note: Auditions for entry in Spring 2026/Fall 2026 will be HYBRID (your choice of remote or in-person) for all audition areas. You must choose one audition modality: either a remote audition or a live audition. You cannot do both. We ask that applicants please keep their schedule clear all day on their audition day.

Note: Applicants who apply to the university by the Early Action deadline do not need to audition on Saturday, November 22. Early Action applicants can choose any audition day that they would like and the supplemental music application is due by the corresponding deadline for that audition date.

Applicants applying for Spring 2026 entry to the School of Music need to audition on November 22. Fall 2026 applicants can audition on the November, January, or February date (pick one).

Before you apply, review the application steps below. Auditions will be scheduled and admissions decisions will be made only when your application file is complete. You are applying to both UW–Madison and the School of Music. Admission to the School of Music is contingent upon admission to the university. You will need to apply to general admissions before submitting your School of Music application. Please be mindful of the university’s application deadlines.

Transfer applicants: We recommend that transfer applicants apply within the university’s Fall Priority Decision deadline (applying between December 1 and February 1), rather than applying within the university’s Fall Regular Decision deadline. Please click here for additional information.

Also, keep in mind that the general admissions procedure and the School of Music application/audition process are separate but concurrent processes. The School of Music evaluates prospective music majors on the basis of their application and audition, but UW–Madison Admissions has its own requirements and deadlines.

If you have questions about the application and audition process, please contact undergraduate admissions coordinator Jared Jellison at admissions@music.wisc.edu or at 608.263.5986.

Please note, we do not offer minors or certificates in Music.

1. Apply online to UW-Madison

The UW-Madison application is available starting on August 1 (freshmen applicants may also apply to the university via the Common App; there is no preference for which application you choose to complete). Apply early and make sure all requested materials are received by their deadline. The School of Music is accepting applications from September 2 until January 15.

Please note that you do not have to wait until you have been formally admitted to UW-Madison to apply to the School of Music. A campus ID number will be sent to you via email 1-2 days after submitting the online UW-Madison application. During times of heavy application volume, it can take up to five business days to receive your campus ID number. Please be mindful of the Office of Admissions’ application deadlines. Once you have received this number, and have received your UW-Madison NetID, you can move on to step 2.

2. Apply to the School of Music

Please submit the following materials:

1. School of Music Application
Apply to the School of Music after completing your UW-Madison application and after you have activated your net id and password. (You can apply to the School of Music prior to being admitted to UW-Madison.) Log in to the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub known as WiSH. Complete the General Application and answer question number 8, “Are you a current or incoming undergraduate student interested in majoring in Music?” with “Yes” and you will be matched to the application. Please review the School of Music links and application questions before completing your answers.

We recommend saving your work using the “Save and Keep Editing” button at the bottom of your application as you go to ensure that you don’t get timed out before your answers can be saved.

In addition, after submitting your music application, we recommend logging out of WiSH and then logging back in to check that your music application was properly submitted.

Note: It is possible to edit your music application after you submit it. If you edit your music application after receiving your confirmation email from the School of Music, please email admissions@music.wisc.edu to make note of any changes.

2. Two recommendation letters
Applicants to the Mead Witter School of Music are asked to provide two letters of recommendation (to be written by current/former music teachers/educators/conductors). Please input a name and email address for both of your recommenders in the School of Music WiSH application. Note: music recommendation letters do not need to be received by your application deadline date, but you must submit the name and email address for two recommenders when you submit your music application. Music recommendation letters must be received before your audition date. (If your recommender would prefer to submit a physical letter of recommendation via mail, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator, Jared Jellison, at admissions@music.wisc.edu for additional instructions.)

3. A music resume
Applicants to the Mead Witter School of Music are asked to submit a music resume when they apply. A music resume is a document created in the format of your choosing that lists all of your important musical accomplishments. You will be asked to upload your music resume when you complete the School of Music application. Please attach your music resume in .doc or .pdf format.

4. Additional notes

Voice: Vocal applicants requesting a live audition may use our accompanist on their audition date. To use an on-campus accompanist, please send clear, clean scans of your sheet music as a PDF to admissions@music.wisc.edu no later than one week before your audition date.

Composition: Composition applicants are required to submit a composition portfolio for review. Please be sure to view all portfolio requirements on the Composition Area page.

Jazz: Please submit PDFs of the sheet music for all of your audition pieces to admissions@music.wisc.edu

Pre-screening: None of the instrument areas, with the exception of Jazz, require pre-screening materials.

Music supplement: You do not need to attach a music supplement to your general UW–Madison application. All requested music materials are encompassed within the music application.

Once your application is received, you will receive an email confirmation within 1-2 weeks. Once your audition has been scheduled, you will receive another email with audition day details.

3. Complete an audition

You will indicate your desired audition date in your School of Music application (see above).

The School of Music will notify you of your specific audition/interview time at least one week preceding the date you have chosen on your application. Until that time, please plan to be available all day.

Instrument Area	Audition Repertoire	Audition Procedure
BRASS	Click here to view the required audition repertoire.	Click here to learn about the Brass Area’s audition procedures.
KEYBOARD	Click here to view the required audition repertoire.	Click here for the Keyboard audition procedures for the 2025-26 application cycle.
STRINGS	Click here to view the required audition repertoire.	Click here for the Strings audition procedures for the 2025-26 application cycle.
VOICE	Click here to view the required audition repertoire.	Click here for the Voice audition procedures for the 2025-26 application cycle.
WOODWINDS	Click here to view the required audition repertoire.	Click here for the Woodwind audition procedures for the 2025-26 application cycle.
PERCUSSION	Click here to view the required audition repertoire. (Listed at the bottom of the page.)	Click here for the Percussion audition procedures for the 2025-26 application cycle.
JAZZ	Click here to view the required audition repertoire.	Click here for Jazz audition procedures for the 2025-26 application cycle.

* Please note, instrument areas will not review an applicant’s recorded audition until after they have submitted their music application, music resume, and two letters of recommendation according to the posted instructions.

** Composition applicants, the portfolio submission process will remain the same as in previous years, although materials can be submitted online (via Google Drive) rather than through the mail. Composition files can be shared with the main Music admissions email address (admissions@music.wisc.edu) on Google Drive. Click here for the Composition area page.

***Accessibility: In an effort to foster accessibility, we encourage you to comment on your access needs and/or share any accommodations that may help ensure a meaningful audition experience. We cannot guarantee accommodations and some accommodations may necessitate documentation from applicants.

****Audition Repertoire: We welcome applicants to present a repertoire that highlights their musical strengths and identities. To this end, we encourage applicants to select from wide-ranging musical approaches. Show us who you are as a musician. If you wish to discuss your selected repertoire with us, please email your prospective professor.

4. Next steps

Students interested in admission to the School of Music need to apply to both the university and to the School of Music. Admission to the School of Music is contingent upon admission to UW-Madison. That is to say, applicants need to complete and pass an audition for their instrument area and they need to be admitted to the university by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment to enroll as a music student at UW-Madison. New music students have one more optional task to complete prior to starting their musical studies:

Audition for piano proficiency

Piano proficiency auditions take place at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

Note: Not applicable to piano majors.

Some level of piano proficiency is expected in every music degree program. If you have had previous piano instruction, you are encouraged to sign up for a piano placement test. Students who can may play a piece of their choice. Music does not need to be memorized. We recommend that students practice piano over the summer in preparation for piano placement in the fall. Students who have never taken piano lessons are encouraged to begin lessons over the summer if at all possible. Please review the two documents below to learn more about the piano proficiency tests.

Piano Proficiency Testing

Please note that your performance on the piano proficiency exam has no bearing on whether or not you are admitted to the School of Music. This test is used for placement purposes upon enrollment.

Undergraduate Double Majors

Student-centered programs are a hallmark of a School of Music education. And increasingly, multiple or double majors are ways that students combine and build upon their interests in music and anything else a large, research university has to offer.

Currently almost a third of our majors combine their music major with another major—and sometimes even two other majors. The combinations are as individual as the students themselves. We encourage this kind of expansive thinking, and our undergraduate adviser works closely with students to make their interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary training a reality.

Multiple Majors for a B.A. or B.S. Degree

Our unique position within the College of Letters & Science (L&S) makes it easier for a student to achieve a double major. Because of the many schools and departments within L&S, students have a wide array of choices and options within the degree programs. With multiple majors, a student can pursue individual interests and follow a course of study leading to many options for graduate work and career opportunities. To view a complete list of the departments, majors, and programs in L&S, click here.

A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Degree with two majors can be a four-year program totaling 120 degree credits. Courses in each major would usually consist of 40 credits, while breadth requirements and electives outside the majors comprise the remaining credits.

In music, the BA/BS and the Bachelor of Music differ in the number of total credits required. The BM, a professional degree in music, consists of 130 credits of which 90 are music courses. The BA/BS liberal arts degree with a major in music consists of 120 credits of which 40 or more credits are music. It does not include some of the more advanced music courses or the music elective credits available in the BM curriculum. However, many of our BS/BA music majors have continued in graduate music studies after completing their undergraduate degree.

With the appropriate second major, a student may do the requirements necessary for Pre-Med and Pre-Law. Any student wishing to take a double major should seek advice from each department as early as possible.

Double Majors with a Professional Degree

If a student wishes to attain a degree in Engineering, Business, Nursing or Agriculture with a music major, it is necessary first to be accepted by the School of Music, then to obtain permission from the appropriate College to complete a second major in the College of Letters & Science. Students will work toward the degree in their professional area while fulfilling the 40-credit requirement for a Letters & Science Music major (BA/BS). Courses in the second major will be reflected on the transcript not the diploma.

To shorten the time working toward a degree, students have several options:

a) with sufficient high school work in math or foreign language, one can gain retroactive credits that will count toward one’s degree.
b) upon evaluation, UW-Madison will accept up to 90 transfer credits counting toward the degree.
c) students may take course work during the summers at the UW-Madison campus.

Consult the College of Letters & Science for specific information about degree programs. You may also contact the School of Music for information on combining a music major with a second major in the College of Letters in Science. For questions on combining L&S majors outside of music, contact L&S at 608.262.2644.

Admissions FAQ

What is a music resume?

A music resume is a document created in the format of your choosing that lists all of your pertinent musical accomplishments. You can arrange this information however you like; it can be as simple as a list.

Do I have to submit a letter along with the recommendation form, or will just the recommendation form suffice?

We will take whatever you give us. Simply submitting the recommendation form will suffice for the recommendation letter requirement. Ideally all recommendation forms are accompanied by a separate letter of recommendation, but simply submitting the recommendation form will be sufficient.

How do I qualify for music scholarships?

All applicants who have auditioned for the School of Music, who have been admitted to the university by general admissions, and for whom we have a complete School of Music application file will be considered for a scholarship. No additional application is needed. Most scholarships are offered for a full four-year period and may range on a yearly basis from $500-$10,000. Music scholarships are only offered to prospective music majors. Students completing music alongside an additional major still qualify for music scholarships. For more information on music scholarships, please click here.

Does UW-Madison offer academic scholarships? What about financial aid?

All academic scholarships are handled outside the School of Music. To view all the academic scholarships, please click here. For information on financial aid, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at finaid@finaid.wisc.edu/608-262-3060. Please note that since academic scholarships and financial aid are handled outside the School of Music, the School of Music will not be able to assist you when applying for those programs.

Can I request an application fee waiver for the UW-Madison general application?

Application fee waivers are available for applicants with financial hardship. Eligible students can request a fee waiver as part of their application. If you did not request an application fee waiver at the time of application, but are eligible to have your fee waived, you may print the Application Fee Waiver Request Form and have your counselor/advisor submit it to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. If the College Board or ACT grant you a fee waiver, we will also accept it.

For assistance in requesting an application fee waiver, please contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at onwisconsin@admissions.wisc.edu or at 608.262.3961.

What costs are associated with being a School of Music student?

As you’re thinking of housing, tuition, and other costs associated with attending UW–Madison, also keep in mind that the School of Music charges facilities related fees. A full list of School of Music fees is available here.

Student support

Students are the foundation of every university. We are committed to providing the support you need to help you succeed. Below are a number of helpful resources and links to get you started.

Undergraduate Tuition, Scholarships, Awards, & Financial Aid

1. Wisconsin makes financial sense

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a highly ranked, world-class university that offers a cost-competitive tuition. Music majors at Madison benefit from individual attention within the School of Music, and have access to the opportunities of a premier research institution.

We offer a reciprocal tuition relationship for Minnesota residents. To find out additional information about the Wisconsin-Minnesota Reciprocity Agreement, or to access current tuition information you can visit the Office of the Bursar webpage.

All prospective incoming undergraduates are considered for merit-based School of Music scholarships at the time of audition. Scholarships are offered to students who distinguish themselves as outstanding musicians through their musical backgrounds and by their audition performance, and who demonstrate outstanding potential for success in the music major at UW–Madison. Most scholarships are offered for a full four-year period and may range on a yearly basis from $500-$10,000.

Bucky’s Tuition Promise guarantees scholarships and grants to pay for tuition & segregated fees for students (Wisconsin residents) whose household adjusted gross income (AGI) is $56,000 or less. Incoming freshmen will receive eight (8) consecutive semesters (4 years) of free tuition & segregated fees and transfer students will receive four (4) semesters (2 years).

Learn about Summer Music Clinic Tuition Remission Scholarships.

2. To be eligible for School of Music scholarships

All applicants who have auditioned, who have been admitted to the university by general admissions, and for whom we have a complete School of Music application file will be considered for a scholarship. No additional application is needed.

Please see the School of Music Undergraduate Admissions page for our application and audition deadlines.

Most final decisions on scholarships will be made after the last audition in spring. Students are notified electronically after decisions are made.

3. Requirements for scholarship students

Participate in an appropriate School of Music performing organization. Pianists must enroll for accompanying.
Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00
Maintain satisfactory progress toward a music degree and complete a minimum of 12 credits per semester.

4. Other Financial Aid Resources

We highly recommend that students seek whatever scholarships or grants may be available through the UW-Madison Office of Student Financial Services. Please note that financial aid offers through UW Student Financial Services may be adjusted if a student receives a School of Music scholarship.

We also encourage students to conduct independent scholarship and award searches. The following sites may help:

Scholarships at UW

UW Alumni Scholarships

Advising

Undergraduate Advisor

Office: 3561G Humanities Building
Email: ugradadvisor@music.wisc.edu
Office phone: 608.263.1918

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 Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator Jared Jellison at admissions@music.wisc.edu or at 608.263.5986.

INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC ADVISING

Current music majors can schedule an appointment via Starfish, which can be accessed via your MyUW student portal. If uncertain how to use Starfish, see https://advising.wisc.edu/facstaff/starfish/starfish-student-resources/

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 School of Music undergraduates are interested in earning an additional major and/or certificate, and this is possible with careful planning each semester.

Advisors often can explain 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.

Counseling & Mental Health

Student support at UW-Madison reaches beyond finances. Our faculty and staff at the School of Music care deeply about their students. We understand that sometimes life gets tough, and students need someone to talk to. While we treat our students like family, we strongly encourage them to seek professional help through Counseling and Consultation Services. This on-campus resource is available for students, parents, faculty, and staff. C&CS offers face-to-face appointments, group counseling, as well as a 24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Services Hotline. No problem is too small, and mental health is vital for all of our students.

International Students

Information about UW-Madison admissions and assistance to international students:

Jobs and Gigs

Student Job Center

This university website lists dozens of jobs for students. https://jobcenter.wisc.edu/

SuccessWorks

SuccessWorks is a place where L&S students from all majors can explore their interests, connect with others who share their passions and develop skills they need to take their next steps toward success.

Hire a Musician

The School of Music maintains a blog for posting part-time job opportunities, as well as gigs in the area, and other professional development opportunities. We encourage students to take advantage of these postings to improve their resumes while earning a few extra dollars along the way.

Musician’s Health Resources

The Mead Witter School of Music offers a variety of resources for students. Both prevention and treatment of music-related injuries is important. Check this page for further information.

UW-Madison medical withdraw policy:
https://registrar.wisc.edu/medical-withdrawal/

Student Affairs Get Help Now:
https://students.wisc.edu/guides/get-help-now/

Students with Disabilities

ADA Compliant

The University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, including the School of Music facilities, is ADA compliant. If you are having trouble finding information you need, or would like to suggest a change to information you have found, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 608.263.7400.

Here are some other helpful resources for students with disabilities:

Disability Resource Guide
Instruction and Academic Services – The McBurney Disability Resource Center
All UW-Madison Libraries
Information Technology Resources
Employment Accommodations
Policies and Campus Compliance

Mead Witter School of Music

A student-centered education in the heart of UW–Madison

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