What you'll learn studying Music at UW-Platteville
If you love music and think you want to take it to a professional level, whether it be performing, conducting, producing, or teaching, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is the place for you to develop your talent and ability. In this program, you will gain a thorough understanding of the elements and history of music, discover related business or arts applications for music, and learn to teach music, with a bachelor’s degree in music offered through UW-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visual Arts. You can major in choral or instrumental music education, performance or follow a pre-professional music therapy curriculum. You’ll also have the opportunity to rehearse and conduct a university ensemble within the music program.
As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music, our music university program provides numerous opportunities for performing, such as band, choir, and ensemble. We serve the student body and region as a cultural resource by providing general courses for all students and specialized courses leading to those occupations requiring musical expertise. Recognizing that cultural/aesthetic enrichment is a vital part of university life, our goal is to provide high-quality instructional experiences through performances by faculty, guest artists, and student performing organizations.
Program objectives are to provide you with the opportunity to:
- Combine a music major with other related fields such as business or psychology.
- Develop your talent and ability as a musician.
- Become a teacher of music.
- Combine a music major with business or related arts courses.
- Develop a thorough understanding of the elements of music and its historic considerations.
- Participate in performing organizations.
This music degree program offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in music with the following emphasis areas:
- Music Education with Choral emphasis
- Music Education with Instrumental emphasis
- Vocal or Instrumental Performance
Additionally, the music department has instruments available to rent on a semester-to-semester basis. You can arrange rentals through the music office, 180 Doudna Hall. Lesson fees are built into the music course price you will pay with your tuition. However, please be advised, you will incur an out-of-pocket cost for an accompanist, which varies in price depending on the accompanist.
One of the biggest advantages as a music student at UW-Platteville is the opportunity to be involved in numerous ensembles. Participation and experience in many different musical atmospheres augment your own abilities and education.
-Emma Jones, Instrumental and Choral Music Education
Get involved
At UW-Platteville, we offer exciting ways for you to get involved, get feedback, and refine your technique and performance skills. Our master class and studio classes will be taken in conjunction with your applied instrument and happen in both vocal and instrumental studios. When taking applied lessons, you will be encouraged to participate in these sessions.
The studio music class is designed to provide the opportunity for you to perform for your studio and receive feedback from your peers and instructor. Studio class time is also often used to present guest lectures and appearances from touring and regional artists. Master class is designed for you to perform and get critiques from master performers. Both class types will prove critical to your future career success.
Careers in Music
Studying music in college can open the door to a range of exciting career opportunities. Students with a passion for music performance often choose to pursue performing arts careers. You can also turn your enjoyment of a music production course into a career that focuses more on the behind-the-scenes side of the industry.
With a degree in music, our graduates are prepared for careers in teaching, performing, instrument repair and sales, administration, and more. Some of the many opportunities UW-Platteville graduates have pursued include:
- Accompanist
- Arranger
- Audio producer
- Composer
- Conductor
- Entertainer
- Event coordinator
- Film scoring professional
- Instrument maintenance/repair technician
- Lyricist
- Music agent
- Music director for a school or religious organization
- Music historian
- Music producer/designer
- Music teacher
- Music therapist
- Musical theatre performer
- Pit orchestra musician
- Public relations assistant
- School band director
- Song producer
- Songwriter
- Sound editing engineer
- Studio manager
- Theatre manager
- Vocal coach
Because of the wide range of job opportunities in the music industry, you could choose a career working for public or private schools, corporations of all sizes, or take the entrepreneurship path and work for yourself. The opportunities to work in the music industry are numerous, and can provide deep satisfaction that comes from working in a field that combines your passion and skills.
Pre-college prep for majoring in Music
If you are interested in majoring in music in college, while in high school, the most helpful pre-college preparation for your future major would be to participate in a high school music organization. In addition, we recommend training privately with a specialist and taking piano lessons, if possible.
We encourage all potential music majors to take advantage of music theory and history classes, as well. We highly encourage reviewing our faculty list and reaching out to the faculty specializing in your instrument of choice. We’re happy to share our thoughts on preparing for success as a music major or minor at UW-Platteville.
Discover by doing
Whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music or a minor, you will have numerous opportunities to learn both inside and outside of the classroom. UW-Platteville students can take advantage of opportunities to do research projects, internships, and university events—all designed to help bridge the college experience to your future career, and prepare you for success.
