Music
Turn your passion for music into a rewarding career with a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. As one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the region, we offer countless opportunities for learning and professional growth.
Join in the Music at UWEC
Participate in one of the largest marching bands in the country, join one of our many student organizations, sing in an a cappella group, study abroad, conduct music-related research alongside a faculty member, or help run one of the biggest jazz festivals in the nation. With over 200 performances each year, you have plenty of chances to perform, experience new things, expand your network, and build your resume.
The renowned program was designed for students who have a strong interest in music but would like to combine it with other passions. With this program, students explore another major, minor, or certificate in another area of study — from psychology to history to business. Many students pursuing a major in music and combine it with one of our recording arts or arts administration certificates.
No matter your path, here at UW-Eau Claire, you won't be just a number. Highly trained, student-focused faculty will help you to develop your musical skills and find your niche. Through unique projects and assignments, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of music. Dozens of guest artists who present to the department annually will offer special classes, masterclasses, and performance opportunities every year. And small class sizes allow for meaningful relationships and a more personalized education.
Program Details
Accreditation Information
All music degrees from UW-Eau Claire have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
The Eau Claire community welcomes UW-Eau Claire music students and invites them to become a part of the rich and vibrant music scene of Eau Claire. Here, you’ll have access to countless productions and on-stage experiences made possible thanks to our partnership with Pablo Center at the Confluence. Discover the Eau Claire Jazz Festival — the largest student-run festival in the nation — and the Viennese Ball, where music students like you provide the soundtrack to a night of Austrian specialties and Viennese waltzes.
At UW-Eau Claire, you will have opportunities to take on leadership roles in a number of productions, like the long-running and student-directed "Cabaret." Or help manage one of 20 student clubs and organizations dedicated to celebrating music, theatre, and dance. Whether it’s in the classroom, on stage, or on the football field with the Blugold Marching Band, the chance to explore music and all it has to offer is within your reach.
UWEC is home to four performance venues, six music classrooms, 36 practice rooms, an audio recording studio, a music technology lab, a digital piano lab and several rehearsal rooms. We are also proud to partner with the Eau Claire community's newest performance venue, Pablo Center at the Confluence. This state-of-the-art facility hosts many UWEC classes, rehearsals, and performances.
Music majors regularly have the chance to travel domestically and internationally to interact and perform with other musicians. All of the major ensembles tour in the region annually and recent international trips have included performances in Australia, Singapore, Portugal, and Italy.
Blugold Stories
From the professors who teach you to the students who work alongside you, a love for music is not hard to find when you’re at UW-Eau Claire. And that love isn't just isolated to our campus. Eau Claire is nationally recognized for its abundance of music festivals, events and venues.
UWEC was the only college I applied to. I just knew I was going here. I knew the music program was really good because my high school would go to Jazz Fest every year. And that just kind of hooked me. I love the whole environment of everyone just loving music and getting deep into it.
With encouragement and guidance from his professors, Elijah Vanderpoel was able to find a major and career path he loved. Now he is using the skills he's learned in the classroom on stage, performing a music genre he's grown to love: opera.
I can’t fully put into words how to describe the community in the music department. The people there are so driven. We all spend so much time working together and relying on each other that you get to know everyone. It’s a community and an environment that is just really positive.
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Where can the music program lead me after graduation?
UW-Eau Claire's music majors are experiencing success all over the world. Graduates go on to work for music schools, perform with renowned orchestras or start their own businesses. Having an extensive, well-rounded liberal education provides you with the flexibility to pick your own career path.
Example Careers
- Music instructor
- Music performer
- Songwriter
- Musician
- Professor
- Music therapist
- Community arts worker
- Music festivals director
- Worship leader
- Recording artist
Recent Graduates
Percussion Instructor
Eau Claire Music School
Wisconsin
Piano Instructor
Maestro Makers
Wisconsin
Administrative Assistant
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Wisconsin
Freelance Musician and Instructor
Wyoming
Music Therapist
Colorado
Instructor
Eau Claire Music School
Wisconsin
Being a part of UW-Eau Claire’s first-rate music program will give you the experience — and confidence — needed to tackle your future endeavors. A required minor or certificate in another area of study allows you to explore other passions and opens doors to even more career paths. Pair your music major with a major in theatre arts, a minor in business or a certificate in arts administration or the recording arts.
Here are a few courses in Music at UW-Eau Claire.
MUSI 227
Music History & Society I
Development of European classical music to 1700 with comparative music examples from folk, popular, and jazz traditions.
MUSI 305
Analyzing Global Traditions in Music
Addresses musical cultures from around the world through broad cultural and specific technical perspectives. Comparisons are made to Western musical practices.
MUSI 350
Conducting
A basic course in fundamental, practical skills of baton and rehearsal techniques for both instrumental and choral music.
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