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String Area

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VIOLIN | VIOLA | CELLO | BASS | GUITAR

Intro

The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire’s Music and Theatre Arts Department has a proud tradition of excellence in string performance. As an undergraduate-only program, we are dedicated to providing personalized attention and meaningful experiences for our students. Our string community is woven together by close-knit relationships and one-on-one mentorship from talented faculty.

Whether you are pursuing a major or minor in music or just following a passion, ALL Blugolds are welcome to audition for and participate in the opportunities provided by the Music and Theatre Arts Department.

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PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTION

Our string faculty, who are active performers and supportive pedagogues, provide string students with weekly individual lessons where you'll prepare a variety of solo repertoire and perform frequently in a studio class of your colleagues. The string area supports a series each year with guest artists from across the country who perform and provide masterclasses for students.

Music is a well-established and beloved tradition at UW-Eau Claire, and our experienced faculty members are excited to help shape your musical knowledge and skills to pave your pathway to a rewarding career!

CAREER PREPARATION

Students are provided rare opportunities that encourage them to actively shape their careers while in school. Start building your professional network through our string faculty and their connections at every level of the industry. Explore the business side of performing by enrolling in our New York City Aspiring Artists Immersion Trip where you'll fly to NYC and meet with professionals in your specific field.

Recent graduates have gone on to serve as orchestra conductors and teachers, pursue degrees in top graduate programs, establish private music studios, perform professionally, and much more.

STRING AREA DEGREES

Turn your talent into a career with an Applied-Instrumental or Music Education bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire, a program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Designed for those aspiring to become performing artists or private studio instructors, the Applied Instrumental Music and Music Education degrees pair a rigorous curriculum with valuable, professional teaching and performance experiences.

Learn more about the Music, Applied Instrumental, Comprehensive Major

Learn more about the Music Education - Instrumental Emphasis, Comprehensive Major

Studying Guitar

Study under Dr. Felipe Vargas Magdaleno and gain a comprehensive, personalized guitar education. Whether your primary focus is classical, jazz, or contemporary styles, guitar students experience well-rounded curriculum that balances technical development, creative exploration, and practical musicianship. Guitar students participate in solo recitals, chamber music ensembles, jazz combos, classical guitar quartets, and large ensemble settings such as jazz bands.

Students playing in the Clearwater Recital Hall in Pablo Center

Eileen Phillips Cohen String Quartet

All four members of the Eileen Phillips Cohen String Quartet receive full in-state tuition for the academic year, and there is the potential for the scholarship to cover a full four-year degree. Financial need is not a consideration. The Quartet is coached regularly by UWEC string faculty, is featured at major departmental and university events, and provides regular recitals. The recipients of the scholarships are also expected to be leaders of the University Symphony Orchestra. The generosity of the L.E. Phillips Family Foundation has created an opportunity for music students through this scholarship rarely seen at the undergraduate level.

University Symphony Orchestra

The University Symphony Orchestra is a select ensemble of musicians consisting of both music major/minor and non-major string, wind, and percussion students. This ensemble performs extensive symphonic repertoire such as symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, Tchaikovsky, and Mahler, and works by Debussy, Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, and Wagner.

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University Symphony Orchestra

The orchestra's activities include performing a concert every spring and fall semester, and the annual Holiday Concert and Viennese Ball.

Student leans back while playing a saxophone on stage

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Jazz Ensembles & Combos

Bass and guitar players can enjoy many performance opportunities with our award-winning and nationally recognized Jazz Area.

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Production Orchestra Pits

Perform full-staged operas, musicals, and student-led variety shows. Recent Opera and musical productions have included 'Don Giovanni' by W. A. Mozart and the musical, 'Sweeney Todd' by Stephen Sondheim. Since 1978, Cabaret Productions has provided string students the opportunity to arrange and perform for an annual student-led variety show.

String students riverside under the walking bridge on campus

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Contemporary Ensemble

A rarity for the undergraduate music scene, students at UWEC have the unique opportunity to participate in the Contemporary Music Ensemble, which introduces students to a wide range of contemporary music from the 1920s to the present. Beyond compositions written in conventional notation, students are regularly introduced to other modern approaches, including graphic scores, electroacoustic genres and improvisation. This ensemble is also another excellent way to perform alongside your professors and gain pre-professional experience prior to graduation.

Tulio Rondon teaching student string quartet players.

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Faculty-Guided Ensembles

String players have plentiful string-exclusive ensembles to choose from including: Chamber and Baroque Orchestra, Electric Cello Quartet, Gamba Consort, and Blugold Quartet.

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Music and Theatre Arts Department

Haas Fine Arts Center 156
121 Water Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703
United States

715-836-4954

musicandtheatre@uwec.edu