VALUES AND EDUCATIONAL PRIORITIES
At the Mead Witter School of Music
- we teach by example, offering participatory, mentor-driven education;
- we provide individualized instruction and flexible curricula that encourage students to find their own musical pathways;
- we foster musical excellence and high academic standards;
- our faculty exhibit the best of their respective fields, are deeply engaged in artistic scholarship and research, and are committed to teaching at all levels;
- we whole-heartedly embrace the Wisconsin Idea;
- we havecreated a dynamic educational community, part of a large and vibrant research university within a city that values and supports the arts.
The Mead Witter School of Music enriches students' educational experience by hosting guest artists and scholars for master classes, recitals, colloquia, seminars, and festivals. Its performing organizations and ensembles perform more than 350 recitals and concerts every year, making a significant contribution to the cultural life of the university and the wider Madison community. Facilities specifically designed for music study and performance offer excellent resources for students to pursue their interests.
In addition to a thriving undergraduate student body, B.M.: Music Education students have the advantage of working side-by-side with students in master's-level and doctoral-level music programs. Working collegially in class and studio, making music together on stage and off, and building professional relationships across program boundaries all enable the sharing of expertise, experience, and perspectives and add immeasurably to every student's development.
The music degree programs are demanding and require care in taking courses in the proper sequence. Graduation can be delayed if a course is not taken in the appropriate semester. Refer to the Requirements tab for details on the coursework and sequences of study in specific majors.
The Music Education Undergraduate Major
The undergraduate music education major consists of two certification programs:General and Instrumental Musicand General and Choral Music. Students choose one of the programs and will, upon completion, be certified toteach in two areas at the Early-Childhood-through-Adolescence level. Music Education is a program offered jointly by the School of Music and the School of Education. The Bachelor of Music: Education degree is conferred by the College of Letters & Science; teacher certification is earned through the School of Education.
The music education program was recently revised to:
- Award certification in two areas. Each graduate will receive certification in general music and also in vocal or instrumental music, thus increasing job marketability and better reflecting the current needs of K12 schools. Graduates are certified to teach in elementary and secondary schools.
- Explore the relationships between popular culture and music education. Graduates will be prepared to teach multiple forms of musical literacy, not just the traditional band, orchestra, and choral curriculum.
- Expand the number of musical styles studied in the curriculum. Students also participate in group performances that reflect the diverse array of musical activities in today's schools.
- Offer an introductory music education class to sophomores prior to admission into the program.
- Provide instruction and experiences so that graduates can teach in culturally responsive ways.
- Increase performance collaboration between students in the instrumental and vocal tracks.
- Create a more interdisciplinary program by requiring all music education students to complete a core set of courses.
Although these programs are designed with the goal of preparing teachers to work in K12 schools, the programs also provide a good preparation for individuals seeking careers in continuing education or music education-related fields.
The student's principal performance area should be consistent with the chosen certification program. One or more additional performance areas may be required. Prospective music education majors must audition and be accepted into any additional performance areas at the music major level (200 level) of performance study prior to beginning the methods and practicum sequence. Mead Witter School of Music cannot guarantee admission to additional performance areas, nor can it guarantee that appropriate substitute coursework will be available. During the time a student is enrolled in degree work, all performance study is expected to take place at UWMadison.

