Music
If music be the food of love, play on! The greatest playwright of all time knew the significance of music to the human story.
Today, we understand the deeper value of music. The talents of musicians are used in countless ways, from entertaining an audience with a live performance to invoking emotion in film and other media. Music is positively therapeutic, and accomplished musicians are vital and needed in all areas of the profession.
Music Major
Members of the Parkside music faculty know the thrill of live performances. They are experienced performers, teachers, and researchers and are dedicated to helping you explore your love of music and discovering the best career path.
Whether your passion is singing, playing an orchestral string instrument, band instrument, classical guitar, or jazz, there’s an ensemble for you. As a music student (full and part time) you will become a member of an ensemble, where you’ll benefit from growth and creativity sparked by playing with your peers, led by professionals.
Learn more about the Music Department at Parkside.
Concentrations
You’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with any of the following concentrations. Whichever concentration you choose, you can count on personal and individualized attention by dedicated, first-class educators who are also first-class musicians.
Music Education
Gain real-world experience through teaching in a variety of settings – our music education graduates get hired! Be part of a community of music educator-performers through participating in ensembles, joining the National Association for Music Education Collegiate Chapter, and participating in state conferences. Learn contemporary approaches to music teaching and learning to best connect with your future students.
Jazz Studies
Jazz Week: 5 nights of performances and masterclasses featuring internationally recognized Jazz artists! Perform at off-campus events–for pay! Features an in-depth curriculum focusing on the development of the skills required to launch a successful career in today’s musical market.
Contemporary Commercial Music
Attend one of the only Contemporary Commercial Music programs offered in the country. Immerse in pedagogically-sound training and demonstrate sound engineering competencies. Perform contemporary styles that prepare for a modern musical career.
Performance
Study repertoire that prepares you for graduate studies and entry into a performing career. Learn pedagogically sound techniques from dedicated teaching artists. Perform two required solo recitals and participate in varied ensemble experiences in beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities.
Build a degree that aligns with your interests and career goals while staying connected to a vibrant community of musicians. Ideal for students interested in double majoring, this pathway provides a broad foundation in liberal studies and may lead to graduate study in areas like music history or ethnomusicology.
Exclusive Music Scholarships
covering up to 100% of in-state tuition!
Music students have access to some of UW-Parkside’s best scholarships, including some renewable up to four years!
Scholarships are available to music majors, minors, and ensemble members. The Music Department makes scholarship awards in amounts that are competitive, allowing you to focus on what you love most: making music.
Your first step to qualifying for a scholarship is being admitted to Parkside.
Auditions are required for entry into the Music major and minor. The Music Department is inviting prospective Music majors (and minors) to submit video auditions. Students who would prefer to audition live, in-person on the UW-Parkside campus may do so.
You’ll gain valuable experience as a music major by playing alongside your peers with expert guidance by acclaimed faculty.
As a music major at Parkside, you’ll benefit from:
- Personal and individual attention by a faculty of dedicated, first-class musicians and educators
- Career oriented curriculum
- Unique Music Education Program (all courses in music)
- Performance opportunities with over 60 concerts per academic year
- Professional experience by guest artists and master classes
- State of the art facilities
- Large ensembles open to all campus students
Career opportunities for teaching music include instruction at the elementary, secondary, and university levels and independently with the opportunity to establish privately owned music studios. Many musicians who perform professionally can do so on a part-time basis opening up fields beyond teaching and performing.
Opportunities exist in many related areas such as music publishing, radio and television, arts management, recording engineering, and various other aspects of the music industry.
See what our students have to say.
Program Contact Info
Laura Rexroth | rexroth@uwp.edu
