Master of Music

The University of Wisconsin (UW) Madison Mead Witter School of Music composition area offers multi-faceted and comprehensive degrees in composition, with the opportunity to study with leading composers in the field. With multiple seminars in composition, including those offered on film music, text setting, and ensemble writing, and intensive orchestration courses, highlighted by the end of semester orchestral readings, there are many important and useful course offerings for composers.

Also, there is a myriad of opportunities for student composers to hear their works, including but not limited to guest artist readings, the UW-Madison Contemporary Chamber Ensemble (through the open call for student scores), composition area concerts, as well as area student recitals. Perhaps the most exciting opportunity available to student composers is the concerto competition, which allows one student composer, through a competitive process, to hear their work rehearsed and performed on a regular concert of the UW-Madison Symphony Orchestra. Also, several Mead Witter prizes for the student composer, such as the Mullen Prize for Sacred Music.

The Mead Witter School of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is proud of an outstanding international roster of faculty artists and scholars devoted to the School's fundamental mission of fostering and promoting music's global cultural art. Established in 1895, the School of Music also reflects the Wisconsin Idea of practical service to the state and its residents.

As one of the largest departments within the College of Letters & Science, the School of Music offers flexible programs with innovative and global music study approaches. Our teaching, research, and performances reflect the University’s progressive history of creating change through innovation and exploration.