https://www.uwplatt.edu/department/music

Department Chair: Greg Nelson
Office: 104 Art Building
Phone: 608.342.1442
E-mail: nelsogr@uwplatt.edu

About the Music Program and Major

The UW-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts music program is designed to promote performance of music, the study of musical structure and form, and knowledge of the history of music, as well as the teaching of music. As one of the principal fine arts, music is an art that deals with both intellect and emotion and directly communicates to the listener. Performance opportunities exist that help provide a rich cultural life for the campus, community, and region.

Programs of music study leading to a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree with and without music education certification are offered in the College of Liberal Arts and Education. Students who plan to teach at the elementary, middle school, or secondary level may choose either an instrumental or choral emphasis within the State of Wisconsin's music certification program (see advisors in the music unit of the Department of Performing and Visual Arts). Other degree emphases are available in piano, instrumental music and vocal music. 

Music education majors complete the College of LAE general requirements, the School of Education proficiency requirements, the basic core curriculum for music majors, and depth courses in music.

All students intending to become licensed teachers must satisfy the requirements outlined in the teacher licensure section listed under School of Education.

The UW-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts/Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

A degree in music may lead to a career in traditional areas such as teaching, performing, composing and arranging, or may lead to entrepreneurial connections to private teaching, instrument repair, sales, music publishing, or music administration.

The music area at UW-Platteville is designed to provide a variety of musical experiences and training. Close contact with faculty and modern facilities such as acoustically designed concert rehearsal and concert halls in the Center for the Arts are important features at UW-Platteville.

The music unit of the UW-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts serves the student body and region as a cultural resource by providing general courses for all students, and specialized courses leading to those occupations requiring musical expertise. Recognizing that culturally aesthetic enrichment is a vital part of university life, a goal of the music unit is to provide high quality instructional experiences through performances by guest and faculty artists, and student performing organizations.

Students of all academic disciplines are encouraged to participate in a music organization--participation in three semesters of the same type of major ensemble (e.g. mixed choir, jazz ensemble, concert band or orchestra) will fulfill the Fine Arts requirement in the student's general education requirements.

General Requirements Bachelor of Science Degree

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Total for graduation		120
General education		44-58
Music courses		56-72
Professional education courses (music majors only)		28

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Students who wish to receive a Bachelor of Arts instead of a Bachelor of Science must:

1. Declare their intention of doing so
2. Meet the requirements for a B.A.

Mission Statement Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Music Education

The music program at UW-Platteville is dedicated to high quality instruction in curricula emphasizing music theory, history, and performance. The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in music education curricula are constructed to provide students with the fundamental background and specialized knowledge needed for analysis, understanding, performance, and teaching of music. We seek to assist in preparing students with the knowledge and skills to be successful music educators.

Goals for Program Graduates

1. Develop conceptual understanding of music theory and music history, as these areas of music study form the basis for listening, composing, and performing
2. Develop competence in music performance
3. Demonstrate potential to effectively communicate knowledge about music and music making to elementary, middle level, and secondary school students
4. Learn how to make informed decisions about appropriate curricula for elementary, middle level, and secondary school students
5. Be conversant with the National and State Standards for Music Education in preparation for a career as a music educator

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Mission Statement

The music program at UW-Platteville is dedicated to high quality instruction in curricula emphasizing music theory, history, and performance. The Bachelor of Arts in music curriculum is constructed to provide students with the fundamental background and specialized knowledge needed for analysis, understanding, performance, and teaching of music. The program provides the broad knowledge in music to prepare students for graduate study in music.

Goals for Program Graduates

1. Develop conceptual understanding of music theory and music history, as these areas of music study form the basis for listening, composing, and performing
2. Develop competence in music performance

Departmental Policies

A grade of “C” or better is required for music majors to receive credit in all music courses. The performing organization requirements may be fulfilled only through Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, University Band, Jazz Ensemble I, Pioneer Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Concert Choir, University Singers, and Chamber Choir.

Instrumental music education majors must participate in Marching Band for a minimum of 3 credits. Any student receiving applied instruction must also be enrolled in an ensemble listed above using the same instrument or voice as their private instruction.

Courses Offered

Applied Music

Private instruction in voice, piano, and orchestra and band instruments. During each semester of enrollment, applied students must be concurrently enrolled in Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, University Band, Jazz Ensemble I, Pioneer Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Concert Choir, University Singers or Chamber Choir, where they will be required to perform on their primary instrument of applied study. Exception--pianists are still required to participate in one of the ensembles listed immediately above, but on a secondary instrument of their selection. One half-hour lesson per week per credit. There are no applied music fees above the regular tuition charge, but special course fees may apply. Lesson times and instructors to be arranged.

Prerequisites for MUAP 3010, MUAP 3110, MUAP 4010, MUAP 4110

Successful completion of the Music Upper Divisional Examination.

(Any student who fails to successfully complete the Music Upper Divisional Examination will be administratively dropped from the appropriate classes).

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
MUAP 1010	First Semester Lessons	1
MUAP 1110	Second Semester Lessons	1
MUAP 2010	Third Semester Lessons	1
MUAP 2110	Fourth Semester Lessons	1
MUAP 3010	Fifth Semester Lessons	2
MUAP 3110	Sixth Semester Lessons	2
MUAP 4010	Seventh Semester Lessons	1
MUAP 4110	Eighth Semester Lessons	2
MUAP 4910	Recital Semester	1

Section A - Piano
Section B - Voice
Section C - Flute
Section D - Oboe
Section E - Clarinet
Section F - Saxophone
Section G - Bassoon
Section H - Trumpet
Section I - Horn
Section J - Trombone
Section K - Euphonium
Section L - Tuba
Section M - Violin
Section N - Viola
Section O - Cello
Section P - String Bass
Section Q - Percussion
Section R - Jazz String Bass
Section S - Jazz Piano
Section T - Jazz Trombone
Section U - Jazz Trumpet

Majors

• Music Major, B.A.
  • Instrumental Music Emphasis
  • Vocal Music Emphasis
  • Piano Emphasis
  • Choral Music Education Emphasis–K-12
  • Instrumental Music Education Emphasis–K-12
• Music Major, B.S.
  • Instrumental Music Emphasis
  • Vocal Music Emphasis
  • Piano Emphasis
  • Choral Music Education Emphasis–K-12
  • Instrumental Music Education Emphasis–K-12

Minor

• Music Minor

Four-Year Plans

• Music Major with Instrumental Music Emphasis, Four-Year Plan
• Music Major with Vocal Music Emphasis, Four-Year Plan
• Music Major with Piano Emphasis, Four-Year Plan
• Music Major with Choral Music Education Emphasis–K-12, Four-Year Plan
• Music Major with Instrumental Music Education Emphasis–K-12, Four-Year Plan

Faculty and Lecturers

Additional information about the Faculty and Lecturers below may be found in the Faculty and Academic Staff section of this catalog.