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University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BM Music

Applied Instrumental

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Applied instrumental major known nationally for producing successful graduates, including Grammy Award winners

100% of graduates employed or continuing education (Career Services survey)

Training

Designed for aspiring performing artists and private studio instructors

Solo recitals, chamber music, ensemble concerts, and theatre pit opportunities

Ensembles from band and orchestra to jazz; Contemporary Music Ensemble performs alongside faculty

Concerto competitions and annual tours

Blugold Marching Band (BMB) is the largest and one of the most active marching bands in the Midwest

Jazz ensembles hold 2 Grammy nominations, 8 DownBeat awards, and 21 albums

Facilities

6 performance venues including Pablo Center at the Confluence (with recording studio and recital space)

40+ practice rooms, percussion and reed rooms, organ/harpsichord practice rooms, audio recording studio, music technology lab, digital piano lab

Study Abroad

International performance tours (Ireland, Singapore, Italy)

Annual NYC spring break immersion with masterclasses and professional shadowing

National Student Exchange and undergraduate research opportunities

School Info

Snapshot

3.56

Avg GPA (W)

82%

Admit Rate

school-wide

64%

Grad Rate

8.9K

Enrollment

$59K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$10,207

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$20,273

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$23,765

Before aid

Average Net Price

$16,550

After aid

Estimated Cost Attendance · uwec.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 5d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Applied instrumental major known nationally for producing successful graduates, including Grammy Award winners

100% of graduates employed or continuing education (Career Services survey)

Training

Designed for aspiring performing artists and private studio instructors

Solo recitals, chamber music, ensemble concerts, and theatre pit opportunities

Ensembles from band and orchestra to jazz; Contemporary Music Ensemble performs alongside faculty

Concerto competitions and annual tours

Blugold Marching Band (BMB) is the largest and one of the most active marching bands in the Midwest

Jazz ensembles hold 2 Grammy nominations, 8 DownBeat awards, and 21 albums

Facilities

6 performance venues including Pablo Center at the Confluence (with recording studio and recital space)

40+ practice rooms, percussion and reed rooms, organ/harpsichord practice rooms, audio recording studio, music technology lab, digital piano lab

Study Abroad

International performance tours (Ireland, Singapore, Italy)

Annual NYC spring break immersion with masterclasses and professional shadowing

National Student Exchange and undergraduate research opportunities

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Applied instrumental major known nationally for producing successful graduates, including Grammy Award winners

100% of graduates employed or continuing education (Career Services survey)

Training

Designed for aspiring performing artists and private studio instructors

Solo recitals, chamber music, ensemble concerts, and theatre pit opportunities

Ensembles from band and orchestra to jazz; Contemporary Music Ensemble performs alongside faculty

Concerto competitions and annual tours

Blugold Marching Band (BMB) is the largest and one of the most active marching bands in the Midwest

Jazz ensembles hold 2 Grammy nominations, 8 DownBeat awards, and 21 albums

Facilities

6 performance venues including Pablo Center at the Confluence (with recording studio and recital space)

40+ practice rooms, percussion and reed rooms, organ/harpsichord practice rooms, audio recording studio, music technology lab, digital piano lab

Study Abroad

International performance tours (Ireland, Singapore, Italy)

Annual NYC spring break immersion with masterclasses and professional shadowing

National Student Exchange and undergraduate research opportunities

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$25

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2027

Regular DecisionRolling

First Year Application · uwec.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Opens

Sep 15, 2026

Auditions

Audition Day (Wind, Brass & Percussion)Nov 7, 2026

Audition Day

Jan 20, 2027Feb 13, 2027Mar 6, 2027

Music And Theatre Arts Program Auditions · uwec.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire

Prepared solo repertoire is required for every instrument, and sight-reading is included in nearly all instrumental areas; specific selections vary by studio (see suggested repertoire by area on the audition page)

Piano: three prepared solos in a variety of styles, minimum one memorized (WSMA Class A level)

Strings: one to two contrasting pieces or movements (violin/viola three-octave scale; cello scale + etude + sonata/concerto movement; bass two contrasting pieces)

Guitar: two contrasting classical etudes/pieces; jazz applicants prepare one classical piece plus a jazz standard

Woodwinds: one or two contrasting prepared solos or movements (Class A level)

Brass: prepared solo(s) showing lyrical and technical ability, or two contrasting works/movements (Class A level)

Percussion: two prepared solos (first-years) on concert snare and keyboard/mallet percussion; an orchestral snare drum roll

Standard for all areas is the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) "Class A" State Contest list

Scales & Technique

Major scales required in most areas (typically two octaves; strings/saxophone require additional ranges)

Saxophone: major and harmonic minor scales up to 5 sharps/flats, full range

Percussion: major scales and arpeggios on xylophone or marimba

Accompaniment

Accompaniment is neither expected nor required for instrumental auditions; the department does not provide an accompanist for instrumentalists

You are welcome to bring your own accompanist

Letters of Recommendation

1 letter from a high school music director or appropriate music instructor

Submit the recommendation through the Gold for Blugolds audition application at least one week prior to audition date

Music And Theatre Arts Program Auditions · uwec.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to UW-Eau Claire via Common App or UW System portal

Activate your UWEC account after applying

Complete audition application via Gold for Blugolds

Online audition applications open September 15 each year

Registration closes two weeks prior to each audition date

You may audition before receiving university acceptance decision

University acceptance is required for final program admission

Placement Exams

Admitted students may take written theory, aural skills, and piano placement exams at orientation/audition day — for course placement only, not admission

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

In-person preferred; virtual option available for long-distance students (videos submitted via email)

Audition addresses three areas: admission, piano placement, and scholarship

Wind, brass, and percussion applicants may also audition on the November 7, 2026 early date

Check-in at Haas Fine Arts Center (121 Water Street, Eau Claire), typically 8:45-9:15 AM

Morning informational meeting with faculty and parent sessions

Warm-up rooms available after the morning meeting

Arrive near your audition room 5 minutes before your assigned time

Business casual attire recommended

Percussionists bring concert snare sticks, medium mallets, and timpani sticks; contact Dr. Crowell 5 days ahead for equipment

Piano Placement Exam

Students with any piano experience take a piano placement exam (in-person only) for course placement when piano is not the major instrument

Decisions

Scholarship and acceptance decisions announced following March auditions

Contact

Musthe53@uwec.edu or 715-836-4954

Scholarship Info

Departmental Scholarships

Close to $60,000 distributed to first-year students annually

All auditionees are automatically considered; no extra application required

Decisions announced with acceptance letters following final spring audition

School Info

Snapshot

3.56

Avg GPA (W)

82%

Admit Rate

school-wide

64%

Grad Rate

8.9K

Enrollment

$59K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$10,207

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$20,273

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$23,765

Before aid

Average Net Price

$16,550

After aid

Estimated Cost Attendance · uwec.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Applied instrumental major known nationally for producing successful graduates, including Grammy Award winners

100% of graduates employed or continuing education (Career Services survey)

Training

Designed for aspiring performing artists and private studio instructors

Solo recitals, chamber music, ensemble concerts, and theatre pit opportunities

Ensembles from band and orchestra to jazz; Contemporary Music Ensemble performs alongside faculty

Concerto competitions and annual tours

Blugold Marching Band (BMB) is the largest and one of the most active marching bands in the Midwest

Jazz ensembles hold 2 Grammy nominations, 8 DownBeat awards, and 21 albums

Facilities

6 performance venues including Pablo Center at the Confluence (with recording studio and recital space)

40+ practice rooms, percussion and reed rooms, organ/harpsichord practice rooms, audio recording studio, music technology lab, digital piano lab

Study Abroad

International performance tours (Ireland, Singapore, Italy)

Annual NYC spring break immersion with masterclasses and professional shadowing

National Student Exchange and undergraduate research opportunities

Updated 5d ago