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University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

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BM Music at University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire: Acceptance Rate & Admissions

University acceptance rate: 82%

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire's overall acceptance rate is 82%, reflecting university-wide academic admissions rather than program-level selectivity — admission to the BM Music program also requires an audition.

Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

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Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

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BM Music

Applied Instrumental

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Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

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BA/BS Theatre Arts

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No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

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BA/BS Musical Theatre

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Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

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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

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BM Music

Applied Voice

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

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In-Person or Virtual

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BM Music

Composition

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Prescreen RequiredScholarship AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

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BME Music Teaching

Choral Emphasis

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No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BME Music Teaching

Instrumental Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study AbroadPK-12

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BA/BS Music

General Music Studies

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 4d 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

Official Source

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

Official Source

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

Official SourceVerified 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

•Register at least 2 weeks before your selected date

•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

Official source 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 4d ago