Music - Applied Instrumental

Major

Explore the music - applied instrumental bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

Turn your passion and talent into a career with a bachelor's degree in applied instrumental music from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Designed for those aspiring to be performing artists or private studio instructors, the applied instrumental music major pairs a rigorous curriculum with valuable, professional experiences.

Known for its vibrant music scene, both UW-Eau Claire and the city of Eau Claire offer many opportunities to showcase your skills. You may perform in solo recitals, chamber music and ensemble concerts, and theatre productions. Serve as a rehearsal pianist for opera productions. Or discover best practices and new perspectives through internships, study abroad and the National Student Exchange program. Multiple guest artists frequent classrooms, offering special classes, masterclasses and performances every year. And the department regularly offers concerto competitions and annual tours/performance opportunities.

Our professors have deep experience on and off stage, and they use that knowledge to help you realize your professional potential. Small class sizes allow you to get one-on-one attention and collaborate with others who are passionate about music. No matter your career goals, we are here to help make them happen. In fact, the applied instrumental music major is known nationally for producing successful graduates. Are you ready to be one of them?

Why music - applied instrumental at UW-Eau Claire?

Expert, caring faculty. Our student-focused faculty make it their top priority to keep you motivated, engaged and inspired, so you continue to grow. Perform alongside your professors in the Contemporary Music Ensemble and engage in collaborative research and performance projects.

Opportunities to travel. Each spring break, music and theatre arts students have the opportunity to visit New York City. There, they attend plays, musicals, masterclasses and other artistic events, while also shadowing working professionals and meeting various actors and musicians to learn more about their specific trade.

Real-world experience. Our applied instrumental music major will provide you with many opportunities to build your performance portfolio. A variety of ensembles — from band to orchestra to jazz — will push your creative boundaries and facilitate collaboration with experts in your chosen field. An abundance of community music festivals offer many internships and networking opportunities.

Global learning. Gain a global understanding of culture and music through study abroad, the National Student Exchange program or undergraduate research opportunities. Frequent world-renowned guest artists will introduce you to new music and new ways of thinking. And chances to perform internationally are also available to students. Past performances have taken place in Ireland, Singapore and Italy, to name a few.

One-of-a-kind spaces. UWEC is home to multiple concert venues, six music classrooms, over 40 practice rooms (including chamber music practice rooms), percussion rooms, a reed room, organ practice rooms, harpsichord practice rooms, an audio recording studio, a music technology lab, a digital piano lab and several rehearsal rooms. We are also proud to partner with the Eau Claire community's newest performance venue, Pablo Center at the Confluence. This state-of-the-art facility is home to many UWEC classes, rehearsals and performances.

Skill-building student organizations. Join one of 20 student clubs and organizations dedicated to celebrating music, theatre and dance. Express yourself, learn new techniques and network with other students. Many student organizations lead to volunteer opportunities, competitions and shows.

The Blugold Marching Band is the

largest marching band

in the Midwest

30+

departmental ensembles

100% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2021-2022 Graduate Report

Quick facts

Music - applied instrumental program details

Program length: four years
Offered: in person
Campus: Eau Claire
This major does not require a minor.
Students majoring in this program will earn a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree.

Student organizations

National Band Association Collegiate Chapter
American String Teachers Association (ASTA)
Clarinet Studio Organization
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (PMA)
Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI)

Accreditation information

All music degrees from UW-Eau Claire have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

What can I do with a music - applied instrumental degree from UWEC?

Our applied instrumental majors are well-prepared for their professional careers. Graduates have gone on to receive Grammy awards and join professional ensembles, as well as become composers, professors, arts administrators, studio instructors and more.

Where are music - applied instrumental alumni now?

String bass player, San Francisco Symphony, California
Tuba player, Beijing Symphony Orchestra, China
Professor in Jazz Studies, Indiana University, Indiana
Director of School of Music, University of Iowa, Iowa
Professor of Musicology, Michigan State University, Michigan
Freelance musician and Grammy Award Winner, Wisconsin
Trumpet professor, University of Iowa, Iowa
Conductor, James Madison University, Virginia
Owner, Offbeats Violin and Guitar Studio, Wisconsin