Recent classical guitar alums Kevin Loh ‘25 and Chandler Dillingham ‘25 have taken the next steps in their careers by returning to teach at their alma mater. Loh and Dillingham both discovered a passion for music education while studying under mentor René Izquierdo. “It’s a great honor for any teacher …
Music Composition & Technology, BFA BFA
You’re already creating new music and experimenting with different sounds. It’s time to take your creativity, musical talent and technical skills to the next level and make waves in today’s ever-evolving music industry. With our Music Composition & Technology BFA, you’ll find the perfect balance of traditional and modern music to do just that.
We believe that music composition and technology go hand in hand. The music composition and technology program fosters development in instrumental, vocal and electroacoustic composition, with an emphasis on contemporary and experimental techniques. We also support your growth through lessons with expert faculty and working on projects including composition, electronic instrument design and multimedia production. With a focus on both traditional music theory and cutting-edge music production techniques, our graduates are well-equipped for success in the dynamic and diverse world of music.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
What it’s like to be a composition major at Peck School of the Arts
When you study music composition and technology at UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, you have access to equipment and facilities designed with you in mind, including several multi-channel studios and recording spaces. Our music composition degree also emphasizes hands-on learning and collaboration, which means you’ll gain practical experience and develop professional skills while working on projects that reflect your unique artistic vision. You also have many opportunities to collaborate with filmmakers, animators, dancers, visual artists, and actors within the school.
But don’t take our word for it. Experience for yourself what it is like to be a student here by scheduling a personalized tour and info session.
Music Composition & Technology BFA Program Details
The music composition degree lays a foundation of acoustic composition, which covers a variety of approaches to notation, rhythm, harmony, texture, and orchestration. At the same time, electronic music courses inspire you to apply current music technology to your work in innovative ways. You’ll explore digital audio, analog synthesis, surround sound and spatialization, creative applications of recording and editing, interactive electronics, and computer programming for audio.
Throughout the program, you will connect with and compose music for Peck School musicians and well-known professional ensembles, including Hub New Music, Quijote Duo, Third Coast Percussion, Noise~ Quartet, Khemia Ensemble, and more. Plus, our students receive recordings of their work to build their portfolios, which has helped them get into strong graduate programs and respected summer composition institutes like New Music on the Point, Brevard Music Center, Nief-Norf, and the Sō Percussion Summer Institute.
Explore the Music, BFA: Music Composition & Technology requirements in the Academic Catalog.
Studios & Ensembles
Our studios and ensembles are led by our renowned artist faculty who have active professional careers. Studios and ensembles are structured to offer a wide variety of training and performance opportunities for musicians of various abilities. Whatever your level of skill and interest, you’ll benefit from our studios and ensembles.
Entrance Auditions/Interviews & Admission
Peck School of the Arts degree programs may require additional steps to enter. For most dance, music and theatre programs, applicants must first be accepted to UWM, apply to Peck School of the Arts and complete entrance requirements such as an audition and/or interview.
Scholarships & Aid
UWM and Peck School of the Arts offer a diverse financial aid package for students, including Midwest residence savings, scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and student loans.
Living Learning Communities
Live in campus housing on the same floor or wing as other students in your major or program. The Peck School of the Arts offers three Living Learning Communities where you can be a part of a “community within a community.” You’ll make friends, form study groups and do social activities together. And, best of all, there is no additional cost to be a part of a Living Learning Community.
Music Performances
With a season packed with music concerts, you’ll have many opportunities to put your hard work on display for live audiences in our performance venues. You can also support your fellow musicians by attending their performances and broaden your musical horizons through limited engagements from visiting artists and touring acts. Learn more about venues and performing arts events.
Student Recitals
Peck School of the Arts music students take the stage in solo and group student recitals throughout the school year. Students showcase musical technique and skill, while audience members enjoy exceptional performances by Milwaukee’s emerging musicians.
Internships & Opportunities
Located within the cultural capital of Wisconsin, students regularly perform professionally both as soloists and chamber musicians in the greater Milwaukee community while earning their degree. See where your education can take you. Learn more about internships and opportunities.
Student Organizations & Clubs
Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Music Alumni Stories
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Inspired by their mentor, classical guitar alumni return to teach at their alma mater
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Guitar students and alumni shine on international stagesThe Peck School of the Arts guitar program is recognized for its distinguished faculty and the achievements of its students and alumni. Led by internationally renowned artist René Izquierdo, the program continues to produce musicians who thrive on competitive stages around the world. We recap several summer successes from students and …
Music Careers
- Accompanist
- Acoustic Engineer
- Arranger
- Artist Management
- Arts Administrator
- Audio Software Designer & Programmer
- Audio / Visual Technician
- Broadcast Engineer
- Chamber Musician
- Clinician
- Consultant
- Collaborative Pianist
- Community Arts Organizer
- Composer
- Concert Production / Promotion
- Conductor (Band, Choral, Orchestral)
- Curator
- Diction Coach
- Early Music Performer
- Editor
- Educator / Education Director
- Ensemble Administration
- Entertainer
- Ethnomusicologist
- Event Manager
- Film / Television / Theatre / Gaming Composer
- Foley Artist
- Folk Music Performer
- Instrumental Performer
- Instrument Building / Repairing / Restoration
- Jazz Performer
- Licensing Administrator
- Luthier
- Managing Director
- Mastering Engineer
- Media Developer
- Military Bands / Orchestras
- Music Cognition (Science & Medicine)
- Music Critic / Journalist / Blogger
- Music Historian
- Music Librarian
- Music Publicist
- Music Store Owner
- Music Supervisor
- Music Therapist
- Music Theorist
- Musical Theatre Artist
- Musicologist
- Multimedia Artist
- Opera Performer
- Opera Dramaturg
- Opera Management
- Opera Prompter
- Orchestral Musician
- Outreach & Educational Programming
- Peace Corps (Teaching Music Abroad)
- Piano Tuner / Technician
- Pit Musician
- Private Studio Teacher
- Producer
- Publisher
- Radio Manager / Broadcasting
- Recitalist
- Recording Artist
- Record Label Executive
- Singer / Vocalist
- Songwriter / Lyricist
- Sound Designer / Engineer
- Sound Technician
- Stage Manager
- Suzuki Instructor
- Studio Musician
- Talent Agent / Director
- Vocal Coach
- Voice Therapist
Music Composition & Technology BFA Program Faculty
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Music faculty and staff please click the button below.
- Lecturer, Composition & Technology, Music Theory
- haering@uwm.edu
- 517-763-8607
- Music Building 111
- Lecturer (on leave spring 2026), Composition & Technology, Music Theory
- li367@uwm.edu
- Music Building 105
- Associate Professor, Composition & Technology
- Area Head, Composition & Technology
- sink@uwm.edu
- 812-361-4785
- Music Building 171
