Civic Music Milwaukee has announced its 2025 award recipients, and there are several honorees with ties to the Peck School of the Arts. Timothy Klabunde and Dr. Zachary Durlam will receive Citizen Awards, while Trinny Schumann and Cassie Wilson were recipients of the organization’s Education Awards. Citizen Awards Timothy Klabunde, …
Music Education, BFA BFA
Inspire the next generation of musical artists as a music educator. And future musicians aren’t the only people you’ll influence. As a music educator, you’ll activate the inner artist in young people whose future professions are limitless.
Centered in child development and music cognition, our program prepares you to teach and supervise music in public schools. Our music education degree meets Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction certification requirements for the Music K-12 license. Through guidance from experienced music educators and a diverse network of school placements, you’ll be equipped to meet the demands of today’s classroom. That’s why our students emerge well prepared to become certified music educators. In fact, we consistently have 100% employment rates for our graduates – and you’ll find them in public and private school settings in urban, suburban and rural communities across Wisconsin.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
What it’s like to be a student at Peck School of the Arts
When you study music education at the UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, you’ll join a supportive and collaborative community of musicians and educators. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art instructional technology and facilities, plus opportunities to attend concerts, master classes and workshops led by world-renowned musicians and educators. You’ll gain real-world experience through our partnerships with local schools and community organizations, and you’ll develop a network of colleagues and mentors who will support you throughout your career.
But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself what it is like to be a student here by scheduling a personalized tour and info session.
Program Details
Our BFA in Music Education program is a comprehensive, four-year program that provides a strong foundation in music theory, history, performance and teaching. Upon entrance into the program, you’ll receive multiple opportunities to observe and gain hands-on experience from Milwaukee area teachers in a variety of settings to help you identify your interests and strengths within the spectrum of music teaching.
We support you during every step on your journey to becoming a music teacher. You’ll participate in field experiences focused on helping you successfully respond to different cultures in the classroom. Our faculty and education partners are all experienced educators with a deep commitment to supporting the next generation of teachers. And because you are an artist yourself, we are committed to helping you develop yourself creatively along the way.
K-12 Teacher Licensing
The course of study in this program prepares students for recommendation for certification by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for a K-12 teaching license. Assessment is aligned with the requirements for licensure under “PI-34,” the state law governing certification in Wisconsin. For more details, please visit the the program’s requirements tab within the Academic Catalog.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification
Peck School of the Arts offers Post-Baccalaureate K-12 teacher certification in three areas: Art Education, Music Education and Theatre Education. The program is available for those who already hold an undergraduate degree in a related major (art, music, theatre) and have graduated with a 3.0+ cumulative GPA. If you do not meet these two requirements, you must instead apply to UWM as a second-degree undergraduate student.
All qualifying applicants are required to submit a Post-Bacc teacher certification interest form and meet with their area head prior to submitting the UWM application.
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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PSOA professor and alums receive 2025 Civic Music MKE awards
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Guitar students and alumni win major festivals throughout North AmericaDuring the summer of 2024, PSOA guitar students took center stage at a variety of festivals throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Everywhere our students went, they found great success and brought accolades back to Milwaukee. Leonela Alejandro (BFA 2020, Music) took first prize at the Guitar Foundation of America, …
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
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.
- Teaching Professor, Instrumental Music Education & Conducting
- Director, Symphony Band, Panther Pep Band
- Music Director/Conductor, Youth Wind Ensemble (UWAY)
- scorley@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5641
- Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 342
- Professor, Music Education
- Area Head, Music Education
- feayshaw@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5163
- Music Building 360C
- Assistant Professor, Choral Music Education
- Director, Bella Voce
- huttonj@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8155
- Music Building 159
