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 History & Literature, BFA BFA
You don’t just hear music – you understand music. That means you have what it takes to be an expert in the rich history of music and its cultural context. Pair your natural curiosity and talent with our music history degree, and you’ll be on your way to a future in music.
Our program is the perfect fit for those who have a deep appreciation for music and want to explore its historical and cultural significance. With a focus on the historical and critical study of music, our curriculum prepares you for further study in musicology, ethnomusicology, music librarianship or music criticism. You’ll learn from renowned faculty who are dedicated to your success and ready to ignite your passion and guide you towards a career in music.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
What it’s like to be a music history degree student at Peck School of the Arts
When you study music history and literature at 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 facilities, including an extensive music library, performance halls and practice rooms. You’ll also have opportunities to attend concerts, master classes and workshops led by world-renowned musicians and educators. Plus, you’ll benefit from our work with the coordinated program in music librarianship, where we help train new music librarians.
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 History Degree Details
Our BFA in Music History & Literature is a four-year program designed to provide you with a comprehensive music education. In addition to core courses in music theory and history, you can explore elective courses that cover a wide variety of style periods, musical genres and cultures.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in ensembles and take private lessons with our accomplished faculty. Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue advanced studies and careers in music research, criticism, librarianship and beyond.
Explore the Music, BFA: Music History & Literature 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 History Degree 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.
- Faculty Member, Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies
- Co-Director, Community World Music Ensemble
- Teaching Faculty, Musicology & Ethnomusicology
- Graduate Advisor, Department of Music
- tpnoonan@uwm.edu
- Music Building 131
- Professor, Musicology & Ethnomusicology
- Chair, Department of Music
- grodger@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8972
- Music Building 130B
- Teaching Professor, Musicology & Ethnomusicology
- Area Head, Music History & Literature
- Director, Early Music Ensemble
- timsm@uwm.edu
- Music Building 239
