It’s never too late or too early to learn and grow. The Peck School of the Arts offers engaging and educational youth and community arts programs for learners of all ages, from children and teenagers to working adults and retirees. Join us for an arts summer camp. Try out a dance class. Play in a community ensemble. However you get creative with us, our dedicated faculty and staff help you develop your artistic skills, gain confidence and explore your unique talents.
In addition to the youth and community arts programs below, you may be interested in UWM’s options for high school students to earn college credit and other creative arts programs across campus, many taught by our alumni. To explore even more possibilities, check out ROAR Ready—a hub connecting K-12 students and families to UWM’s youth programs, pre-college opportunities and campus partnerships.
Upcoming Events
- Nov20November 20, 2026 - November 22, 2026
- Nov20November 20, 2026 - November 21, 2026
- Dec2December 2, 2026 - December 16, 2026
- Feb5February 5, 2027 - February 6, 2027
Preview Days for Prospective Students
October 5, 2026
Ages 14–18
Ages 14–18
Are you a high school student with a passion for the Arts? Whether you’re interested in Studio Arts, Design, Art Education or Digital Arts, we have an exciting and informative event just for you. It’s called “A Day in the Life of” and it’s completely FREE.
October 7, 2026
March 3, 2027
Ages 14–18
March 3, 2027
Ages 14–18
Are you a high school student with a passion for theatre? Whether you’re a performer, a behind-the-scenes enthusiast, or someone who loves theatre, this exciting event is for you.
October 23, 2026
Ages 14–18
Ages 14–18
Are you a high school student interested in learning about a day in the life of a dance major? Join us to shadow a first year dance major and explore a typical day full of activities.
October 23, 2026
Ages 14–18
Ages 14–18
Are you a high school student with a passion for film or animation? Whether you’re already experimenting or curious to learn more, we’re providing an experience just for you!
October 23, 2026
Ages 14–18
Ages 14–18
An event for high school musicians featuring faculty performances, breakout sessions, large ensemble rehearsals, interactive music theory and more!
Visual Arts
Fall, Spring (Wednesdays)
All Ages
All Ages
A lecture series designed for a broad audience with an interest in contemporary visual art. Each week presents a diverse group of national and inter-national artists working across traditional, hybrid and emergent disciplines.
June 3–August 1, 2026
Ages 18+, Accompanied Minors
Ages 18+, Accompanied Minors
Investigate a variety of topics, techniques and strategies while learning new ways to solve problems in the jewelry, metalsmithing, digital fabrication, and design studios.
June 1–August 23, 2026
UWM Students + Alumni
UWM Students + Alumni
Available for intermediate to advanced Jewelry & Metalsmithing and Digital Fabrication & Design students and alumni with previous studio training seeking access to help make their own self-guided projects.
Fall, Spring (Tuesdays)
All Ages
All Ages
Free screenings of the most recent and celebrated experimental work in 35mm, 16mm and video. A standout venue for a parade of visiting filmmakers and touring programs, this series is hosted in partnership with UWM’s Union Cinema.
June 22–26, 2026
Ages 14–18
Ages 14–18
Our film summer camp offers unique ways for young filmmakers to gain essential skills while participating in workshops led by practicing artists and professors.
Performing Arts
Fall, Spring, Summer
Ages 12+
Ages 12+
This ensemble is for individuals with an interest in learning the musical techniques and performance styles of folk and popular genres from different corners of the globe.
Fall, Spring
Ages 18+
Ages 18+
Interested in learning more about what it means to be a dance major? Purchase a voucher to join us for a class with first-year majors and discover what it’s all about! You can choose to attend a single class or a bundle of ten.
February 5, 2027
Ages 14-18
Ages 14-18
Presenting a special matinee for high school groups and students including an audience talkback with the opportunity to learn about the performance and life as a UWM dance student.
July 23–26, 2026
Ages 14+
Ages 14+
Designed for young dance artists seeking to deepen their dance practice, you will discover new techniques and build bridges that lead to pursuing dance professionally and in higher education.
November 20–22, 2026
Ages 11-13
Ages 11-13
The region’s top middle school instrumentalists work with nationally recognized wind band conductors, participate in master classes and attend performances during this popular festival.
November 20–21, 2026
Ages 14-18
Ages 14-18
Providing the region’s most motivated and accomplished high school instrumentalists an opportunity to work with each other and with regionally and nationally recognized conductors.
September 18, 2026
Grades 7–12
Grades 7–12
A vocal festival open to tenors and basses with no advance preparation necessary. Students are organized into middle school and high school choirs with performances from both.
Fall, Spring, Summer
Ages 4–18
Ages 4–18
The UWM String Academy offers students a comprehensive musical education with a focus on the violin or viola. Students use their minds, ears, and bodies to express themselves through music.
Fall, Spring
Ages 5-18
Ages 5-18
Through comprehensive lessons and performances, students of all skill levels build a foundation in classical guitar and learn the skills required to be versatile in any style.
Fall, Spring
Ages 18+, Approved Minors
Ages 18+, Approved Minors
The band performs one concert each semester with repertoire including standard and contemporary pieces. There is no formal audition to join, but previous band experience is required.
Fall, Spring, Summer
Ages 15+
Ages 15+
Advanced beginners and skilled amateurs rehearse and perform together in this ensemble. Open to anyone who reads music and enjoys playing classical symphonic and pops repertoire.
February 5–6, 2027
High School Students
High School Students
An opportunity for talented singers to interact with, perform for, and join their voices with peers from around the region. Participants will have the chance to learn and grow as both soloists and choral artists.
March 13-15, 2026
Ages 18+
Ages 18+
A biennial event focusing on conducting, scores and teaching, sessions will include conducting pedagogy, rehearsal techniques and musicianship. Attendees may apply as a participant or observer.
Fall, Spring (Thursdays)
Ages 14–18
Ages 14–18
Featuring high school students from the Greater Milwaukee Area, this ensemble provides the experience of being in a professional jazz ensemble, including performing opportunities.
Fall, Spring (Tuesdays)
Grades 8–12
Grades 8–12
Providing the region’s finest woodwind, brass, and percussion students opportunities to rehearse and perform traditional and contemporary repertoire with other likeminded musicians.
Go Behind the Scenes
As an arts school, we take campus tours one step further by offering on-the-go information sessions designed for creative minds. Go behind the scenes with one of our arts ambassadors and learn about our programs along the way.