Save the date for the 95th Annual SMC!
June 16–22, 2024
Junior Session is for students completing grades 6-8.
For more information about the SMC program, visit the Resources page.
Tuition rates
Junior session:
Residential: $1020
Commuter: $770
A $75 nonrefundable processing fee is calculated in addition to the tuition.
All tuition payments are due on June 1, 2024. If you plan to apply for a scholarship, are expecting a scholarship from your school or a local community organization or would like to apply for a DPI scholarship, please contact smc@wisc.edu or 608-263-2242 for more information before registering.
Contact SMC at smc@wisc.edu or 608-263-2242
About Junior Session
Junior session offers an opportunity for students completing 6th-8th grade to come and play, sing, create, and learn about music at all experience levels. Students will choose one of seven paths based on what they create, sing, or play and their goals and past experience. Students have one hour per day to choose an elective to dig deeper, try an additional path, or try something new! Each path has a balance of small and large group instruction, a diverse offering of musical styles in non-performance and performance based courses, and learning of technique combined with student creativity and choice.
SMC values the music standards of Create, Perform, Respond and Connect. During your time at SMC, you will experience the music of the world and your community through listening, participating and creating. You will grow as a musician and individual through challenging courses and music while learning skills to be an activist for your space, creative voice and talents. In addition, you will meet a community of like-minded peers with multiple and diverse artistic voices and interests and work creatively together.
Choose your Summer Music Clinic Path:
- Band– small and large group instruction for wind instruments and percussion, with rhythm and singing opportunities.
- Choir–small and large group instruction in voice with additional diverse learning opportunities and coaching. Choral ensembles and individual solo voice are included.
- Guitar–small and large group instruction for guitarists in multiple styles with ensemble playing.
- Modern Expressions–for all students interested in music and media production, writing your own music, lyrics and songs, contemporary music, beat making, score creation, and hip hop performance.
- Music Exploration (NEW in 2024!)-for the beginning musician looking to explore and learn basic music skills for the first time. Course options allow students to learn what they are interested in exploring more in the future.
- Orchestra–small and large group instruction for string instruments, including rhythm and singing opportunities.
- Piano–small and large group instruction for pianists in multiple styles with ensemble playing.
Ensemble placements
In harmony with UW-Madison ensemble and arts participation practices, all performance experiences and ensemble placement opportunities will be in person and allow the student to choose their experience based on their educational needs. All students will choose a placement audition or placement conversation at SMC registration upon the start of camp. The placement process ensures that each student is set to succeed in an SMC course that provides a balance of challenge and level appropriate repertoire for a one week program for each student. Students will be organized by part based on audition results on the first day of camp. Each ensemble will provide an equally challenging and rewarding experience combined with meeting the needs of each student.
The placement audition will be a performance based experience. Students are asked to prepare a short solo or excerpt and prepare a provided excerpt. There will also be sight-reading and scales asked for. Auditions are 3-5 minutes in length and times are assigned at SMC registration upon the start of the program.
The placement conversation will be a non-performance based experience. Students will be asked to provide answers about their experience, skill level, and goals for their SMC experience.
Student Recital
All SMC Students are welcome to express interest for and audition for the student recital when they arrive on campus
2024 Path Schedules, Courses, and Descriptions coming soon.
Summer Music Clinic
Summer Music Clinic works in partnership with the UW–Madison Mead Witter School of Music
"It has been over a month now but I still lose my mind thinking about it, woo hoo! I can't wait to go to UW Madison, it has been my dream ever since my first time at SMC the summer after sixth grade. It has totally changed my life and I will be forever grateful."
SMC Student 2022
Sample Daily Schedule
| 7:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 7:30 a.m. | Daily Commuter students arrive |
| 8:00 a.m.–12:05 p.m. | Morning classes and All Camp Wellness begins with first period – start your day off well! |
| 12:15–1:10 p.m. | Lunch and community activities |
| 1:20–4:20 p.m. | Afternoon classes |
| 4:30 p.m. | Daily Commuter students depart |
| 4:30–7:00 p.m. | Residential Students start Community Activities, Campus Experiences, Practice Time, Dinner, and Floor Meetings |
| 8:00 p.m. | Evening concert experience and coordinated activities with Counseling Staff |
| 10:00 p.m. | Lights out to rest for the next day! |
Community Activities
Students will take part in Summer Music Clinic traditions, meet their residential counselors, arts and crafts, sporting activities, games, commuty celebrations, and connect with peers from across the country and world.
Guest Performers
All students will have the opportunity to listen to and experience a diverse population of local musicians who have honed their craft and excel in their field.
Student Testimonial
“I came into this camp annoyed, nervous, and intimidated and I’m leaving experienced, confident, and happy. This actually might have been the best week of the summer.”
– SMC Student 2022
“I loved all the counselors!!! They made me feel so welcome! All my teachers and conductors! You all made a huge impact in my life and I am so happy that I did this a second year! I wish this camp would never stop and it would go forever! I will be returning next year! I love playing and talking about music with people who love music! You all made such a huge impact in my life! Thank you so very much!”
– SMC Student 2023
Course Offereings
2024 course offerings, descriptions, and class schedules coming soon. See below for 2023 course examples.
Each class is connected to the student chosen path (Band, Choir, Guitar, Modern Expressions, Piano, Orchestra, or Music Exploration) or indicates if it is during the elective hour.
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Acting for Musicians* - ELECTIVE
All of the arts are connected to one another. When we learn about physical movement, character representation and interpretation through acting on the stage, and more through a different art form we become richer and more authentic musicians. Learn about and actively participate in acting as it relates to your skills as a musician.
Arts in Performance - ALL STUDENTS
All SMC students gather daily for inspiring and growth filled guest performances exploring and learning about different arts in our communities.
Band* - BAND PATH
Be a part of a wind band ensemble! A diverse, challenging, and varied repertoire is a focus of this course. Explore the student choice audition process to select the path that is best for you. Music is taught through a variety of methods including reading notation, learning by rote or ear, and an individualized and large ensemble approach.
Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, Other
Band Brass and Percussion Sectional - BAND PATH
Students gather in rehearsal with their band brass and percussion sections to learn and rehearse band repertoire in deeper detail together.
Band Woodwinds Sectional - BAND PATH
Students gather in rehearsal with their woodwind sections to learn and rehearse band repertoire in deeper detail together.
Choir* - CHOIR PATH
Be a part of a choral ensemble! A diverse, challenging, and varied repertoire is a focus of this course. Explore the student choice audition process to select the path that is best for you. Music is taught through a variety of methods including reading notation, learning by rote or ear, and an individualized and large ensemble approach.
All voice parts
Choir for Instrumentalists* - BAND/GUITAR/PIANO/ORCHESTRA PATH
Sing in a choir as part of your daily schedule and gain the benefits that singing can provide for you as an instrumentalist.
Choir Sectional - CHOIR PATH
Students gather in rehearsal with their choir sections to learn and rehearse choir repertoire in deeper detail together.
Dance for Musicians* - ELECTIVE
All of the arts are connected to one another. When we learn about physical movement, rhythm, style, and more through a different art form we become richer and more authentic musicians. Learn about and actively participate in dance as it relates to your skills as a musician. A variety of dance styles will be explored in this course including Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Afro styles.
Drumline* - ELECTIVE
Be part of a drumline! All experience levels welcome. Be a part of a traditional marching drumline ensemble. Focus will be on strong percussion technique and presentation. Instruments are provided for this course.
Fiddle Band* - ELECTIVE
Explore the world of traditional fiddling! Music is taught by rote or ear primarily in this ensemble. If this is your best way of learning music this ensemble is for you! If you are working to build on this listening skill this ensemble is also for you! Learn skills like improvisation, reading chord charts, tablature, and writing and arranging for different string instruments.
Gospel Choir* - ELECTIVE
Be part of a Gospel/Praise Choir! This music originated in the evangelical churches of black populations in the southern United States. Containing elements of jazz and blues, it often takes the form of a call and response between the preacher, who sings or declares a line, and the congregation, which sings an affirmative reply.
All voice parts
Guitar Ensemble* - GUITAR PATH
Be a part of a guitar ensemble! A diverse, challenging, and varied repertoire is a focus of this course exploring music that is specifically written for this ensemble. Music is taught through a variety of methods including reading notation, learning by rote or ear, and an individualized and large ensemble approach.
Guitar Group Technique and Practice - GUITAR PATH
Students work in a small group instruction setting to learn techniques, repertoire, and all they can about their specific instrument!
Guitar Listening and Growing - GUITAR PATH
As musicians, listening is a crucial part of our training and development. This workshop will focus on the practice of listening with an emphasis on listening across a variety of artists and genres. We will spend time listening to tracks of historical and cultural significance. Our goal is for students to develop a listening list by the end of the workshop, with names of artists, record labels, and genres they can explore in the future.
Guitar Performance Class - GUITAR PATH
Students learn from a teacher specializing in either Classical, Electric, or Acoustic guitar and explore a combination of listening and playing exercises to grow their knowledge, technique, and musicianship.
Individual Voice Sectional - CHOIR PATH
Students work in a small group instruction or masterclass setting to learn techniques, repertoire, vocal health, and all they can about their voice.
Instrument Small Group Instruction (Strings) - ORCHESTRA PATH
Students work in a small group instruction or masterclass setting to learn techniques, repertoire, and all they can about their specific instrument.
Instrument Small Group Instruction (Winds and Percussion) - BAND PATH
Students work in a small group instruction or masterclass setting to learn techniques, repertoire, and all they can about their specific instrument.
Jazz Ensemble* - ELECTIVE
Be a part of a jazz ensemble! A diverse, challenging, somewhat improvisatory, and varied repertoire is a focus of this course. Explore the student choice audition process to select the path that is best for you. Music is taught through a variety of methods including reading notation, learning by rote or ear, and an individualized and large ensemble approach.
Instruments: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums
Media Production - MODERN EXPRESSIONS PATH
The Modern Expressions Path allows space for participants to share their stories, in their own ways. Media Production focuses on sharing the story in non-traditional formats, from music video shorts to video collage, students combine their musical knowledge with design elements to create their own unique and personal media presentations.
Multimedia Class (Beat Making/Score Creation/Track Collaboration) - MODERN EXPRESSIONS PATH
This class focuses on telling stories without saying a word. This session revolves around making contemporary musical compositions and the different ways that it happens. Become your own activist!
Music Theory: The Harmonic Styles of the 18th Century European Musicians - ELECTIVE
This course focuses on the harmonic style of 18th century European musicians or traditional western music theory. To understand western music theory is to understand the building blocks of western tradition music you play and sing. This class will cover the fundamentals you need to know to support your development as a musician. Review major, minor, diminished, and dominant-seventh chords; clefs, notation, scale degrees, and musical rhythms and patterns.
Musical Theatre* - ELECTIVE
Be a part of a musical theatre ensemble! A diverse, challenging, and varied repertoire is a focus of this course. Music is chosen from the musical/Broadway genre to create a storied performance. Explore the student choice audition process to select the path that is best for you. Music is taught through a variety of methods including reading notation, learning by rote or ear, and an individualized and large ensemble approach.
All voice parts
Musical Creativity through Improvisational Play - ALL PATHS
In this class students will explore the meaning of improvisational play. They will broaden their understanding of improvisation and music-making through experiential learning in an affirming environment.
Musical Theatre* - ELECTIVE
Be a part of a musical theatre ensemble! A diverse, challenging, and varied repertoire is a focus of this course. Music is chosen from the musical/Broadway genre to create a storied performance. Explore the student choice audition process to select the path that is best for you. Music is taught through a variety of methods including reading notation, learning by rote or ear, and an individualized and large ensemble approach.
Orchestra* - ORCHESTRA PATH
Be a part of a string orchestra ensemble! A diverse, challenging, and varied repertoire is a focus of this course. Explore the student choice audition process to select the path that is best for you. Music is taught through a variety of methods including reading notation, learning by rote or ear, and an individualized and large ensemble approach.
Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Other
Orchestra Sectional - ORCHESTRA PATH
Students gather in rehearsal with their orchestra sections to learn and rehearse orchestra repertoire in deeper detail together.
Piano Ensemble* - PIANO PATH (Limited Enrollment of 12)
Be a part of a piano ensemble! A diverse, challenging, and varied repertoire is a focus of this course exploring music that is specifically written for this ensemble. Music is taught through a variety of methods including reading notation, learning by rote or ear, and an individualized and large ensemble approach. Instruments are provided for this course.
Piano Group Technique and Practice - PIANO PATH (Limited enrollment of 12)
Students work in a small group instruction setting to learn techniques, repertoire, and all they can about their instrument! Instruments are provided for this course.
Piano Listening and Growing - PIANO PATH (Limited enrollment of 12)
As musicians, listening is a crucial part of our training and development. This workshop will focus on the practice of listening with an emphasis on listening across a variety of artists and genres. We will spend time listening to tracks of historical and cultural significance. Our goal is for students to develop a listening list by the end of the workshop, with names of artists, record labels, and genres they can explore in the future.
Piano Performance Class - PIANO PATH (Limited Enrollment of 12)
Students learn from a teacher specializing in multiple piano genres and explore a combination of listening and playing exercises to grow their knowledge, technique, and musicianship. Instruments are provided for this course.
Let's Create: Songwriting/Hip Hop Performance* - MODERN EXPRESSIONS PATH
You’ve sung and listened to so many songs, but have you tried writing your own? Whether you’ve composed before or not, this class will help you craft lyrics, melodies, beats, presentations, and give life to that song inside you. Tell your story! Learn to record your song!
Spoken Word/Rap* - ELECTIVE
Spoken word can be powerful, fun, express identity, evoke emotion, and just sound good. This program teaches participants how to tap into that internal voice or provides a good opportunity to practice one’s poetic skill set. In this season we will write, share, revise, and discuss. This is not a course on the history or theoretical underpinnings of spoken word but a practical class where we will learn strategies to write and deliver spoken word poetry that feels most expressive of your inner thoughts and desires.
Vocal Coaching: Arias to Ariana* - CHOIR PATH
Whether you are preparing to belt your favorite pop song or floating up to perfect high notes in your aria, Arias to Ariana is for you. No matter your style, this class will help you learn helpful vocal and audition techniques to bring into your daily practice as well as help you understand what harmful habits to avoid to keep your voice developing properly for years to come.
Voice Small Group Instruction - CHOIR PATH
Students work in a small group instruction or masterclass setting to learn techniques, repertoire, vocal health, and all they can about their voice!
Wellness for Musicians - Everyone at SMC participates!
You will get to start each day focused on your breathing, your body, and preparing mentally and physically for a day of music making and the arts together. Learn how mindfulness and movement practices positively impact your music-making. This class promises to be a fun and exciting way to start off your day together well!
West African Drumming* - CHOIR PATH (Enrollment limited to 20)
This class will be a drumming, cultural, and dance experience exploring African cultural traditions through West African Traditional Drum and Dance. Students will use traditional instruments and techniques including djembe and dundun from old Mali and Guinea. This style of drumming is accessible to all, no previous drumming experience required. Instruments are provided for this course.