Save the date for the 95th Annual SMC:
June 23– 29, 2024
Senior Session is for students completing grades 9-12 (including students who have finished their senior year of high school in the spring).
For more information about the SMC program, visit the Resources page.
Contact SMC at smc@wisc.edu or 608-263-2242
Tuition rates
Senior session:
Residential: $1,170
Commuter: $820
International: $1,310
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.
About Senior Session
The SMC senior session provides an opportunity for students completing 9th-12th grade to play, sing, create, and learn about music at all experience levels. Students will choose their complete experience based on their goals! Course selections include small and large group instruction learning, exploring different techniques combined with student creativity and choice, and a diverse offering of musical styles in non-performance and performance based courses.
Students are able to choose multiple courses that have a variety or focus on one specific area, depending on your goals. Multiple ensembles and varied experiences are encouraged.
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.
Example paths of study: Choose your focus or your variety!
- Choir or Voice–Choir, voice classes, Arias to Ariana, Acapella, Musical Theatre, Gospel Choir, Sight Singing
- Jazz–Jazz ensemble, jazz combo, Jazz improvisation, Jazz rhythm classes
- Collaborative Arts–Explore courses that relate to and enhance your musicianship through Dance, Acting, Visual Art and more.
- Creativity and Musicianship–Explore courses that allow you to dig deeper into composition, arranging, , scoring, harmonic styles of western and non-western music, listening skills and more.
- Guitar–Large and small group instruction in a variety of musical styles, ensemble performance in jazz, fiddle band, rock band, and more.
- Modern Expressions–Acapella, Rock Band, Drumline, Gospel Choir, Spoken Word, Music Production, Beat Making, Song Writing, Hip Hop Performance, Music Business, Beginning Piano or Guitar, Ukulele, Hip Hop
- Percussion and Piano–Wind Band Ensemble, Instrument Techniques group instruction, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Orchestra, Rock Band, Drumline, Percussion Ensemble
- String Instrument–Instrument Techniques, Orchestra, Chamber Strings, Fiddle Band
- Wind Instrument–Wind Band Ensemble, Instrument Techniques, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Jazz Improvisation, Orchestra, Rock Band
- Courses for the beginning and advanced musician and everything in between
Students are welcome to choose one area to focus on or mix and match courses. The above course lists are examples; feel free to choose what is exciting to you. If you have questions about what courses to choose, please reach out to the SMC team.
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 sightreading 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 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 Schedule, Courses, and Descriptions Coming Soon.
Summer Music Clinic
Summer Music Clinic works in partnership with the UW–Madison Mead Witter School of Music
UW-Madison Tuition Waiver
If you are in your Junior year of high school, a permanent resident of Wisconsin, and planning to major or double major in music, you may be eligible to apply and audition for the Tuition Waiver Award during Summer Music Clinic.
The Tuition Waiver awards 10 students a tuition-free undergraduate college education at UW–Madison or UW–Milwaukee. You must complete a separate application. Learn more about the tuition waiver program.
Student Testimonial
“This program helped me make friends, push my musical abilities, and get to know the campus and facilities better.”
-SMC Student 2023
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 |
| 4:30-7:00 p.m. | Daily Commuter Students depart at 4:30pm, 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 |
| 11:00 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, community celebrations, and connect with peers from across the country and world.
Guest Performers
SMC students will have the opportunity to listen to and experience diverse local musicians who have honed their craft and excel in their field.
"There is an atmosphere of not just acceptance, but celebration of each and every camper. There is a zero-negative-judgement policy on the topic of race, orientation, musical ability and style that is present everywhere at camp. Staff is enthusiastic and dedicated to creating the safest yet most enjoyable experience possible."
SMC Student, 2022
Course Offerings
2024 course offerings, descriptions, and schedule coming soon. 2023 Course examples below.
Students choose their experience for each class period. You must choose one course per period. Note that some courses are a double period.
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A Cappella*
Be a part of an acapella ensemble! Music will be made completely through the human voice. All experience levels are welcome. A diverse and varied repertoire is a focus of this course.
All voice parts
Accompanying/Collaborative Piano (Limited Enrollment of 12)
The skill of accompanying and collaborating with other musicians is a great addition to the pianist’s skill set! In this course, learn techniques for accompanying soloists, choirs, and collaborating with multiple musicians from collaborative pianists. This course is a combination of learning techniques and then putting them into practice with SMC ensembles while working with a collaborative pianist.
Acting for Musicians*
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.
Band*
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.
Instruments: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, Other
Baroque and Roll
An interactive, lively, and fun introduction to playing baroque music. Learn about baroque ornamentation, phrasing, and articulation through playing the music of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. Open to all strings, singers, flute, oboe, and bassoon.
Beat Making (Limited enrollment of 15)
This class focuses on telling stories without saying a word through the foundations of making beats. This session revolves around making contemporary musical compositions and the different ways that it happens.
Beginning Guitar (Limited Enrollment - 20)
Come learn the guitar! Students will learn the basics of the instrument, notes, and chords in this course. The course is designed as a small group instruction model and will be taught in a group setting. A limited number of instruments are available on request.
Beginning Piano (Limited Enrollment of 12)
Come learn the piano! Students will learn the basics of the instrument, notes, and chords in this course. The course is designed as a small group instruction model and will be taught in a group setting. Instruments are provided.
Brazilian Drumming*
This class will explore some of the major drumming styles from North east and southern Brazil. Students will use authentic instruments and techniques, including the basic body movement and singing! This style of drumming is accessible to all, no previous drumming experience required. Instruments are provided for this course.
Chamber Strings* (Limited Enrollment)
Chamber strings is a string based ensemble that focuses on a diverse, challenging, and varied repertoire for small string ensembles. Trios, quartets, and more will be explored in this course! Come enjoy a small ensemble experience focused on musician independence and self-rehearsing through a coaching model.
Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Piano, Guitar, Harp, Other
Chamber Winds* (Limited Enrollment)
Chamber Winds is a wind instrument based ensemble that focuses on a diverse, challenging, and varied repertoire for small ensembles. Trios, quartets, and more will be explored in this course! Come enjoy a small ensemble experience focused on musician independence and self-rehearsing through a coaching model. This course is offered through a collaboration with the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society.
Instruments: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, Other
Choir*
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
Choral Conducting
Learn what making music is like in front of an ensemble! Physical movement, score study, and rehearsal techniques will be explored in this course. All students will be active participants as conductors and choral musicians.
Composition and Arranging
Come learn techniques to compose your own music and arrange the music of others for a variety of ensembles. Composition, focused on creativity, is also a technique rooted in music theory and learned skills to help amplify your creative ideas through the study of melody, harmony and rhythm. Arranging includes arranging original compositions and those of others for the best sounds and results with various ensembles.
Dance for Musicians*
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 in coordination with Barrio Dance Studio! Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Afro styles.
Digital Audio Recording Lab (Limited Enrollment)
Be an active participant in recording SMC ensembles in rehearsal and performance! This hands-on course puts into practice knowledge learned in classes about music production and recording technology.
Drumline* (Beginning, Limited Enrollment)
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.
Drumline* (Intermediate/Advanced, Limited Enrollment)
Be part of a drumline! Students must be a percussionist to be in this course. 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*
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.
Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Other
Gospel Choir*
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 welcome.
History of Hip Hop
From BeBop to Hip Hip, this course covers the steps of today’s most popular music genre.
Introduction to Konnakol
Konnakol is the art form of vocalizing rhythms in Carnatic (South Indian classical) music. With konnakol you can perform rhythms vocally, analyze the rhythms you hear and read, and execute the rhythmic ideas you conceive without the need for an instrument. Konnakol will also hone your rhythmic proficiency at any music you are learning and performing. This Introduction to Konnakol course will teach you the basic building blocks of konnakol, how they are applied in Carnatic music, and how konnakol can be applied to the rhythms of all musics.
Instrumental Conducting
Learn what making music is like in front of an ensemble! Physical movement, score study, and rehearsal techniques will be explored in this course. All students will be active participants as conductors and instrumental musicians.
Instrument Techniques Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Piano, Harp)
Work on specific instrument techniques in small group instruction to expand your skills and learn new repertoire. These courses are taught by a specialist in your instrument!
Instrument Techniques Class Winds and Percussion (Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion)
Work on specific instrument techniques in small group instruction to expand your skills and learn new repertoire. These courses are taught by a specialist in your instrument.
Jazz Combo*
Be a part of a jazz combo! A diverse, challenging, largely 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
Jazz Ensemble*
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, Clarinets, Double Reeds, Saxophones, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums
Jazz Improvisation Beginning (Wind Instruments and High Strings)
Improvisation is how we can individually express ourselves within a piece of music with others. Experience an introduction to the world of improvisation through exploring jazz scales, rhythmic styles, and standard patterns that will help you improvise in an ensemble and more!
Jazz Improvisation Continuing (Wind Instruments and High Strings)
Improvisation is how we can individually express ourselves within a piece of music with others. Learn to craft more challenging improvisational passages and techniques.
Jazz Listening
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 from as early as Dixieland Jazz Band, to the groundbreaking recordings of the Miles Davis Nonet, and contemporary artists such as Vijay Iyer, Snarky Puppy, and Esperanza Spalding, among others. 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.
Jazz Rhythm (Bass, Guitar, Piano (Limited Enrollment 12), Drums)
Work on specific instrument techniques in small group instruction to expand your skills as part of a rhythm section and learn new repertoire. These courses are taught by a specialist in your instrument!
Keyboard Skills and Thrills (Intermediate/Advanced) - Limited Enrollment
This class is designed for the intermediate or advanced pianist (approximately four or more years of keyboard study) to explore keyboard skills that are essential for professional development.
Skills covered include: technical skills that improve awareness of keyboard topography; sight-reading solo and ensemble keyboard repertoire with varying textures, styles, and pedagogical issues; melodic and harmonic transposition exercises to develop intervallic reading skills; harmonization exercises to improve awareness of harmonic relationships; score reading exercises; rhythmic exercises to develop reading fluency and groove; basic realization of lead sheets in popular music styles.
Music/Arts Business and Administration
The business of music is a global multi-billion dollar industry. Those who create the music, distribute, work at labels, publish, record, manage, promote, produce, counsel, and more are part of this industry. Arts Administration is a thriving career path in the Arts that work to serve communities and artists. Learn about various aspects of these careers and the industry as a whole and how the world is changing the music and the music is influencing the world. This course is offered through a collaboration with the Bolz Center for Arts Administration with the Wisconsin School of Business.
Music and Media Production (Limited Enrollment)
Today’s phones, computers, and digital devices are equipped with amazing musical technology. They can turn your ideas into an original recording, podcast, and more — but how to use these tools? This simple, do-it-yourself course will show you the basics of music production using software like GarageBand, Audacity, Ableton, and Pro Tools. Learn to use MIDI, microphones and interfaces, audio editing, mixing, and other top-secret techniques for using everyday items to create musical genius!
Music Theory: The Harmonic Styles of 18th Century European Musicians
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 Creativity through Improvisational Play
In this class students will explore the meaning of improvisational play. They will broaden their understanding of improvisation and music-making through experiential learning and an affirming environment.
Musical Theatre*
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
Orchestra*
Be a part of a full 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, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, Piano, Harp, Other
Percussion Ensemble (Limited Enrollment)
Be a part of a percussion ensemble! A diverse, challenging, and varied repertoire is a focus of this course. Music is taught through a variety of methods including reading notation, learning by rote or ear, and an individualized and large ensemble approach. *Students must be a percussionist as their primary instrument to be in this course.
Rock Band* (Limited Enrollment)
Be a part of a rock band! Come join in a collaborative experience working to create a band and your own sound by choosing cover songs and exploring original material.
Instruments: Voice, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Piano, Wind Instrument
Score Creation*
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.
Sight Singing Strategies
Work on your ability to read music quickly and easily! Practice sight singing approaches designed to help vocalists gain facility with standard rhythmic patterns and interval recognition.
Songwriting/Hip Hop Performance*
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*
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.
The Funky Drummer
This class is for drummers who would like to learn how to play beats that were the foundation of all funk and hip hop beats. The “Funky Drummer” class will explore the beats, history and impact of Clyde Stubblefield’s drum beat on American music as we know it. The class will be taught by two time Grammy Award nominee Joey B. Banks who was a close friend, band mate, and musical director for the Clyde Stubblefield All Star Band before Clyde passed away in 2017. The class is part of the dedication to keeping Clyde’s legacy alive through performance and education.
Ukulele
Come be a part of a ukulele group class to learn or improve your technique and enjoy playing with others! You must provide your own instrument for this class.
Visual Music
This class will be an exploration of how visual art can represent musical sound and how musical sound can represent what we see. Exploring other art forms makes our music-making richer! Students will experience multiple examples of visual art that represent musical sounds and study music that represents visual art. Students will also have the opportunity to create their own art and/or music as part of this course.
Vocal Coaching - Arias to Ariana*
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 Class (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)
Work on specific vocal techniques in small group instruction to expand your skills and learn new repertoire. These courses are taught by a specialist on your voice part!
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* (Limited Enrollment)
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 Sabar drumming from Senegal. Instruments are provided for this course.
What's Going on In The Score? Inside the Mind of a Composer
Ever wonder how you can learn to hear the music better in rehearsal and know more about the piece and how your part relates on your own? This course will focus on score study techniques for instrumental repertoire. Knowing the score and how to know it help you in rehearsal and personal practice preparation! Students will work to develop the skill of understanding the score of a piece and how their part fits within the big musical picture. The class will focus on repertoire students are potentially learning in SMC ensembles to be able to directly apply the skills they are learning! The class will include large and small group instruction to allow for the practice of skills together.
Women Composers - A Historical Exploration
Women composers have served important roles in music since antiquity. However, their vast contributions have often been historically overlooked, and their voices continue to be underrepresented in society. During this course, campers will explore a range of influential women composers from the Western Classical Music lineage, spanning the Baroque (circa 1600) through Contemporary eras. Instructor Marie Pauls serves as Education Manager for LunART, Inc, a Madison nonprofit organization that promotes and celebrates women in the arts.