Mini Music Clinics
Immerse yourself for one day of music and connection
Students in grades 9–12 and/or music educators of all levels and experiences are invited to join us on the UW–Madison campus for a challenging, fast-paced day of musical growth and connection. Designed to supplement students’ school, community or individual music experience, Mini Music Clinics serve to enhance music education through large and small group learning from UW–Madison faculty and graduate students and renowned educators from across the country. High schoolers will build connections with the UW–Madison campus and their fellow musicians and perform in a final concert at the end of the day, often in collaboration with a UW-Madison ensemble.
All music educators (pre-service, current, retired) are invited to spend the day on campus with or without your students for a rejuvenating retreat focused on connection, relevant skill-building, and topical conversation! Retreat days include aspects of the following:
- Work with UW Conductors in collaborative conducting and new music reading sessions
- Observe the Student Clinics and their guest conductor
- Connect socially and professionally
- Attend the concert
- Enjoy classes taught by other Mead Witter School of Music Faculty that directly relate to your teaching and needs!
At a glance
Registration and program dates
Mini Orchestra Clinic and Teacher Retreat:
- Registration deadline: March 13, 2026
- Program: Saturday, March 15, 2026
student Program fees
Students: $150
$25 nonrefundable registration fee included.
Need-based scholarships are available.
teacher retreat educator fees
Teacher with student attending: $90
Teacher without student attending: $150
format and location
In-person on UW-Madison’s campus
Contact
608-263-2242
smc@wisc.edu
Guest Conductors
Mini Orchestra Clinic
John Emanuelson from Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestras
I absolutely loved playing with the full ensemble. It was so nice to play with people who loved music as much as I did. I also enjoyed playing with such a wide variety of instruments at one time. I also loved the music, especially Halcyon Hearts and Fortress. Overall this was one of the best (if not the best) experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to come back next year.
mini music student
2023
Placement Audition/ Conversation
There are no placement auditions/conversations required to register for a Mini Music Clinic. All choir and band mini students will begin their mini clinic day with a short part/voice placement audition/conversation. All mini orchestra students will be asked to do a part placement audition/conversation in person or via Zoom prior to the program. Students will be asked to play a prepared piece, a short provided excerpt, and scales. Specific details will be shared in late December/early January.
Scholarship information
The full program fee payment of $150 is due by the start of the program. The $25 nonrefundable registration fee is included.
A limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial need for the Mini Band Clinic only. Our goal is to make these programs accessible. If the cost of this program is a barrier to participation, please contact us to see what options might be available.
School Districts and/or Community Organizations may pay for student attendance. Contact the program (smc@wisc.edu or 608-263-2242) for more information. Payments must be received prior to the start of the program.