UWW Cello

The opportunities for cello playing are numerous, including lessons, orchestras, alternative styles and early music ensembles, chamber music, and Cello Ensemble. In addition, there are other opportunities including masterclasses, student organizations like the Cello Club and Collegiate ASTA, and cello-related projects through the Undergraduate Research and Research Assistant Program.

Large Ensembles

UW-Whitewater has a Symphony and a Chamber Orchestra. In addition, some students are awarded fellowships to perform with the Lake Geneva Symphony. UW-W also has a Baroque Ensemble and an Improvisor’s Orchestra. Students may participate in chamber ensembles that receive coachings from string faculty.

Cello Ensemble

The UW-W Cello Ensemble provides an opportunity for cellists to explore the wonderful repertoire for multiple cellos and to learn how to match tone, intonation, and vibrato with other cellists in the studio. The ensemble has performed twice for the state music educators convention and has performed numerous world premiers of cello ensemble repertoire. In addition, the UW-W Cello Ensemble forms the core of the cello orchestras that rehearse and perform at the annual UW-W Cello Festivals.

Cello Research & Projects

UW-Whitewater is one of the most active universities in the country in terms of Undergraduate Research. Over the years, members of the cello studio have helped in a variety of ways with Dr. Whitcomb’s multitude of books, articles, and papers on cello pedagogy. One project that is currently being worked on is the cataloguing of the compositions & arrangements of Evan Tonsing.

Masterclass

Some students perform for the rest of us. The other students have the opportunity to point out positive aspects. Dr. Whitcomb makes suggestions for further improvement.

Cello Seminar

The studio meets together weekly for a variety of activities: discussions of technique issues relevant to everyone, sectionals on orchestra repertoire, surveys of the repertoire & famous cellists, and masterclasses with guest artists. Past guest artists include Mark Summers, Peter Wiley, Phyllis Young, Douglas Moore, David Littrell, Cornelia Watkins, and Anne Witt.

Degree Offerings

Whether you select a major, craft an individualized major, or pursue a music minor, there are various degree offerings. A few studies include music performance, theory & composition, media arts & game design, and music education.

UW-W Alumni

Graduates of the UW-Whitewater cello studio teach privately or in public school programs all around the region and the country. They perform in classical orchestras and chamber ensembles, but many also play jazz, rock, and folk music as well. Many have won awards for their playing, teaching, or service to the profession. What will you do as a graduate of the UW-W cello studio?

Example careers:

School band, orchestra and choir director
General music or private teacher
Music professor
Professional composer/arranger
Music minister
Voice-over talent
Music promoter/manager
Professional orchestral musician
Instrument repair manager

For example, Alumna Jasmyn Kosier, who earned a degree in music education in 2020, is currently a Elementary School Orchestra Teacher. She returned to campus to teach students and conduct them in “Ode to Joy” from the Ninth Symphony by Beethoven. Students in UW-Whitewater Strings Camp presented a concert in Young Auditorium at week’s end on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Application Process

1. Apply to UW-Whitewater

Start your application and track your progress online. Learn more about admissions. May 1 is typically the deadline for the following fall semester and mid-December is typically the deadline for the following spring semester.

2. Identify your Degree, Major, and/or Minor

UW-Whitewater offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs. A Bachelor of Arts in music common for music-related studies. A few areas of focus include: music major, audio production and sound design major, music education major, instrumental performance major, music history certificate, music theory certification, etc. Learn more about the music programs.

3. Apply for the Music Program

Music major applications require application to the UW-Whitewater for admission, application to the Music Department for audition and acceptance as a Music major, submission of teacher recommendation form, and an audition. Music minor applications requirements are similar.

Learn More About Music at UWW

What Students Say

"He is the reason I chose this school and I have never regretted a moment of his stellar education."

"Having had Dr. Whitcomb as such a strong professor and mentor is one of the main reasons I am most proud of my education at UW-Whitewater. "

"Dr. Whitcomb is the best teacher ever and I wouldn’t be who I am today without his help and guidance."

"He is unmatched at the ability to encourage and uplift students while remaining realistic and systematically critical to areas that require improvement."

"Dr. Whitcomb combines high expectations and clear instruction with a sense of humor and a genuine enjoyment of his students’ progress and successes."

"He was able to quickly diagnose and help me change some flaws in my bow arm, which resulted in a dramatic improvement of tone."

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