Are you a musician looking for a friendly group of music loving friends? Are you a future artist manager looking to network and get ahead? What about a writer looking for places to publish your masterpieces? No matter who you are or what you do, there is a community in Madison to satisfy your musical desires.

In a culturally rich region like Madison, the opportunities to explore music are endless. Here are 10 tips for success as a student musician in Madison.

1) To rejoin WUD Music

This academic organization hosts events designed to teach artists essential skills in the entertainment industry. In WUD Music, you’ll work with music lovers and musicians to book shows, identify talent, and promote and host concerts on campus.

Bonus – WUD Music sets up free concerts on campus and you don’t need to be a member to attend!

Noname discusses race, social justice and music at UW Lit FestAs part of the Lit Fest, a weeklong celebration of the literary arts, the University of Wisconsin hosted the rapper and Read…

2) To live Music matters

This organization combines social activism and music to create a community of future leaders in the music industry. Here you can attend speaker events, concerts, and networking events with other like-minded people on campus.

Bonus – Music Matters partners with other bands on campus to put on concerts, like WUD Music and musical questions WUDstock spring event!)

3) Participate in the WSUM Radio crew

Want your voice to be heard by over 40,000 people? Well you can do it on 91.7 FM by hosting a talk show Where broadcasting. Not so comfortable in the spotlight? Writing for WSUM student radio Blog, assist with social networks and promotions or create your own Podcast series!

Bonus – stop by their convenient location in the East Campus Mall to meet the resort’s mascot, Syd the Snake!

WUD Music presents an online concert seriesWUD Music Director Jack Snedegar has been told he will be the new head of the Wisconsin Union Executive Music Committee. Read…

4) PYOP (Draw your own permits)

Whether you are a member of a promising group or a very active solo artist on stage, the city of Madison makes it easy for you to show what you have! To play in a public space in Madison, you will need to withdraw a permit and reserve a seat downtown within a specified time slot. Some popular places include Library Mall, Rotary Plaza, and Concrete Park (Frances Plaza). Discover their website for a list of prices, locations and times.

Bonus – the locations have electrical outlets for amps, speakers, and lights during your show!

5) Attend a variety of concerts

Mad-town is known for its vibrant social scene, and the music is the underlying melody that ties it all together. There are concerts all the time on the isthmus – you just have to know where to look. For large paying concerts, consult the Sylvée, the Majestic, Orpheus, the Opening, Lunchtime saloon and the Kohl Center. For more intimate shows, listen to Mickey’s Tavern, Bar north and the Wisconsin Brewing Company.

Bonus – there are FREE concerts organized by students at Der Rathskeller, the Terrace, The Sett or the Play circle!

6) Join LÃœM Platform

This Madison-based online social and streaming platform lets you follow local musicians or post your own material. LÃœM, which stands for Live Undiscovered Music, focuses on building an online community of emerging artists. According to the platform’s website, users interact with the content by sending virtual “giveaways” to their favorite artists and joining designer clubs to interact with local venues and similar artists.

Bonus – to access exclusive behind-the-scenes content from other users, join their Creator Club!

Trombone Shorty, Orleans Avenue brings a taste of Louisiana to MadisonMaking his first Madison appearance since Freakfest in 2017, Troy Andrews – better known as Trombone Shorty – and Read…

7) Get experience in editing, design and marketing

Interested in promotions, design, marketing or journalistic writing in the entertainment industry? Join one of the University of Wisconsin’s many student publications! Some of them include the EMMIE Magazine, MODA Magazine, the Arts Etc chronicle in The Badger Herald, the Performing arts section of the Daily Cardinal or one of the blogs of the music clubs on campus.

Premium – you do not need previous experience to join these organizations!

8) Join a a capella group on the campus

UW has a lot of hot vocal groups on campus. Bad puns aside, there is a wide variety of bands that each spotlight something different from the others. Whether you are looking for a competitive band, singing for fun, or learning to play a variety of musical genres, UW A Capella has a place for you.

Bonus – you can join a variety of gender neutral groups!

9) Join Music therapy association

It seems unlikely at first glance that music, psychology, or biology will have anything in common, but the Music Therapy Association opens the door to many opportunities to merge multiple disciplines with music. Find out how music applies to other fields of study and help organize and participate in musical performances.

Bonus – MTA has performed in hospitals, nursing homes and health clinics!

ten) Hit the books!

Taking a music-focused course at UW is a great way to meet other musicians and gain hands-on experience. There is a plethora of different course options suitable for different interests and styles of performance. Want to learn music theory? Music 151 can be useful. Interested in the Big Bands of the 1920s-1950s? Music 205 calls out your name. Browse a full list of music lessons here and music lessons here.

Bonus – many music courses include a performance section if you want to continue your music education through college!