University of Washington School of Music

The University of Washington School of Music is a public university music school in Seattle, Washington, with musical instruction dating back to 1862, just one year after the university's founding. The School of Music was formally established in 1935 and has been conferring Bachelor of Music degrees since 1911. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in performance, jazz studies, composition, ethnomusicology, music education, music history, and conducting. Its ethnomusicology program, founded in 1963, is one of the oldest and most respected in the United States, with a visiting artist program that has brought musicians from Afghanistan, China, India, Ireland, Korea, Puerto Rico, Senegal, and Tanzania to campus for over 50 years.

Programs and Degrees

The UW School of Music offers more than 30 separate graduate degree programs alongside undergraduate degrees:

• Classical Performance: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts in all orchestral instruments, piano, and voice. Faculty maintain active performing careers with major orchestras and ensembles.
• Jazz Studies and Improvised Music: Undergraduate and graduate programs focused on jazz performance and improvisation. Students participate in jazz ensembles and study with active performing faculty.
• Composition: Undergraduate and graduate degrees in contemporary classical and experimental composition. Students have access to electronic music studios and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities.
• Ethnomusicology: Bachelor of Arts and graduate degrees (MA and PhD). The program integrates musicology and anthropology, with field study and explorations of music and culture as core components. Ensembles include the UW Steelband, Zimbabwean Marimba Ensemble, Javanese Gamelan, and Gospel Choir. The program maintains extensive archives of field recordings from around the world.
• Music Education: Undergraduate and graduate programs leading to K-12 teaching certification.
• Conducting: Graduate programs in choral, orchestral, and wind conducting.
• Music History: Graduate programs in musicology and music scholarship.

The school presents more than 100 concerts, recitals, master classes, and guest artist events annually that are open to the public.

Admissions and Tuition

Undergraduate admission requires an application to the University of Washington plus a separate School of Music application and audition. Graduate application deadline for Autumn Quarter admission is December 1. Graduate applicants should contact somadmit@uw.edu for program-specific requirements.

Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year (estimated, full-time undergraduate):

• Washington resident: approximately $12,973 per year in tuition and fees
• Non-resident: approximately $43,209 per year in tuition and fees

Additional School of Music fees apply per course:

• $825 for 3-credit private lessons
• $550 for 2-credit private lessons
• $220 for music education techniques courses and keyboard
• $65 for ensembles

The School of Music distributes more than $500,000 annually in merit-based and need-based student support. Graduate teaching assistantships and fellowships are competitive and available in all areas of study. Domestic students seeking funding should file the FAFSA. The Husky Promise program guarantees that eligible Washington state students from low-income families can attend UW tuition-free.

Real-World Example

A percussionist accepted into the BM program for fall 2026 as a Washington resident pays approximately $12,973 in tuition and fees per year. With additional School of Music fees for private lessons ($825 per 3-credit course) and ensemble participation ($65 per ensemble), the music-specific fees add approximately $1,780 per year. Total tuition and fees come to approximately $14,753 per year. Over four years, the student pays approximately $59,000 in tuition and fees. The student performs in the UW Steelband and Zimbabwean Marimba Ensemble (unique to the ethnomusicology program), studies with faculty who perform internationally, and has access to the UW Music Library and ethnomusicology archives. A non-resident student in the same program pays approximately $43,209 per year in tuition ($172,836 over four years), plus the same music fees. A graduate student pursuing a PhD in ethnomusicology can apply for a teaching assistantship that includes a tuition waiver and stipend, reducing the cost significantly.

Notable alumni include audio engineer Andrea Roberts, who has worked with recording artists including Beyonce, and faculty who perform with major orchestras and present research at international conferences.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

The UW School of Music is a strong choice if you are interested in ethnomusicology or want to study music within a research university environment. The ethnomusicology program is the school's standout offering, with 60-plus years of history and a visiting artist program that gives you direct contact with musicians from around the world.

Seattle's music scene is one of the most active in the United States. The city has a deep history in jazz, rock, and indie music, and continues to be a hub for independent artists and music technology companies. As a UW student, you are in a city where you can gig, intern at music tech companies, and build a network in a thriving creative economy.

If you are a Washington resident, the approximately $13,000 annual tuition makes this one of the most affordable music degrees at a major research university. The Husky Promise program can eliminate tuition entirely for eligible low-income state residents.

The school's interdisciplinary approach is a differentiator. Ethnomusicology students can take courses in anthropology, history, and international studies. Composition students can collaborate with the Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media. This breadth prepares you for careers that go beyond traditional performance paths.

Visit the official UW School of Music website for full audition requirements and program details.

Related Resources

• Music Schools Directory - Compare UW with other music schools
• Streaming Royalty Calculator - Project streaming revenue while studying
• 21 Ways Musicians Can Earn Income - Income strategies for performing musicians
• Complete Guide to Making Money as a Musician in 2026 - Career planning for music school graduates