At Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA), we believe music education offers a unique learning opportunity to explore creativity, artistic expression, and in-depth understanding of cultures in our diverse world.
Students arrive at MHSA with varying levels of knowledge—while some may have taken lessons since elementary school, some may have never played an instrument. We pride ourselves on raising student musicians by inspiring confidence and purpose through daily practice.
The music program at MHSA is guided by skilled, experienced educators. Our comprehensive program enables students to develop their musical abilities through self-discipline, leadership, teamwork, and resilience. This increases their commitment to learning and helps develop the lifelong skills needed to contribute to a cultured, educated society.
“[Mr. Roberts] is an amazing teacher. I don’t think I’ve ever had a teacher like Roberts, ever, like you can tell he really cares.” —Akira Harris
Our students aspire to enroll in university or conservatory music programs, explore other music related fields, or simply make music in their daily lives. Our diverse classes focus on theory, history, and performance.
Curriculum
All Music students take the following classes:
- Beginning Piano
- Pre-AP or AP Music Theory
For the rest of their courses, they are required to declare a focus in one of four areas: Band/Jazz, Choir, Orchestra, or Piano.
Band/Jazz
Beginner Instruments: Baritone/Euphonium, Clarinet or Bass Clarinet, Flute, Percussion, Saxophone (Alto, Baritone, or Tenor), Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba
Advanced Instruments: Bass Guitar**, Bassoon*, Drum Set**, Electric Guitar**, F Horn*, Oboe*
*Bassoon, F Horn, and Oboe are available for either those who already have experience with them OR those who have demonstrated beginner proficiency on other instruments.
**We do not currently offer beginner-level courses for Bass Guitar, Drum Set, or Electric Guitar. You must have previous experience and pass an audition to be admitted for one of these instruments. Note: If you have previous experience on the guitar, you are encouraged to apply no matter what your level.
- Advanced Band
- Advanced Jazz
- Beginning Band
- Intermediate Jazz
- Music Technology
Choir
- Chamber Singers
- Concert Chorale
- Opera Workshop
- Treble Choir
- Vocal Jazz
- Keyboard (Vocal)
Orchestra
Instruments: Bass, Cello, Viola, Violin
- Chamber Orchestra
- Chamber Workshop
- Concert Orchestra
- String Techniques
Piano
- Advanced Piano
- Intermediate Piano
Partnerships
- Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
- Present Music
- Skylight Musical Theatre
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Performance Opportunities
- Chamber Workshop Recitals: Students enrolled in the class
- Fall and Spring Concerts: Choir and Orchestra students
- Jazz Bazaar / Jazz Portraits: Jazz Combos and Vocal Jazz students
- Musical: Schoolwide opportunity for students from all majors
- Opera Workshop: Fall main stage production for students enrolled in the class
- Paint and Play: Piano students (in collaboration with Visual Art students)
- Portraits: Music department performance of contemporary musical artists
- Piano and Chamber Recital: Piano and instrumental music students
- Senior Recitals: All seniors
- Wisconsin School Music Association: Solo and Ensemble, Large Group, and State Competition performances
Past Featured Performances
Here are some exciting events where our students have performed!
Regional
- Wisconsin Music Education Association (WMEA) State Convention
- Wisconsin State Teachers Convention
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Jazz Festival
National
- International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Festival (New York, NY)
- Jazz Education Network (JEN) Festival (Dallas, TX)
- JVC Jazz Festival (New York, NY)
- Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC)