Frequently asked questions about:

Madison area music classes

1. How do I know if a class is the right level for me?
2. May I talk with the instructor of the class before I enroll?
3. Where are the classes held?
4. Where can I park?
5. I've registered and paid for a class, but now I can't go - may I have a refund?
6. I can't go to the first (last, middle) class - may I pay a pro-rated fee?
7. Is there a special rate for seniors?
8. Is there a sequel to this class? How can I continue to progress once the class is over?
9. Are the same classes offered again every year?
10. How can I find out what you are offering next semester or next year?
11. Can children or teenagers come to the classes?
13. How do I register for a class?
14. My question isn't listed here, who can I contact?

 

 

How do I know if a class is the right level for me?

Many of our music classes are hands-on classes. If the course description says that the class is at the beginning level, there are no expectations for any music experience. If the class is described as intermediate level, then limited experience is expected. If you don't know if your experience is enough to start at the entry level of an intermediate class, it is best to talk to the instructor. Call Chelcy Bowles at 608-265-5629 for advice. E-mail: cbowles@dcs.wisc.edu.

May I talk with the instructor of the class before I enroll?

Yes, all of our instructors know that they may receive calls from participants prior to the start of a class. While our office may be able to offer some information, the instructor is best able to answer more technical questions. Call music coordinator Chelcy Bowles at 608-265-5629 (e-mail cbowles@dcs.wisc.edu) to find out how to reach an instructor.

Where are the classes held?

Our classes are held in various venues around Madison, including the Dudgeon Center (3200 Monroe St.), the Neighborhood Center (29 S. Mills St.), St. Francis House (1001 University Ave.), and the Lutheran Campus Center (321 N. Mills St.). These are small buildings, and the classrooms can be located easily. Some classes are held in churches, usually in the sanctuary. Classroom locations for classes at West High School (30 Ash St.) will be written on your confirmation form. If there is no classroom indicated on the confirmation, please call Chelcy Bowles at 608-265-5629 (e-mail cbowles@dcs.wisc.edu) to find out the room number.

The majority of our music classes are held in the Humanities Building on the UW-Madison campus (located at the corner of Park St. and University Ave.). Although a class location is listed in the Continuing Education catalog, or with the description on this Web site, classroom locations are subject to change. Refer to the room number indicated on the confirmation slip you are sent after you register. You will receive a phone call if a class location changes from that indicated on your confirmation form. If there is a location change within a building, you may simply be directed to the new classroom with a sign posted on the door of the original location.

Where can I park?

Our classes are held in various venues around Madison, including the Dudgeon Center and Madison West High School on the near west side, and the Neighborhood House near the UW-Madison campus - all of these venues have on-site parking. However, the majority of our classes are in the UW-Madison Humanities Building, and some are in the Lutheran Campus Center and St. Francis House on University Ave. You will probably need to park in public parking facilities on the campus for those classes. You may want to take into account the Kohl Center schedule and plan accordingly.

I've registered and paid for this class, but now I can't go - may I have a refund?

If you have already registered and find that you cannot attend the class, we will be happy to refund the entire enrollment fee, except for the external $4.00 registration fee charged for each enrollment. We will also provide a full refund (except for $4) if you attend the first class and find that the skill level is inappropriate. We provide a 60% refund if you attend the first two classes, then officially drop the class. After that no refund is offered. All refunds must be authorized by Chelcy Bowles 608-265-5629 E-mail: cbowles@dcs.wisc.edu.

I can't go to the first (last, middle) class - may I pay a pro-rated fee?

It is not possible for us to pro-rate refunds for missed classes. Our instructors try very hard to provide information and assignments in advance so that students can proceed on their own through a class that must be missed, especially if the instructor knows of the anticipated absence. But processing the necessary paperwork for refunds for missed classes is simply not possible.

Is there a special rate for seniors?

We try to keep our enrollment fees at reasonable rates so that seniors, students, and adults with families can participate without undue financial burden.

Is there a sequel to this class? How can I continue to progress once the class is over?

Some of our skills classes do have subsequent levels in which to enroll. However, after the intermediate level, skills tend to be widely divergent, and we suggest that you enroll in private instruction or proceed to a community band, choir, or orchestra. Many of our instructors have their own private studios, or can direct you to an excellent teacher. All of our instructors are asked to provide information about subsequent self-directed study and additional opportunities once the class is over.

Are the classes offered again every year?

It is not always possible to know as much as a year in advance whether a class will be offered. Our best recommendation is to try to take the class when it is offered. Be aware, also, that many of the skills classes have lower enrollment limits in order to improve instruction é so don't wait to enroll if you know you want to be in a particular class.

How can I find out what you are offering next semester or next year?

While we try to plan our slate of music classes for fall and for winter/spring far in advance, it is not always possible to know as much as a year in advance whether a class will be offered. Fall classes are generally posted on the web in mid-July, Winter/Spring classes are posted in November. The printed Continuing Education catalog for Fall is generally available by mid-August, the Winter/Spring issue by early December.

You can also call Chelcy Bowles at 608-265-5629 to ask what is coming up. Call after mid-May for Fall classes, after mid-September for Winter/Spring classes.

In the Summer we offer very few if any continuing education classes, as we host special festivals, travel programs and conferences. While our summer offerings are usually intended primarily for music teachers and professionals, there are often components that are interesting and beneficial for non-teachers. Some of them even have components especially for beginners. We also have several educational travel programs that occur in the summer. Check the Music Programs web page to learn about all of our music continuing education offerings.

Can children or teenagers come to the classes?

Our music classes are intended for adult students, and we have found that it is generally much better to limit participation to the intended audience. Our instructors work very hard to provided experiences that are particularly appropriate for adult learners, and cannot spend the additional time necessary to also plan for children. In rare cases, we will pass the decision to the instructor, but strongly suggest you seek age-appropriate opportunities for children or teens. Chelcy Bowles 608-265-5629 (e-mail cbowles@dcs.wisc.edu) may be able to suggest an opportunity, or you may call the UW-Madison School of Music Student Teaching Division at 608-263-1923.

How do I register for a class?

You will find registration forms on the Division of Continuing Studies Web site (registration form) or as the last page in the Continuing Education Classes catalog. Your may register in person, by mail, fax or telephone. For more information see the How To Register page for details.

My question isn't listed here, who can I contact?

Contact our offices via telephone or e-mail and we will be happy to advise you.
Music Programs Director: Chelcy Bowles 608-265-5629, e-mail: cbowles@dcs.wisc.edu
Department of Liberal Studies and the Arts, Office phone 608-263-6670, E-mail: liberalarts@dcs.wisc.edu

 

 

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