Frequently asked questions

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 register?
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?
12. How do I register for a class?
13. My question isn't listed here; who can I contact?
14. How can I find out if a class is cancelled due to inclement weather?

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 continuing or 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 contact music program director 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 register?

While our office may be able to offer some information, the instructor may be best able to answer more technical questions. Contact music program director 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. Classroom locations are listed in the Continuing Education Catalog and on your confirmation form. If there is no classroom indicated on the confirmation, please contact Jodi Roberts at 608-263-6670 (e-mail jroberts@dcs.wisc.edu) to find out the room number.

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 or e-mail message 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, many of which have on-site parking. However, the majority of our classes are in the UW-Madison Humanities Building. You will probably need to park in public parking facilities on the campus for those classes. The closest parking facilities are the Lake Street Ramp (Lake and State), Grainger Hall (entrance on Brooks St.) and Helen C. White (entrance near Park St. and Observatory Dr.). 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 registration fee, except for the external $10.00 registration fee charged for each registration. We will also provide an 80% refund (except for $10) 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 not possible.

Is there a special rate for seniors?

We try to keep our registration 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 register. However, after the intermediate level, skills tend to be widely divergent, and we suggest that you register 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?

Classes in piano, voice, guitar, and various enrichment classes are offered every semester. We try to keep our program interesting with a variety of new classes each semester, and it is not always possible to know as much as a year in advance whether a particular 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 registration limits in order to improve instruction, so don't wait to register 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 as far in advance as possible. We do not always 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.

While many of our summer offerings are intended primarily for music teachers and professionals, keep in mind that 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 provide 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 Community Music Lesson Program 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, 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
UW-Madison Continuing Studies, Office phone 608-263-6670, E-mail: info@dcs.wisc.edu

How can I find out if a class is cancelled due to inclement weather?

In the event of bad weather or other emergencies, call 608-263-4432 to learn whether a Continuing Studies program or class has been cancelled. Cancellation information will also be posted on the Web at www.dcs.wisc.edu. Notification for daytime programs will be available by 7 am; for programs occurring after 4 pm notification will be available by 2:30 pm. If a single program is cancelled, you will be notified by phone; please include phone numbers on your registration.