Wisconsin Conservatory of Music

Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Inspiring individuals & communities through exceptional music education, accessible to all.

The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music provides musical experiences to students from age four months through senior citizen, both amateur and professional. Our work to develop creative, artistic individuals enhances life in southeastern Wisconsin by providing exceptional performances and nurturing generations of innovative, inspired and visionary citizens. The Conservatory strives to provide an envir

onment in which individual students can thrive and grow. The Conservatory is committed to tailoring each student’s instruction to his/her individual needs, abilities, interests and learning styles. Faculty members are encouraged to work carefully with students to guide them to achieve their goals at a pace that is appropriate for them. The philosophy which guides the Conservatory’s mission is:
- To maintain the excellence of music education and performance opportunities for all of its clientele as the norm for all decisions regarding policy, programs, finance, and general operations.
- To respect, support, and facilitate the instructional endeavors of its faculty who are the heart of the institution.
- To clearly demonstrate, through open communication and action, the administrative responsibility to develop its faculty and enhance the professional bonds among the staff, faculty, and administration.

We are honored to be part of this new, creative space!WCM is building upon existing partnerships with Bronzeville neighb...
07/16/2026

We are honored to be part of this new, creative space!

WCM is building upon existing partnerships with Bronzeville neighborhood schools and childcare centers while expanding our reach to serve more students and families.

Also: be sure to visit our website to learn when the future location opens! 👀

The developer's focus is shifting to a performance venue, coworking space, content studios and a planned cafe.

Enrollment for WCM fall classes is now officially OPEN! 🎉From finding community in a chamber music group to expanding yo...
07/15/2026

Enrollment for WCM fall classes is now officially OPEN! 🎉

From finding community in a chamber music group to expanding your skills in a jazz ensemble, there’s an opportunity for everyone to explore their passion for music.

👉Classes are available for all age ranges. Take a look and register today: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/wcmusic/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&days_of_week=0000000&activity_select_param=2&child_season_ids=63&child_season_ids=64&child_season_ids=65&viewMode=list

Explore WCM’s Jazz & Contemporary programs. Through Jazz Lab, Latin Jazz, Rock, and Blues ensembles, students build creativity, improvisation, and performance skills.

The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music mourns the passing of Manty Ellis, a legendary musician, educator, and mentor whose ...
07/10/2026

The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music mourns the passing of Manty Ellis, a legendary musician, educator, and mentor whose influence shaped generations of jazz artists in Milwaukee and beyond.

Widely known as the "Godfather" of Milwaukee jazz, Manty began his remarkable career in the 1960s. Alongside his mentor, Tony King, he helped establish the first degree-granting collegiate jazz program in the country, here at Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. The program created new opportunities for aspiring musicians and helped strengthen Milwaukee's vibrant jazz community.

In 2025 he was named one of the 20 inaugural Jazz Legacies Fellows by the Jazz Foundation of America, a fitting honor recognizing his lifelong contributions to jazz.
Manty's legacy continues through the Manty Ellis Scholarship at WCM, which supports the next generation of jazz musicians as they pursue their passion and artistry.

We are profoundly grateful for Manty's vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to music education and the Milwaukee jazz community. His impact will live on through the countless students, musicians, and audiences whose lives he touched.

Our hearts are with Manty's family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who were privileged to know him. May his memory continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.

The Music Explorations Camp at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music continues to make a lasting impact beyond the classro...
07/10/2026

The Music Explorations Camp at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music continues to make a lasting impact beyond the classroom 🎶🌟

“Our kids gained a new level of enjoyment of music - they're still singing the songs they learned!”

From hands-on activities to engaging musical experiences, campers leave with skills, confidence, and a love of music that sticks with them long after the week ends.

WCM is grateful to the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival for its support of our summer programming!  We’re excited to share the ...
07/08/2026

WCM is grateful to the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival for its support of our summer programming! We’re excited to share the 2026 lineup for their 7th Annual Fresh Coast Jazz Festival 🎷

Taking place August 20–22, 2026, in Milwaukee, this multi-day celebration brings together unforgettable music and signature experiences including evening concerts at the historic Pabst Theater, the exclusive “The Pairing” wine tasting, and the fan-favorite Fresh Coast Cruise aboard the Edelweiss Harbor Lady.

A can’t-miss weekend of live music and signature Milwaukee experiences.

Our lineup for the 2026 Fresh Coast Jazz Festival is STACKED! Who are you most excited to see?

🎶☀️ July at WCM is filled with performances, community music-making, and opportunities to support students. Here’s what’...
07/08/2026

🎶☀️ July at WCM is filled with performances, community music-making, and opportunities to support students. Here’s what’s happening this month:

🎷 Jazz Camp (July 6)
Spend a week building jazz skills through combo and large-ensemble rehearsals, improvisation and theory classes, and sessions in jazz history, listening, techniques, and composition. The week concludes with a public performance featuring all student combos.

🎷 Adult Jazz Camp (July 7)
Spend three days building combo and improvisation skills in a supportive, faculty-led setting. Open to adult jazz musicians of all levels, the camp includes three rehearsal and improvisation sessions and concludes with a performance in the Friday Jazz Camp showcase.

🎤 S. Lleone Studio Recital — Voice (July 11)
Voice studio recital featuring the students of WCM faculty Shanti Lleone.

🎹 Piano Camp (July 13)
Experience a unique week of music-making with fellow pianists at WCM. Students will participate in specialized classes, explore piano chamber music, and work closely with Conservatory faculty through one–to–two individual lessons. Campers will deepen skills in sight-reading, sight-singing, transposition, jazz piano and improvisation, memorization, collaborative playing, and piano history.

🎷 July Jazz Jam Session (July 15)
Join us for WCM’s Jazz Jam — free and open to all skill levels! Bring your instrument, your voice, or just enjoy the music as students, local musicians, and jazz fans come together for an evening of improvisation and community.

🎶 Chamber Music Camp (July 27)
Spend a week making music in small ensembles at WCM. String and piano students rehearse in trios, quartets, or quintets, receive coaching and master classes, and build key chamber music skills through a variety of electives. The camp concludes with a Friday afternoon showcase for family and friends.

Check out our events page for all the details: wcmusic.org/wcm-events

Practice rooms at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music are available to students as an important part of their study, on ...
07/06/2026

Practice rooms at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music are available to students as an important part of their study, on an as-available basis.

Please note that during upcoming summer camps, practice room availability will be limited during daytime hours:

July 6–10: Jazz Camp
July 13–17: Piano Camp
July 20–24: Percussion Camp
July 27–31: Chamber Music Camp

We encourage students to plan practice time accordingly and check availability in advance, as rooms will be in high demand throughout these weeks. 🗓️🎶

The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music will be closed on:Thursday, July 3Friday, July 4Regular operations will resume follo...
07/03/2026

The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music will be closed on:
Thursday, July 3
Friday, July 4

Regular operations will resume following the holiday closure. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend. 🇺🇲

Address

1584 N. Prospect Avenue
Milwaukee, WI
53202

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