MSO Education & Community Engagement

Through a wide variety of programs and initiatives, the MSO’s education department reaches out to all music lovers, from the youngest listeners to the most experienced concert-goers. Through the Concerts for Schools and Kinderkonzerts, the MSO brings quality music and a positive concert experience to thousands of students each year. The MSO also takes pride in the talents of young musicians in the area, featuring them with the orchestra yearly in the Teen Choral Partners Concert, the Young Artist Auditions, and the Audrey G. Baird Stars of Tomorrow Concert. Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra maintains a strong relationship with all of Southeastern Wisconsin’s universities and colleges, cultivating a new generation of avid listeners. The MSO welcomes its adult audience to learn more about the music through the Behind the Notes pre-concert talk program, MSO Backstage (the official podcast of the MSO) as well as the MSO/UWM Lecture and Masterclass Series.

MSO Education Programs

Arts in Community Education (ACE) Program

This nationally acclaimed program enhances students' total education through the integration of music and other art forms into the overall school curriculum.
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MSO Concerts for Schools

Experience the wonder of live orchestral music with your students at these daytime concerts designed to fit state educational standards.

• Music for Me (grades K4-2)
• MSO Youth Concerts (grades 3-8)
• MSO Teen Concerts (grades 7-12)

Young Artist Auditions - Audrey G. Baird Stars of Tomorrow Concert

Open to all Wisconsin high school students, the Young Artist Auditions are held annually for string, woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians. Winners receive scholarships and the opportunity to play in concert with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Read more...

A program of the MSO League.

Joan Steele Stein Kinderkonzerts

Bring your entire family to the MSO for a Sunday full of music, learning, and fun! Created especially for kids age 3-10, MSO Kinderkonzerts have pre-concert activities sponsored by the MSO League beginning at 1:00 pm, before the 2:00 pm performance!

Bach Double Violin Competition

Violinists 14 years of age and under are eligible for this annual competition. Winners perform with the MSO on the ACE concert series.

Auditions are by appointment only and slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Read more...

Community Partnerships

Looking for a great youth symphony? A musically-inspired tour at the Milwaukee Art Museum? Find out more about our wonderful community partnerships!