University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Josh Schwalbach, bass faculty

General Statistics

  • US News Ranking: #37 in Regional Universities Midwest
  • US News Overall Score (out of 100): 65
  • In-State Tuition & Fees 2016-17: $8,822
  • Out-of-State Tuition & Fees 2016-17: $16,395
  • Room & Board 2016-17: $7,322
  • Total Enrollment: 10,460
  • Acceptance Rate (from 2015): 85%
  • Student – Faculty Ratio: 21:1
  • 4 year graduation rate: 30%
  • % of undergrads receiving Financial aid: 54%
  • Average Financial Aid: $6,031

Double Bass Statistics

  • Average number of undergraduate bass students: 10
  • Average number of graduate bass students: 0
  • Studio Class, Bass Ensembles, Jazz Combo, Chamber Music

What Alumni Are Doing

  • Scott Pingel (San Francisco Symphony, 2004)
  • Graduate school for Music Composition
  • public school teaching
  • arts administration (administrator for a professional choir)

Perspectives from Students and Alumni

Q: What are some favorite memories about studying at this school?

A: Performing with the chamber orchestra and orchestra, lessons, bass studio, study abroad.

A: I had the opportunity to perform a wide range of music. There were so many different groups that I could join, and the other students were always trying to form new types of groups to play more.

Q: How did this school help prepare you for your future endeavors?

A: Commitment to great music making, passion for artistic expression, general ed courses were very helpful in making me a well-rounded, globally engaged person.

A: It gave me a great experience working in music administration. There are quite a few different possibilities for work study and other jobs to prepare one for that line of work.

Q: What advice would you offer others thinking about studying at this school?

A: Eau Claire is great- go there!! The teachers- both in music and non music classes- really love what they do. It’s a smaller university, so class sizes tend to be smaller, which gives more opportunities to get a personalized learning experiences.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about this school?

A: The campus is absolutely gorgeous, though it does get a little chilly in the winter.

Rachel R, Alicia P

Perspectives from the Bass Faculty

Q: What are some of your favorite experiences teaching at your school?

A: We do some free improvisation during studio class each year. It’s very satisfying to see students come out of their shells as performers during this process. I also get to teach some music theory classes at the school, which puts me in touch with students I wouldn’t meet otherwise. My colleagues in the string department are fantastic! I learn so much from them.

About The Bass Faculty

Double bassist Josh Schwalbach earned M.M. and D.M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University, where he studied with Kurt Muroki and Joseph Carver. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Thomas, studying double bass with Joan Griffith and majoring in both Music and Entrepreneurship. As an educator he has taught undergraduate double bass at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Stony Brook University, and he has served as an instructor at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Yinghua Academy Conservatory of Music, and the Stony Brook School on Long Island.

As an Early Music enthusiast Josh has performed on viola da gamba with the Aulos Ensemble and at the Boston Early Music Festival. He also regularly plays bass with the Rose Ensemble. While in New York, his interest in chamber music led him to a variety of performances throughout the northeast. Orchestral appearances include Symphoria Syracuse, Long Island Symphonic Choral Arts, and the Mankato Symphony, where he currently serves as assistant principal bass. Josh is also a member of the Twin Cities based group The Neighborhood Trio.

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