Bio
Jon Schipper is an active performer and educator based in Madison, WI.
Beginning fall of 2025, Jon will be the lecturer of trumpet and jazz at the university of wisconsin-Platteville. Go Pioneers!
He taught as a band director at Madison Country Day School for 17 years, the jazz program at Madison Memorial High School for 15 years,, as well as a private trumpet studio for the last 30 years.
jon was inspired to play the trumpet from his brother chris in his middle school years. He later attended lafollette high school in madison. From 1991 to 1996, Jon was a featured soloist with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.
He later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying under Professor John Aley, earning a Degree in Music Education in 1998.
He has been featured on many commercial recordings including Apple computers, Culvers, and a film soundtrack.
He has performed and/or toured with these artists in concert:
Aretha Franklin
Frank Sinatra Jr.
Johnny Mathis
Mannheim Steamroller
The Temptations
Don Rickles
Maria Schneider
Clyde Stubblefield
John Tesh
Clay Aiken
Cheap Trick
Jon Faddis
Wayne Bergeron
Roger Ingram
Leroy Jones
Wycliffe Gordon
Tom Wopat
Glenn Miller Orchestra
Nelson Riddle Orchestra
Chicago: The Musical, National Tour
MJ (Michael Jackson): The Musical, National Tour
Wisconsin (local) performing groups:
Madison Symphony Orchestra, The Big Payback, Michael Walters Orchestra, Grupo Candela, The jimmys. Red Hot Trad Band, Don’t Mess With Cupid, La Crosse Jazz Orchestra, Madisalsa, Orquesta MAS, Steely Dane, Phat Phunktion, Isthmus Brass, Milwaukee Jazz Orchestra.
Jon uses the following equipment:
GR Mouthpieces, Marcinkewicz Mouthpieces, Schilke Mouthpieces
Book Jon and/or these bands for your next event or educational clinic!
Michael Walters Orchestra. Pecatonica String Quartet
Phat Phunktion. The Big Payback
Red Hot Trad Band La Crosse Jazz Orchestra
Upcoming Performances
10.9.25 La Crosse Jazz Orchestra - Cappella Center, La Crosse WI 7:00PM
10.10.25. La Crosse Jazz Orchestra - Cappella Center, La Crosse WI 7:00PM
10.18.25 Tommy Dorsey Orchestra - Schwan Concert Hall, Milwaukee WI 2:00PM
10.18.25 Celia Cruz Tribute Show - High Noon Saloon, Madison WI, 8:00PM
10.19.25. Brian Duprey as Frank Sinatra - South Milwaukee Performing Arts center (Matinee)
10.20.25 Joe scalissi - Legacy dinner theatre - Wisconsin Dells
10.24.25 michael walters orchestra - private event milwaukee
10.25.25 ken killian big band - private event madison
11.11.25-11.16.25 “Some Like It Hot” National Tour, Overture Center, Madison (Shows Tues through Sunday)
11.30.25. ken killian big band - Hotel Julien, dubuque IA 2:00PM (dance)
12.11.25. La Crosse Jazz Orchestra Christmas Concert - Cappella Center, La Crosse WI 7:00PM
12.12.25 La Crosse Jazz Orchestra Christmas Concert - Cappella Center, La Crosse WI 7:00PM
12.13.25 Michael Walters orchestra - private event madison
12.14.25 Ken killian big band - private event milwaukee
12.19.25 Joe Scalissi (as Dean Martin) Loxley Club, Madison/Fitchburg WI 7:00PM
12.20.25 Joe Scalissi (as Dean Martin) Loxley Club, Madison/Fitchburg WI 7:00PM
12.21.25 Ken killian big band - Mineral Point Opera house 2:00PM (Dance)
12.24, 12.25 Christmas eve and christmas day services - St Thomas acquinas church, madison wi
1.17.26 Phat Phunktion - Funkfest, Majestic Theater 8:00PM
2.15.26 Joe Scalissi, Private event, University Park, IL
2.21.26 Ken Killian big Band, UW-Platteville Miners Ball 7:00PM
2.27.26 Phat Phunktion, Vivarium, Milwaukee, WI 8:00PM
3.19.26 Lacrosse Jazz Orchestra, Capella Center, Lacrosse WI 7:00PM
3.20.26 Lacrosse Jazz Orchestra, Capella Center, Lacrosse WI 7:00PM
3.28.26 RESPECT Show - The Big Payback - The Majestic Theater, Madison 7:00PM
What you'll learn studying Music at UW-Platteville
If you love music and think you want to take it to a professional level, whether it be performing, conducting, producing, or teaching, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is the place for you to develop your talent and ability. In this program, you will gain a thorough understanding of the elements and history of music, discover related business or arts applications for music, and learn to teach music, with a bachelor’s degree in music offered through UW-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visual Arts. You can major in choral or instrumental music education, performance or follow a pre-professional music therapy curriculum. You’ll also have the opportunity to rehearse and conduct a university ensemble within the music program.
As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music, our music university program provides numerous opportunities for performing, such as band, choir, and ensemble. We serve the student body and region as a cultural resource by providing general courses for all students and specialized courses leading to those occupations requiring musical expertise. Recognizing that cultural/aesthetic enrichment is a vital part of university life, our goal is to provide high-quality instructional experiences through performances by faculty, guest artists, and student performing organizations.
Program objectives are to provide you with the opportunity to:
Combine a music major with other related fields such as business or psychology.
Develop your talent and ability as a musician.
Become a teacher of music.
Combine a music major with business or related arts courses.
Develop a thorough understanding of the elements of music and its historic considerations.
Participate in performing organizations.
This music degree program offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in music with the following emphasis areas:
Music Education with Choral emphasis
Music Education with Instrumental emphasis
Vocal or Instrumental Performance
Additionally, the music department has instruments available to rent on a semester-to-semester basis. You can arrange rentals through the music office, 180 Doudna Hall. Lesson fees are built into the music course price you will pay with your tuition. However, please be advised, you will incur an out-of-pocket cost for an accompanist, which varies in price depending on the accompanist.
One of the biggest advantages as a music student at UW-Platteville is the opportunity to be involved in numerous ensembles. Participation and experience in many different musical atmospheres augment your own abilities and education.
-Emma Jones, Instrumental and Choral Music Education
Get involved
At UW-Platteville, we offer exciting ways for you to get involved, get feedback, and refine your technique and performance skills. Our master class and studio classes will be taken in conjunction with your applied instrument and happen in both vocal and instrumental studios. When taking applied lessons, you will be encouraged to participate in these sessions.
The studio music class is designed to provide the opportunity for you to perform for your studio and receive feedback from your peers and instructor. Studio class time is also often used to present guest lectures and appearances from touring and regional artists. Master class is designed for you to perform and get critiques from master performers. Both class types will prove critical to your future career success.
Careers in Music
Studying music in college can open the door to a range of exciting career opportunities. Students with a passion for music performance often choose to pursue performing arts careers. You can also turn your enjoyment of a music production course into a career that focuses more on the behind-the-scenes side of the industry.
With a degree in music, our graduates are prepared for careers in teaching, performing, instrument repair and sales, administration, and more. Some of the many opportunities UW-Platteville graduates have pursued include:
Accompanist
Arranger
Audio producer
Composer
Conductor
Entertainer
Event coordinator
Film scoring professional
Instrument maintenance/repair technician
Lyricist
Music agent
Music director for a school or religious organization
Music historian
Music producer/designer
Music teacher
Music therapist
Musical theatre performer
Pit orchestra musician
Public relations assistant
School band director
Song producer
Songwriter
Sound editing engineer
Studio manager
Theatre manager
Vocal coach
Because of the wide range of job opportunities in the music industry, you could choose a career working for public or private schools, corporations of all sizes, or take the entrepreneurship path and work for yourself. The opportunities to work in the music industry are numerous, and can provide deep satisfaction that comes from working in a field that combines your passion and skills.
Pre-college prep for majoring in Music
If you are interested in majoring in music in college, while in high school, the most helpful pre-college preparation for your future major would be to participate in a high school music organization. In addition, we recommend training privately with a specialist and taking piano lessons, if possible.
We encourage all potential music majors to take advantage of music theory and history classes, as well. We highly encourage reviewing our faculty list and reaching out to the faculty specializing in your instrument of choice. We’re happy to share our thoughts on preparing for success as a music major or minor at UW-Platteville.
bachelor
Choral Music Education Emphasis–K-12
Instrumental Music Education Emphasis–K-12
Instrumental Music Emphasis
Piano Emphasis
Vocal Music Emphasis
Choral Music Education Emphasis–K-12
Instrumental Music Education Emphasis–K-12
Instrumental Music Emphasis
Piano Emphasis
Vocal Music Emphasis
minor
Student Ensembles
Choirs and symphony to perform ‘Lord Nelson Mass,’ welcome back alumni soloists
An affordable experience
Scholarships for new and continuing students in music are available.
Music Fraternities and Student Organizations
Related Programs
Ready to learn more?
Your journey to success starts now at UW-Platteville, one of the leading colleges in Wisconsin. Our dedicated admission team is ready to guide you along the path to turning your dreams into reality.
Let’s make your future a smart investment—explore UW-Platteville today!
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General Information
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Phat Phunktion
Isthmus Brass
Tim Whalen Nonet