Program Overview
Students who major in music education choose an emphasis in either choral or instrumental music. The curriculum provides a balanced program of applied music, theoretical studies, teacher candidacy studies, and fieldwork experiences. Emphasis is upon contemporary music education with training and experiences designed to meet the varying needs of today's schools.
Music education students at Ohio University receive intense musical training on their chosen instrument or voice, and participate in the performing ensembles. They study music history, literature, theory, and conducting. Methods courses help students develop teaching skills in a variety of settings from marching, concert, and jazz bands, to elementary classroom and high school choral music. Students also learn about modern technology in education as they work in the School's keyboard and electronic music labs. Many music education students choose to serve as paid instructors in the Athens Community Music School, where they can gain valuable experience teaching community members. As members of the active collegiate National Association for Music Education (NAFME) chapter, students travel to music conventions and workshops where they participate in a variety of educational and social activities.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
All undergraduates, whether prospective freshmen or transfer students, are required to audition for admission to the degree programs offered by the School of Music. In general, students may not pursue coursework in the major until they have successfully auditioned and been admitted to a music degree program.
Change of Program Policy
Students currently attending Ohio University who wish to declare a major in music are required to audition for admission to the School of Music before they may declare the major.
External Transfer Admission
All undergraduates, whether prospective freshmen or transfer students, are required to audition for admission to the degree programs offered by the School of Music. In general, students may not pursue coursework in the major until they have successfully auditioned and been admitted to a music degree program.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Students completing the undergraduate program receive the Bachelor of Music degree in music education with Ohio licensure to teach music K-12. A reciprocity license contract with 30 additional states is currently in effect.
Students with Bachelor of Music degrees in music education also often continue graduate work at respected institutions across the country, either in music education or in related fields such as music performance, arts management, and others.