Music Education Major (B.Mus.)

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, professional education studies, and field work experiences. Emphasis is on contemporary music education with training and experiences designed to meet the varying needs of today's schools.

Students earning a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) degree in Music Education receive comprehensive training in their chosen instrument or voice while actively participating in performing ensembles. Their coursework includes music history, literature, theory, and conducting. Methods courses equip students with teaching skills for diverse settings, including marching, concert, and jazz bands, as well as elementary classrooms and high school choral programs. Additionally, students gain hands-on experience with modern educational technology and lab-style rehearsal classes.

Admission Requirements

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.

Music Audition Information

Courses & Curriculum

Ohio University requires completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. However, the Bachelor of Music major in music education: choral emphasis requires a minimum of 125 semester hours.

Music Education Major: Instrumental Emphasis

View Courses & Requirements for Instrumental Emphasis in the Official Academic Catalog

You'll take courses in aural skills, music theory, and music history and literature during your first two years. Courses in keyboard, world music, and more follow. And you'll complete your music education preparation with pedagogy, conducting, methods and more, plus a professional internship. 

Principal Instrument

Round out your degree with 2 hours per semester for 6 semesters on an appropriate instrument for your major: piano, organ, harpsichord, violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba, percussion.

Music Education Major: Choral Emphasis

View Courses & Requirements for Choral Emphasis in the Official Academic Catalog

You'll take courses in aural skills, music theory, and music history and literature during your first two years. Courses in keyboard, world music, and more follow. And you'll complete your music education preparation with pedagogy, conducting, methods and more, plus a professional internship.

Piano, Organ & Voice Courses

You'll take a series of piano courses plus performance lab and ensemble course in piano, organ or voice.

Contact Our Division Chair

Professor Emily Talley
Assistant Professor of Instruction, Instrumental Music Education
talleye@ohio.edu