Department of Music
As you walk through the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Department of Music, you’ll notice that it’s alive with music, with laughter, with students in the lounge, with professors talking to students. Whether it be from our talented students, our actively practicing faculty and staff, or from a guest ensemble, there is always music playing at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú.
ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Summer Music Experience Camp
Designed for passionate high school musicians (rising 9th-12th graders; singers must be 15+), ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú’s Summer Music Experience Camp offers an immersive, week-long dive into music study. Scheduled for June 9-14, 2025, the camp features daily one-on-one lessons in various instruments (strings, winds, piano) and voice, covering classical and jazz styles, plus composition.
Participants explore improvisation, music theory, musicians’ health, music technology, and music history (classical, popular, jazz). The camp aims to enhance musicianship, build confidence, and offer insights into performance and composition, preparing students for future music endeavors. Commuter and overnight options are available.
Audition days are now completed for the 2025-2026 school year. You may still submit an online audition through or request an in-person audition for the 2025 – 2026 school year. Please email music@otterbein.edu to request an audition.
ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú is accredited by the .
National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190-5248
(703) 437-0700
info@arts-accredit.org
Programs of Study in Music
B.M.E.
Music Education
The Bachelor of Music Education degree at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú is a four-year degree with K-12 licensure in all musical areas. The curriculum provides in-school placements in each year of study, and a full array of methods courses including guitar and ukulele methods.​
B.M.
Performance
The Bachelor of Music in Performance Degree puts primary emphasis on the skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to the life of the performing musician. The Bachelor of Music curriculum requires intensive energy, preparation and dedication to the applied music performance area.
B.F.A.
Musical Theatre
Our interdisciplinary BFA combines courses in Acting, Voice, Dance, Movement, and Music. Musical Theatre majors audition for all productions including plays, musicals, dance concerts, advanced directing projects, and workshops. A senior showcase for industry professionals is produced annually in New York City.
B.A.
Music Theory & Composition​
The Music Theory & Composition concentration is the perfect program for composers seeking to study music theory and composition in depth while also gaining a firm grounding in musicianship and performance within a liberal arts framework.​
B.A.
Music History & Literature​
The Music History & Literature concentration provides students the opportunity to explore the scholarly aspects of music study. The exploration of music through scholarship, writing and research has many career outcomes and is well suited to liberal arts studies.​
Minor
Music Minor
Our music minor is a great way to nurture your passion for music while pursuing a different major. It is available to any student on campus, and encompasses basic experiences in theory, applied instruction, history, ensembles, and electives. Non-music majors may audition to study in any applied area within the department and may take several music courses if a pre-requisite pattern is followed.
Student, Faculty, and Alumni Spotlights

After a year of mostly online performances, we are roaring back to life with a full slate of in-person public performances: ensembles, recitals and exciting guest artists.
View our concert calendar >
“Music Education brings together a person’s deep love of music with the passion to change young peoples’ lives. Having had a career in music education, I believe few things could be more fulfilling.​”
Dr. Jim Bates
Professor of Music and Music Education Program Director
Our students benefit from a supportive and caring faculty in a small campus setting and participate in a robust array of ensembles.​ Our active student OMEA chapter provides interaction with a variety of guest speakers and presentation topics.
Department Features and Student Opportunities

Auditions and Talent Awards
We reward the talent, dedication, and academic achievement of our majors and non-majors alike with generous scholarships to support their studies in music. Auditions are available in person and online.

Performance Areas
We offer applied study for instruments, voice, and composition in classical, jazz, and popular styles. From early music to contemporary music, from string quartet to jazz combo, our ensemble experiences are open to all students.

Music for Non-Majors
You don’t have to be a music major to participate in music at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú. Non-majors may join any of the music ensembles or take private lessons and are eligible to audition for music participation awards.​