Professors Gamso, Griffin, Roden

Associate Professor Chiou, Hiester, Edwards

Assistant Professor Whitehead

The mission of the Department of Music is threefold: to impart knowledge as transmitted through the study and performance of music, which is one of the essential fine arts in the undergraduate liberal arts curriculum; to develop and enhance the creative and academic musical talents of those students who aspire for various professional careers in the field of music; and to place the study of music in the context of social, cultural and educational values. This mission statement is directly related to the Statement of Aims of Ohio Wesleyan University, which is found in the University section.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

GOAL:

1) Students develop a background in music and musicianship that prepares them for a wide range of further educational and vocational activities that include music as a component.

2) Students develop musical and pedagogical skills that prepare them for professional careers as music teachers in public, private, and parochial schools on the primary and secondary levels, and are certified as music specialists in the State of Ohio.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Students will gain skills in and understanding of analysis and composition of music in the style of the Common-Practice Period (1600-1900).
2. Students will gain musicianship skills in both aural perception and sight singing relative to music in the style of the Common-Practice Period (1600-1900).
3. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of historical musical styles, compositional techniques, and performance practices of various style periods.
4. Students will gain skills in basic keyboard techniques.
5. Students will gain skills and learn representative repertoire in a specific musical performance medium.
6. Students will gain advanced skills in and understanding of analysis of music in the style of the Common-Practice and Post-Common-Practice Periods.
7. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of historical musical styles, compositional techniques, and performance practices of the Post Common-Practice Period.
8. Students will learn ensemble techniques and representative repertoire in both large and small musical ensembles appropriate to their specific performance mediums.
9. Students will gain knowledge of the characteristics of musical instruments and their use in compositions and arrangements.
10. Students will gain skills in conducting both instrumental and choral ensembles, as well as knowledge and understanding of scores and techniques of score reading.
11. Students will gain skills in intermediate keyboard techniques, leading to the passing of the Piano Proficiency Exam.
12. Students will gain basic performance skills and knowledge of pedagogical techniques in specific performance mediums.
13. Students will gain a basic understanding of the use of technology in music and music education.
14. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of pedagogical methods and techniques applied to a variety of musical classes and ensembles found in school settings ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade, as well as practical knowledge and skills in teaching music in the field.
15. Students will gain skills preparatory to the art of teaching, as well as knowledge and understanding of principles and philosophies of education.

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The work of the Department of Music works toward dual objectives. First, for the music major, several programs are offered:

• The Bachelor of Music in Performance program prepares for graduate study and/or the pursuit of one of the various professional areas of music
• The Bachelor of Music in Music Education program prepares students to teach general, vocal and instrumental music in PreK–12 schools
• The Bachelor of Music in Music Composition fosters the original voice of young composers, preparing them for graduate study and/or independent activity in their field
• The Bachelor of Arts with a major in music provides for a non-professional concentration within the context of a liberal arts education.

Secondly, the department offers courses for the non-major that count toward University Distribution requirements, as well as applied music instruction, performance opportunities and other musical experiences (both as participants and as audience members), so that the non-music major can develop an understanding and appreciation of music as one of the components of a liberal education. Courses in music history/literature and in music theory are available to non-majors. Non-majors can fulfill the Group IV distribution requirement by successfully completing one of the following:

• MUS 105 (Appreciation of Music Literature);
• MUS 110 (Fundamentals of Music Theory) and MUS 155 (Music Theory 1);
• MUS 229 (Intro to Electronic Music Composition);
• MUS 347 (History of Jazz);
• MUS 348 (Music in World Cultures).

Non-music majors may enroll for applied music study for 0.25 units per semester. One unit in the same applied area may be credited to the total courses required for graduation.

An audition is required prior to entering the Bachelor of Music degree or the Bachelor of Arts Music major. An Exploratory Start option provides students an opportunity to audition at the conclusion of the first semester of study. Majors should begin their work in the freshman year. They must, however, plan their coursework in applied music so that it will continue through the junior and senior years. Performance requirements vary according to each program. For specific requirements, please see under “Programs” on the main Music page of the OWU Catalog or the Music Department Student Handbook. Music majors are responsible for the recital and jury accompanying fees as listed in the Music Department Student Handbook. Recital attendance is required of all music majors. The Recital Attendance Policy is described in the Music Department Student Handbook. All curricula for each degree program are listed in the Department of Music Handbook. Each music major, whether B.M. or B.A., is required to participate and enroll for credit in at least one primary ensemble each semester in the area of major applied study. (Jazz Band may not be elected as the only major ensemble.) The music department reserves the right to assign majors to the appropriate ensembles as the needs of the department dictate. Music majors may not take music department courses on a credit/no entry basis. 

Music majors will be evaluated at the end of every semester and must attain the status of junior standing at the end of the sophomore year in order to continue in the program.

B.M. Education majors need to apply for the teacher licensure program in their junior year. Requirements are successful completion of EDUC 110 and EDUC 251, a recommendation from an OWU faculty member, a recommendation from the music faculty, and a GPA of 2.80 (overall and in music courses).

Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree must meet the same residence and scholastic requirements as those required for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Bachelor of Music Degree 

The Bachelor of Music curricula are designed for students who wish to prepare for professional work in music.

Music Performance

Students must complete a total of 34 graduation units including two units of music ensembles with a major in piano, voice, organ, percussion, an orchestral or band instrument. Candidates must complete 3.5 units in the principal applied area; keyboard majors must also complete 1 unit of secondary applied study  (which does not have to be all in the same instrument). All candidates must meet, prior to graduation, piano proficiency requirements as established by the music department. All performance majors must complete an independent study in the pedagogy and literature of their applied area.

Required courses in music are: MUSP 020 (each semester), MUS 109, MUS 155, MUS 156, MUS 165, MUS 230, MUS 231, MUS 232 and MUS 233 (keyboard majors only), MUS 235 and MUS 236 (voice majors only),  MUS 255, MUS 256, MUS 355, MUS 356 (instrumental majors only), MUS 357, MUS 358, MUS 359, and MUS 490.  

Students must complete University Distribution Requirements, plus ENG 105, the University cultural diversity (which must be met by taking MUS 347 or MUS 348), Foreign Language Competency (either by exemption through Standardized Testing or the University Placement Test, completing 111 in any language, or completing 110 in any two languages), and quantitative reasoning requirements. Voice majors must take, or meet by proficiency, three units of foreign language, one each of French, German, and Italian Keyboard majors must enroll for two semesters of Piano Accompanying (MUSP 012).

Music Education 

Choral Major. Choral majors must complete a total of 34 graduation units including two units of primary ensemble and may choose either a voice major with a keyboard minor or a keyboard major with a voice minor. If a keyboard minor, piano proficiency requirements as established by the music department must be met. In addition to the requirements listed below, choral majors must complete 1.75 units in the applied major and .75 units in the applied minor. All choral majors select two courses from MUS 241, MUS 243, MUS 245 and MUS 247; choral/voice majors must take MUS 235 and MUS 236; choral/keyboard majors must enroll for two semesters of Piano Accompanying (MUSP 012) and take MUS 232 and MUS 233. In addition to the primary ensemble requirement, one semester of participation in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble is required before the end of the junior year.

Instrumental Major. Instrumental majors must complete a total of 34.25 graduation units including two units of a primary ensemble. In addition to the requirements listed below, instrumental majors must complete 1.75 units in the major instrument (brass, percussion, string, woodwind, or keyboard), and meet the piano proficiency requirements as established by the music department. Instrumental majors must take MUS 240, MUS 241, MUS 243, MUS 245, MUS 247, and MUS 356. In addition to the primary ensemble requirement, one semester of participation in the Choral Art Society is required before the end of the junior year.

Requirements for both choral and instrumental majors are: MUSP 020 (semesters I-VII), MUS 109, MUS 116, MUS 117, MUS 155, MUS 156, MUS 165, 166, MUS 250, MUS 251, MUS 255, MUS 256, MUS 265, MUS 266, MUS 357, MUS 358, MUS 373, MUS 374; EDUC 110, EDUC 251, EDUC 377, EDUC 471, EDUC 472, EDUC 473 and EDUC 474. Students must select courses for their Distribution Requirements that also meets State of Ohio Licensure requirements: ENG 105; 110 level in foreign language; 2 courses in social science (satisfied by EDUC 110, EDUC 251); 1 quantitative “Q” course; 1 course in natural science, mathematics, or computer science; 1 course in Arts (non-music); 2 courses to meet the University and Licensure Diversity requirements (one of which must be met by taking MUS 347 or MUS 348, the other Diversity is met by EDUC 377); and 1 unit of elective (1.75 for keyboard majors).

Music Composition 

Students must complete a total of 34 graduation units, including two units of music ensembles. Candidates must complete 3.5 units of applied composition, 1 unit of secondary applied study (which does not have to be all in the same instrument), and must meet, prior to graduation, piano proficiency requirements as established by the music department. All music composition majors must successfully complete two semesters in each of the following ensembles: Chamber Orchestra, Choral Art Society, and Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

Required courses in music are MUSP 020 (each semester), MUS 109, MUS 155, MUS 156, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 230, MUS 240; two courses selected from MUS 241, MUS 243, MUS 245, or MUS 247; MUS 255, MUS 256, MUS 255, MUS 256, MUS 355, MUS 356, MUS 357, MUS 358, and MUS 359. Other course requirements include ENG 105, one other English course (focusing on either composition or literary analysis), one course in Computer Science (CS 103 or CS 110), one course in Fine Arts and Theater, plus 5.5 elective units. Students must also complete the University’s Distribution Requirements, Foreign Language Competency (either by exemption through Standardized Testing or the University Placement Test, completing 111 in any language, or completing 110 in any two languages), and requirements in cultural diversity (which must be met by taking MUS 347 or MUS 348) and quantitative skills.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music is provided for those students desiring a music concentration within a liberal arts degree program. Students preparing for professional work in music normally follow a Bachelor of Music curriculum. Distribution requirements for the B.A. in music can be found in the Distribution Requirements section. 

The B.A. in Music major consists of 12 units: MUSP 020 (each semester), MUS 109, MUS 155, MUS 156, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 265, MUS 255, MUS 357, MUS 358; MUS 256 or MUS 359; MUS 347 or MUS 348; MUS 116; two units of applied lessons in the same area with at least 0.25 units of study each semester of residence; two units of major ensemble credit are required and majors must be enrolled in a major ensemble (determined by area of applied study) every semester of residence, and one music elective. Students must also meet the performance requirement described in the Department of Music Handbook and on the website.

Music Minor 

The music minor is available to all students except those who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Music curriculum or those seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music. Two different minors are offered.

Minor in Music Performance: 6 units

Declaration of the minor and acceptance into the program is based on the recommendation of applied instructor. Requirements include: two units of applied lessons (acceptance waives the applied lesson fee), two units of participation in a major ensemble (Choral Art Society for voice, Wind Ensemble for winds and percussion, Chamber Orchestra for strings, ensemble for keyboard at the discretion of the department) required for each semester of participation in the program; one unit of music theory (MUS 110, 155, and 156); and one unit of elective study. Students must also meet the performance requirement described in the Department of Music Handbook and on the website.

Minor in Academic Music: 6 units

Five units are required: one unit of theory (MUS 110, 155, 156); MUS 105; one selected from MUS 156, MUS 347, MUS 348, MUS 357, MUS 358, MUS 359; two units of ensemble credit (based upon acceptance; Choral Art Society for voice, Wind Ensemble for winds and percussion, Chamber Orchestra for strings, ensemble for keyboard at the discretion of the department); one unit of elective in an academic music course. Applied lesson credit is not applicable to the Academic Music minor. The declaration for a minor may be submitted upon completion of two units of music study. Courses taken credit/no entry may not be applied to the music minor.

Courses 

For a list of MUS and MUSP courses, see the listing in Courses of Instruction.

Applied Music 

Enrollment in applied music will not be accepted after the end of the second week of the semester.

Applied music cannot be taken credit/no entry or without credit.

Music composition is offered under applied music numbers for majors and others who meet requirements.

Fees listed below apply to non-music candidates studying applied music. There will be no refund of fees for applied music courses dropped after the end of the second week of the semester.

B.A. candidates may enroll in any area of applied music and, upon completion of one unit of credit, will receive elective credit toward graduation. If all the work is completed in one area of applied music, this unit may be counted as a semester course.

Applied Music Credit, Lesson Time, and Non-Major Fee:

100 level/0.25 Unit: One 30-minute lesson per week; $250 per semester.

200 level/0.25 Unit: One 60-minute lesson per week; $375 per semester.

300 level/0.50 Unit: One 60-minute lesson per week; music performance majors only.

Primary Ensembles

For Bachelor of Music degree candidates, two units of credit in the primary ensemble must be completed before graduation. Non-music majors may audition for any Music Ensemble. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester. F, S. Please see The Bachelor of Arts Degree – Unit Courses section for restrictions on the number of music ensemble units that B.A. candidates may count toward graduation.

Lists of Music Ensemble MUSP courses are in the Music section of Courses of Instruction. 

Secondary Ensembles  

Study and performance of small ensemble and chamber music literature. F, S.

Programs

• Music Major

• Music Composition Major, Bachelor of Music
• Music Education (Keyboard), Bachelor of Music
• Music Education, Choral, Major
• Music Education, Instrumental, Major
• Music Performance Major (Instrumental), Bachelor of Music
• Music Performance Major (Keyboard), Bachelor of Music
• Music Performance Major, Vocal, Bachelor of Music

• Music Minor