Musicals
The Department of Music and the Department of Theatre & Dance work together to produce fully staged musicals. In 2018, students presented "Cabaret."
Music Majors
To be a music major at OWU is to broaden your horizon and focus your skills. Our majors specialize in creating artistic performances, evaluating music with a global perspective, and sharing the power of music with their community.
Over 95% of our graduates achieve their post-graduate goals as performers, composers, music teachers, or by connecting their passion for music with other disciplinary pursuits from pre-med and chemistry to business and international studies.
Two majors are available within the Bachelor of Arts and both offer students an enriching curriculum of music expertise within the context of a robust liberal arts education. They have the same performance opportunities as a professional degree, require specialized private applied study in one of three concentrations (instrumental, vocal, or composition), and allow ambitious students to pursue a second major in another discipline.
- BA in Music
This major offers a comprehensive concentration in music within the context of a liberal arts degree program. While the Music major provides sufficient preparation for students to enter graduate music programs, it also allows for the breadth and flexibility of a liberal arts education giving students not only the option to take a wide range of courses, but also to complete a second major without going beyond eight semesters of study. This is a particularly good option for students who wish to continue their music study in college, or for those who wish to combine their love of music with their goals in another career field. - BA in Music Education (Vocal and Instrumental Requirements)
The Music Education program at OWU provides an excellent foundation to become a great music teacher with strong fundamentals of musicianship, interdisciplinary problem solving skills across our liberal arts curriculum, and leadership skills teaching K-12 students in multiple field experience and student teaching school placements. Double majors are permitted and all graduates complete the 4-year program with a Multi-Age K-12 Music license to teach in Ohio public schools.
Related Minors
Think Big
At Ohio Wesleyan, students are given the opportunity to broaden their learning across academic disciplines and outside the classroom. Many choose to a second major or minor to expand their knowledge and skills.
Music students can bring together four years of work in music and other disciplines into special artistic and research projects.
Music & Biology
Jacob O'Day '17: "I love science and it is the field I want to get a career in, but I also couldn't see myself giving up music and playing the trumpet. Ohio Wesleyan University has made this possible, and taking part in this opportunity is very exciting."
Go Global
From your first year on campus, you can get off campus with Travel-Learning Courses, a key part of The OWU Connection. Journey to a distant land and immerse yourself in another landscape and culture - and become a better musician.
Recent Travel-Learning Courses have taken music students to Italy, France, and Louisiana. Students also may study abroad for a semester almost anywhere in the world.
Music on the Mississippi
Professor Nancy Gamso took students to New Orleans for Spring Break 2018 to learn about traditional music of the region and the roots of modern styles like rock and jazz.
Get Real
Gain real experience through internships and signature projects. In the New York Arts Program, you can spend an exciting semester in the art capital of the world. You'll have an on-the-job experience with NYC professionals in various artistic fields.
You also can participate in Theory-to-Practice Grant trips as early as your first year. A Theory-to-Practice Grant could fund your original research, internship, or creative project anywhere in the world.
Columbus Connections
Brianna Robinson '15 worked side by side with Opera Columbus, Columbus Dance Theatre, Central Ohio Symphony, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
Masterclasses in Salzburg
Professor Jason Hiester and seven students received a Theory-to-Practice Grant to travel to Salzburg, Austria. The students participated in workshops, lessons, masterclasses, and attended the Salzburg Music Festival.
Inspired Teaching
OWU faculty are outstanding scholars and researchers—and passionate teachers. They will push you, challenge you, inspire you, and work with you on your own research and creative projects.
They can even pack a 3-minute lecture with ideas, insight, and imagination. Check out our unique i³ lectures.
Highlights
Student Ensembles
Complementing academic learning, OWU offers an array of music ensembles—from a chamber orchestra to jazz combos, as well as other special opportunities. Membership is open to all university students by audition.
Extensive Facilities
Few schools of our size can match our music facilities. The music program's Sanborn Hall contains 57 classrooms, teaching studios, and 29 practice rooms all acoustically treated, spacious, windowed, and containing Baldwin studio pianos.
Music Education Conference
OWU's NAfME Collegiate chapter (National Association for Music Education) attends the Ohio Music Education Association conference each year. The OMEA conference is one of the largest state music education events in the country and offers opportunities for future music teachers to hone their pedagogy and performance with musicians, educators, and researchers from across the country.
Graduate Outcomes
Rachel Ballitch '18
With Bachelor of Music degrees in vocal and keyboard performance, Rachel was accepted at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she is pursuing a Master's in Vocal Performance.
February 15
Ohio Wesleyan Honor Band Music Festival: Grand Finale Concert
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
More Information
March 30
OWU Percussion Ensemble with guest artists Ben & Kelsey Shaheen
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
More Information
Department Contact Info
Location
Ohio Wesleyan University
Sanborn Hall (Music) | Chappelear Drama Center (Theatre)
61 S. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Sanborn Hall (Music) | Chappelear Drama Center (Theatre)
61 S. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
P 740-368-3702
F 740-368-3314
F 740-368-3314
Department Contacts
Chair: Richard Edwards
Professor in the Department of Performing Arts – Music
Sanborn Hall 205
740-368-3721 | rdedward@owu.edu
Academic Assistant: Lisa Hill
740-368-3702 (Sanborn Hall 104 – Music)
740-368-3846 (Chappelear Drama Center 106 – Theatre)
lahill@owu.edu
Professor in the Department of Performing Arts – Music
Sanborn Hall 205
740-368-3721 | rdedward@owu.edu
Academic Assistant: Lisa Hill
740-368-3702 (Sanborn Hall 104 – Music)
740-368-3846 (Chappelear Drama Center 106 – Theatre)
lahill@owu.edu