B.A. in Music

The Bachelor of Arts program offers students a broad and flexible study of music that combines a core music curriculum sequence with rigorous applied instruction, a variety of performance ensembles, and elective courses for diverse interests. Many students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Music elect to pursue a double major or dual degree. Recent graduates have pursued courses of study in Music and Psychology, Music and Business, and Music and Zoo & Conservation Science.

There are three optional concentrations in the B.A. degree track:

Commercial Music

Explore the exciting world of contemporary music with the Commercial Music concentration, designed to cultivate mastery in performance, popular music theory, and industry practices. This pathway prepares graduates for diverse roles as performers, promoters, and innovators in commercial music.

In this program you can…

  • Engage in intensive study of commercial performance styles through individual applied lessons and performance ensembles like The Anticipations, Otterbein University’s rock ensemble.
  • Study innovations in contemporary music practice and technology through classes like Electronic and Computer Music and American Popular Music.
  • Explore the unique business and legal fields of commercial music through courses like Principles of Marketing and Legal Environment of Business.

Students that graduate from this program go on to…

  • Graduate study in music production, technology, or writing.
  • Careers in commercial music performance, composition, or song writing.
  • Careers in music production, promotion, or licensing.

Music History

Deepen your study of music history with the Music History concentration, designed to grow students’ curiosity and mastery of music research practices, scholarly writing, and advanced music theory. This pathway prepares graduates for diverse roles as researchers, archivists, and music writers.

In this program you can…

  • Engage in intensive study of music history through courses like Special Topics in Instrumental Literature or Women in Music.
  • Study the diversity of music theory and practice through courses like Jazz Theory and Art Song: The Collaborative Process.
  • Conduct and present your own scholarly music research in collaboration with a faculty advisor through your Final Project.

Students that graduate from this program go on to…

  • Graduate study in musicology, music history, or library science.
  • Careers in historical music performance and preservation.
  • Careers as music writers, music librarians, and arts administrators.

Music Theory & Composition

Create the music you’ve been imagining with the Music Theory & Composition concentration, designed to hone students’ skills in music composition and advanced music theory while grounding them in musicianship and performance. This pathway prepares students for diverse roles in music writing, scoring, and directing.

In this program you can…

  • Engage in intensive study of music theory through courses like Jazz Theory and Form and Analysis.
  • Study innovative practices in music composition and orchestration in courses like Advanced Composition and Orchestration and Arranging.
  • Present your own original music through final projects like full-length performances or by producing your own album.

Students that graduate from this program go on to…

  • Graduate study in music composition, orchestration, or scoring.
  • Careers in music conducting and performance.
  • Careers in music production, writing and scoring for media, and music technology.
Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
1. All students in the music program should gain a broad knowledge and appreciation of important music within historical, cultural, and global contexts Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Inquisitive, Responsible
2. All music students will achieve proficiency in aural, reading, and keyboard skills. Technical: The Candidate will demonstrate proficiency in aural skills. Knowledgeable, Engaged, Inquisitive
3. All music students will achieve proficiency in aural, reading, and keyboard skills.” Technical: The Candidate will develop and demonstrate keyboard proficiency. Knowledgeable, Engaged, Inquisitive
4. The Candidate will demonstrate knowledge of music theory, as well as proficiency in musical analysis and creation. Knowledgeable, Engaged, Inquisitive
5. The Candidate will demonstrate mastery of his/her instrument or voice and articulate the processes used to develop oneself as a performing artist. Knowledgeable, Engaged
6. The candidate can perform a wide variety of repertoire from his/her major performance area, representing a cross-section of styles and historical periods. Multi-literate, Engaged
7. The candidate has knowledge and expertise with digital media as related to the music profession. Knowledgeable, Responsible

*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.

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