Bachelor of Music Education (BME)

The Bachelor of Music Education offers aspiring teachers a supportive environment to develop the professional skills and musical expertise necessary for the demands of the 21st Century classroom. Guided by experienced faculty, this program prepares students for multi-age licensure in music, qualifying graduates to teach both instrumental and vocal music in public and private school to students in pre-school through 12th grade. Students in the Bachelor of Music Education experience a well-rounded music education that weaves musicianship and performance skills with pedagogy and classroom skills. Our education curriculum, coordinated by both the Departments of Music and Education, emphasizes immersive student experience in observations and teaching experiences in the public schools in each of their four years. Our graduates find employment in school systems in Ohio and beyond as well as pursue performance careers and graduate studies.

In this program of study, you will…

• Gain valuable teaching experience through in-school placement experiences with outstanding co-operating teachers and supervisors in state and national flagship music programs, leading to your student teaching capstone and subsequent preparation for licensure exams.
• Build musicianship skills through private lessons and ensemble experiences in a range of ensembles such as Concert Choir, OtterCap Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble as well as various chamber music experiences.
• Develop essential skills through a full spectrum of methods courses, including guitar & ukulele methods, string methods and vocal/choral methods, as well as conducting and arranging.
• Network with classmates, alumni, and local educators through organizations including OCMEA (Ohio Collegiate Music Educators Association), OFMTA (Otterbein Future Music Teachers Association, the collegiate arm of MTNA), and ACDA (American Choral Directors Association).

Students that graduate from the program go on to…

• Careers as public and private school music educators.
• Careers in performance, private studio teaching, and university teaching.
• Graduate study in education, pedagogy, and performance.

A Comprehensive Four-Year Program
This four-year degree provides the professional skills and musical expertise needed to become a well-rounded educator. The program leads to Music Multi-Age licensure, qualifying graduates to teach instrumental and vocal music in both public and private schools, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

Otterbein’s teacher education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The B.M.E. program also holds accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). These accreditations ensure academic excellence and make it easier for graduates to obtain licensure in additional states.

A Liberal Arts Foundation
The B.M.E. program benefits from Otterbein’s liberal arts framework, a core part of the university’s identity. Alongside the nationally recognized Integrative Studies curriculum, students complete coursework that strengthens musicianship skills and builds essential teaching competencies. This balanced approach helps students grow as both artists and educators.

Real Classroom Experience from Day One
From their first year, students participate in a range of observation and hands-on teaching experiences within public schools. These experiences are jointly coordinated by the Departments of Music and Education, ensuring a strong connection between theory and practice.

Each year includes in-school placements, complemented by a full lineup of methods courses—including a unique guitar and ukulele methods course—that give students practical, classroom-ready tools.

Proven Success and Career Opportunities
Otterbein’s placement record for B.M.E. graduates is exceptional. Alumni hold leadership positions in prominent music programs across Ohio and beyond. Many have built successful careers as public and private school educators, studio teachers, and university faculty, while others have continued pursuing performance careers.

A Supportive Community and Prime Location
Located near a vibrant metropolitan area, Otterbein offers students the best of both worlds—an intimate campus experience with access to diverse in-school learning opportunities. The surrounding region features outstanding music programs and dedicated educators who mentor Otterbein students through their fieldwork.

Within the Otterbein Music Department, students can also join a wide variety of ensemble performances, fostering collaboration, creativity, and connection. A close-knit community of learners further supports personal and professional growth throughout the program.

Ohio Collegiate Music Educators Association

Otterbein’s chapter of the Ohio Collegiate Music Educators Association (OCMEA) is very active. Music Education majors participate in this organization in each year of study. This organization is the collegiate “arm” of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and is open to all music majors, but is geared toward enhancing the music education curriculum.

OCMEA supplements the regular curriculum by providing regular guest speakers addressing a variety of topics ranging from developing diversity in the music curriculum to copyright concerns, from mock interviews to creating an effective resume. Experienced teachers frequently come to speak and inspire our students.

A highlight of the year is attending the annual OMEA Professional Development Conference, where students attend concerts and clinics, and network with teachers from across the state. Our students also organize social events and fundraisers. For more information, please contact Jim Bates.

Otterbein Future Music Teachers Association

Otterbein has a chapter of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) called OFMTA (Otterbein Future Music Teachers Association). This national organization was formed to give independent music teachers a resource for networking and to provide professional opportunities and further training. Students who are currently teaching private lessons on any instrument or voice or would like to get started are invited to join the group. For more information, please contact Nick Ross.