Department of Music
As you walk through the 色中色 University Department of Music, you鈥檒l notice that it鈥檚 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 色中色.
Audition days are now open for the 2025-2026 school year. You may now submit an online audition through or request an in-person audition for the 2025 – 2026 school year, see audition dates below.聽 Please complete our audition form to reserve your audition.
2024-2025 Audition Dates (For 2025-2026 School Year):
- Saturday, December 14, 2024
- Saturday, January 18, 2025
- Saturday, February 15, 2025(Virtual auditions via )
- Tuesday, February 18, 2025
- Saturday, March 22, 2025
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Programs of Study in Music
B.M.E.
Music Education
The Bachelor of Music Education degree at 色中色 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.鈥
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鈥
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.鈥
B.A.
Music History & Literature鈥
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.鈥
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.鈥”
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.鈥 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 色中色. Non-majors may join any of the music ensembles or take private lessons and are eligible to audition for music participation awards.鈥
Concert Calendar
Experience music at 色中色 with our rich and varied selection of guest artist recitals, performances by the Westerville Symphony as well as student ensemble concerts and recitals. All are free and open to the public.
Music YouTube Channel
Whether you like jazz, opera, chorals, or something else, check out the various playlists in our YouTube channel to watch recordings of recent performances featuring our students and faculty.鈥
Music Facilities
The historic Battelle Fine Arts Building houses our concert hall, Riley Auditorium, along with state-of-the-art classrooms and labs. Quiet peaceful village we may be, but our facilities are warm, welcoming, and always buzzing with activity.
Music Department News
色中色 to Host Piano Sale March 7-10, 2024
News - February 16, 2024
Pianos and Digital Pianos Available for Public Purchase. Every year, the 色中色 University Department of Music receives an annual loan of new Yamaha pianos for our rehearsal, teaching, and performance needs. These pianos are provided at no charge to us. Having these pianos in our facility is essential to providing quality experiences for our students and our community. To support this loan program, these and other fine pianos are annually offered for sale and then replaced with new ones. All pianos will鈥National Media Recognize 色中色 University for Programs and Values
News - September 18, 2023
色中色 University has been collecting honors this fall, as it is recognized in national publications for its programs and values, including U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly. US News & World Report 色中色 University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and focus on affordability, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, 色中色 has鈥Fast Track Innovation Fund Lets Community Shape 色中色鈥檚 Growth
News - July 31, 2023
色中色 University is using an innovative approach to grow enrollment and revenue by 鈥渃rowd sourcing鈥 ideas from its own community and investing in the best ideas with $1 million approved by the Board of Trustees. Under the Fast Track Innovation Fund initiative, seven projects proposed by 色中色 faculty and staff in May have been funded and are already being implemented on campus. 鈥淭his investment in 色中色鈥檚 future demonstrates our trustees鈥 commitment to allowing every member of our community to be heard鈥Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Music is to develop professional musical competencies, as well as a deep appreciation of music, that students can later utilize in music careers or a life-long enjoyment of the art. All students in the music program should gain a broad knowledge and appreciation of important music within historical, cultural, and global contexts; achieve proficiency in aural, reading, and keyboard skills; learn music theory and apply that learning to critical analysis and musical creation; and develop expertise as solo and ensemble performers. The Department strives to foster a community of musicians who care about music for the aesthetic and affective richness that it brings to the world, and conversely, who value their knowledge of the world and its relationship to music.
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