Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Music at Ohio University offers a flexible degree program for students with strong musicianship. It provides a solid foundation in music performance, theory, and history while allowing students to pursue additional interests through minors or a double major. The program emphasizes performance-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and study abroad opportunities, preparing graduates for diverse careers in music and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Music at Ohio University is designed for students with strong musicianship and a background in music who seek a more flexible degree program than the B.Mus. curriculum. It is suitable for students who want to perform and study music while preparing for law or medical school, pursue a double major, or focus on academic music studies within a broader liberal arts background.
Objectives:
The B.A. degree aims to provide students with:
- A solid foundation in music performance, musicianship, music theory, and music history
- Flexibility to pursue additional areas of interest through minors or a double major
- A true "liberal arts" education with coursework in foreign language study, humanities, sciences, and mathematics
Program Description:
The B.A. degree requires fewer credit hours in music compared to the B.Mus. degree, allowing students to explore other areas of interest. It includes core music curriculum in performance, musicianship, music theory, and music history, as well as a range of coursework in other disciplines.
Outline:
Content:
The B.A. degree in Music covers a comprehensive range of music-related subjects, including:
- Performance: Students develop their skills in instrumental or vocal performance through private lessons and ensemble participation.
- Musicianship: Courses focus on developing students' musical literacy, including ear training, sight-reading, and keyboard skills.
- Music Theory: Students study the principles of music theory, including harmony, counterpoint, and analysis.
- Music History: Courses explore the history of music from various periods and cultures.
- Liberal Arts: Students complete coursework in foreign language study, humanities, sciences, and mathematics to fulfill the university's general education requirements.
Structure:
The B.A. degree program typically follows a four-year structure, with students completing approximately 120 credit hours. The program includes:
- Core music curriculum (approximately 60 credit hours)
- Liberal arts coursework (approximately 60 credit hours)
Course Schedule:
The course schedule for the B.A. degree in Music varies depending on the student's individual interests and goals. Students work with their academic advisor to create a personalized plan of study that meets their specific needs.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Performances: Students demonstrate their performance skills through recitals, juries, and ensemble performances.
- Written assignments: Students complete written assignments, such as essays, research papers, and analytical reports, to demonstrate their understanding of music theory, history, and other topics.
- Quizzes and exams: Students take quizzes and exams to assess their knowledge and comprehension of course material.
Assessment Criteria:
The assessment criteria for the B.A. degree in Music are based on the following:
- Technical proficiency in performance
- Musical knowledge and understanding
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Written and oral communication skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The B.A. degree in Music is taught through a combination of methods, including:
- Private lessons: Students receive one-on-one instruction in their chosen performance area.
- Ensemble rehearsals: Students participate in ensembles, such as orchestra, band, or choir, to develop their ensemble skills.
- Classroom instruction: Students attend lectures, discussions, and workshops to learn about music theory, history, and other topics.
Faculty:
The School of Music at Ohio University has a faculty of experienced and accomplished musicians who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. The faculty includes performers, composers, music historians, and theorists.
Unique Approaches:
The B.A. degree in Music at Ohio University offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- Performance-based learning: Students have ample opportunities to perform in a variety of settings, which allows them to apply their skills and receive feedback from faculty and peers.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Students can collaborate with faculty and students from other disciplines, such as dance, theater, and visual arts, to create innovative and interdisciplinary projects.
- Study abroad opportunities: Students can participate in study abroad programs to immerse themselves in different musical cultures and traditions.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
The B.A. degree in Music prepares students for a wide range of careers, including:
- Music performance: Students can pursue careers as soloists, ensemble musicians, or music educators.
- Music education: Students can become music teachers at the elementary, secondary, or college level.
- Music therapy: Students can use music to help individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
- Music journalism: Students can write about music for newspapers, magazines, or websites.
- Music business: Students can work in the music industry in areas such as artist management, record production, or music publishing.
Opportunities:
The B.A. degree in Music provides students with opportunities to:
- Perform in a variety of ensembles, including orchestra, band, choir, and chamber groups.
- Participate in masterclasses and workshops with renowned musicians.
- Study abroad in countries with rich musical traditions.
- Gain hands-on experience in music production and recording.
Outcomes:
Graduates of the B.A. degree in Music have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including music performance, music education, music therapy, music journalism, and music business.
