Frequently Asked Questions

Auditions are required for admission into the School of the Music as a music major. All applicants must also have applied to Ohio University for academic acceptance. Students may register for an audition online.

The audition will consist of a 15-minute performance for the appropriate faculty members. Please visit the School of Music website and/or contact the teacher of the instrument/voice for which you plan to audition for specific audition requirements and/or suggestions on selecting appropriate literature. Faculty are always happy to hear applicants in advance of the audition date at no charge to provide advice on how to prepare.

Music Therapy majors must complete an interview with the appropriate faculty. Music Education majors, and their guests, will meet with faculty as a group to hear specifics about their major.

All accepted students who plan to attend Ohio University as a music major will complete a music theory examination at summer orientation. This examination allows the faculty to place students into the appropriate music theory and aural skills courses in the fall semester. All applicants will be notified in March as to the outcome of their auditions.

All majors in the School of Music are area-specific, which means you must declare a primary instrument for private study and ensemble participation.

No portfolio is necessary for the School of Music, but the student will be asked to complete an information form outlining his or her prior music experience. Composition applicants are asked to submit works in a form presentable to the faculty.

All students auditioning for the School of Music are considered for talent-based music scholarships. No separate application is required.

There is storage for instruments in Glidden Hall (music building), provided the student is a music major or member of a School of Music ensemble. Students pay a $7.00 annual rental fee and are assigned an appropriate locker for the academic year.

All School of Music ensembles are open to the entire student body for participation. Most ensembles require auditions.

All School of Music programs are designed for students to graduate in four years. This is accomplished through careful planning and not having to repeat courses in the major or any other area.

Each degree program follows a carefully designed academic semester-to-semester schedule to help students stay on track toward graduation. Each student works with a Student Success Advisor in the major field each semester to assist in registration.

If you are not accepted as a music major, you will have to choose another major at the university. Full acceptance is dependent upon your audition for the School of Music and your academic acceptance into Ohio University.

Music Therapy is the only major in music that requires an internship. This is arranged through applications to approved sites. Faculty assistance is necessary for this process.

Music Education requires a student teaching component. Music Education majors usually complete this requirement during the last semester of enrollment at Ohio University. Qualified students may pursue teaching opportunities through the Athens Community Music School.

Visitations are encouraged and allowed with prior notice. Contact the School of Music, 740-593-4244, or email the ensemble director.

The Ohio University student population includes students from every state, many countries, and a variety of ethnic groups. In 2023, the multicultural student enrollment campus-wide was nearly 21%.

We offer the Music Minor, the Jazz Studies Minor, and the Conducting Minor. Students should contact the Associate Director to declare a minor.

All Ohio University music education and music therapy majors find positions after graduation. Ohio University music graduates have a very high rate of acceptance and graduation at prestigious masters/doctoral programs in music across the nation.

Many Ohio University music alumni have distinguished themselves as performers, arrangers-composers, conductors, music therapists and music educators at the pre-school through university levels.

All private lessons have collaborative piano fees, which are determined by the registrar's office. Music technology classes also have fees. The fee structure is quite reasonable on a national scale, with every effort made to limit charges.

To foster a sense of community among Fine Arts students, the College of Fine Arts offers a Residential Learning Community in Lincoln Hall for a select group of entering freshmen. This allows you to live on campus in a state-of-the art residence hall for music, art, drama, dance, film, and theater majors. You will make friends from students across the arts spectrum and participate in numerous unique educational and enrichment opportunities with students and faculty from the College of Fine Arts. The Fine Arts Residential Learning Community requires a separate application after a student is admitted to Ohio University.