Department of Music
Music at Otterbein: Where the accent is on you!
As you walk through the Otterbein University Department of Music, you'll notice that it's alive—with music, with laughter, with students in the lounge, with professors talking to students. That's because Music at Otterbein is more than an education, it's an experience.
Otterbein has an array of performance opportunities, including a full complement of bands, choirs, and orchestras, and active programs in jazz and opera. Our ensembles enjoy an outstanding reputation and have performed at regional and national conferences, and on tours throughout the country and abroad. Recent tours have been to China, France, Switzerland, Italy, New York and Washington, D.C. These ensembles are open to all students at Otterbein.
Otterbein's location just north of the city of Columbus is excellent for music students. Columbus is renowned for its many professional arts organizations, including the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Opera Columbus, Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, and The Jazz Arts Group. Students are given many opportunities to attend these and other concerts in and around Columbus.
The Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Otterbein Summer Music Experience
June 24-28, 2013
Otterbein University is offering an exciting and innovative music camp this summer for string players (violin, cello and viola); composers; jazz musicians (wind, brass, percussion and piano); classical pianists; guitarists and classical vocalists. The camp will also offer classes on theory and aural skills. Experience a diverse series of classes that will prepare you for college. The camp will culminate with a student recital that will be free and open to the public. Send us your video or MP3, and see if you have what it takes to be part of this exclusive camp! Learn more.
Majors and Minors
We offer majors in Music, Music Education, Performance, and Music & Business. Students also can minor in arts administration, or audio production, or earn a music minor in conjunction with any other degree offered at Otterbein. You may also create an individualized major. Learn more.
Auditions and Awards
Music major candidates must complete an audition to be accepted into the Department of Music, and to be considered for a talent award. Students interested in the Music Participation Award must also complete an audition.
Auditions for 2012-2013 are listed below. You will be on campus from approximately 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. You will have the opportunity to meet faculty and students. Learn more about the audition process on the Office of Admission website.
2013 Music Audition Dates
- Saturday, January 26, 2013
- Tuesday, February 12, 2013
- Saturday, February 23, 2013
- Saturday, March 9, 2013 (Music Participation Awards)
- Wednesday, March 13, 2013
See Theatre and Dance for Musical Theatre Audition Dates.
Department Handbook
See the Department of Music Student Handbook for more information about our program.