Music

After applying to the university, students planning to pursue a music major must complete a separate School of Music application and submit any required materials.

Auditions for the BS in Music program are not required; however, students who wish to also be considered for any other music degree will need to schedule an audition. Students will also be required to take a theory placement examination. 

Transfer students and students already at Ohio State must also complete these steps before entering the program. Find a step-by-step application guide at music.osu.edu/future/undergrad/apply/bs-application.

Core courses:

• Acoustics
• Keyboard Skills
• Music History
• Music Theory
• Aural Training

Required and elective major courses:

• Audio Recording
• Electronic Music Synthesis
• Multimedia for Musicians
• Software
• Music Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

The Office of International Affairs offers more than 100 study abroad programs in 40 different countries. Students have the opportunity to take classes through an exchange program or foreign university, complete an independent study or service-learning project, conduct research or participate in an internship program. 

Education abroad allows you to engage in cross-cultural interactions and enjoy a rewarding educational experience in another country — all at the same time. It can expand your worldview, enhance your career prospects and ultimately change your life. Learn more at oia.osu.edu/units/global-education/.

Students are encouraged to (and often do) find educational, performance and administrative internship opportunities with local arts organizations such as the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, Opera Columbus and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. 

The Arts Honors Program is open to students pursuing majors in the arts (Art, Art Education, Dance, Design, Music, Theatre) in the College of Arts and Sciences.  The purpose of the Arts Honors Program is to provide opportunities for students with exceptional capabilities and motivation to achieve personal satisfaction and intellectual growth through honors courses, advanced course work, and special academic enrichment programs.

Students in the Arts Scholars program may have a major in any university college or department. The program offers students the opportunity to participate in programs that enhance their educational experience. These programs include lectures and specialized workshops, group excursions to museums and professional performances, a juried student art exhibition and performance showcase, community involvement, and trips outside of Columbus.

Music students may be interested in organizations offered through the Office of Student Life, such as the Jazz Club, Music Industry Club and Music Producers Club; ensembles such as Men’s Glee Club and Women’s Glee Club; music fraternities such as Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia; and local and national professional organizations such as the National Association for Music Education, American String Teachers Association, American Choral Directors Association, Central Ohio Flute Association and many more. Learn more about these organizations here and here.

Graduates of the BS in Music program are prepared for employment in the computer and entertainment industries and equipped for graduate work in fields including business, communications, computer science and music technology. 

More than resumes, the Center for Career and Professional Success (Career Success) is the center of opportunity and connections for arts and sciences students at The Ohio State University. As early as your first year on campus, our signature programs and events provide you with opportunities to network and learn about career options from alumni and connect with employers to learn about internships and other career opportunities. Leverage resources such as funding for unpaid or minimally paid internships, workshops, digital guides, career coaching and more to prepare for your lifetime of opportunity. For more information, visit go.osu.edu/CareerSuccess.

Regardless of their track of study, students in the BS in Music program will develop:

• the ability to hear, identify and work conceptually with elements of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, timbre and texture
•  an understanding of and the ability to read and realize musical notation
• an understanding of compositional processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the ways these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces
• an acquaintance with a wide selection of musical literature, the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.
• the ability to develop and defend musical judgments
• an understanding of procedures for realizing a variety of musical styles
• knowledge or skills in one or more areas of music beyond basic musicianship appropriate to their needs and interests

Students in the computer sciences track will develop:

• a basic understanding of the role of computer science in music
• the ability to design, implement and evaluate a software system or component to solve problems either in computing or in music
• the ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
• the ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society

Students in the media and enterprise track will develop:

• a basic understanding of cultural, economic and media theories as they pertain to music
• an understanding of historical and contemporary practices and patterns in the music and entertainment industries
• a capacity for critical analysis of opportunities that arise from the intersections of music, technology, society and commerce

Students in the sonic arts track will develop:

• a basic understanding of entrepreneurship
• an understanding of music synthesis and its application to composition
• a basic understanding in audio recording technologies and in audio recording concepts
• a basic understanding of multimedia technologies