Sep 05, 2026  
Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Music–Popular Music Performance Major (B.Mus.)


Major code BM5065

Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts  
School of Music   
Glidden Hall 440
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4244
www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/music/undergraduate-programs/contemporary-music-digital-instruments

Sean Parsons, contact person
parsons1@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Ohio University’s performance faculty provides comprehensive study through private instruction, large and small ensemble experiences, chamber music, pedagogy and literature courses, and master classes. The Popular Music Performance concentration curriculum is rooted in applied music study with significant components in practical and academic skills. The program is designed for students demonstrating exceptional talent, technical aptitude, potential to interpret advanced repertoire, and those who are ready to commit to the rigorous preparation necessary to fully develop their artistic talents and abilities. 

Music majors pursuing a concentration in Popular Music Performance develop the ability to perform repertoire from all periods available to their instrument or voice. Experience in solo, chamber music, and large ensemble performance is required. 

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

All undergraduates, whether prospective freshmen or transfer students, are required to audition for admission to the degree programs offered by the School of Music. In general, students may not pursue coursework in the major until they have successfully auditioned and been admitted to a music degree program.

Change of Program Policy

Students currently attending Ohio University who wish to declare a major in music are required to audition for admission to the School of Music before they may declare the major.

External Transfer Admission

All undergraduates, whether prospective freshmen or transfer students, are required to audition for admission to the degree programs offered by the School of Music. In general, students may not pursue coursework in the major until they have successfully auditioned and been admitted to a music degree program.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

The B.Mus. in Music with a concentration in Popular Music Performance is a pre-professional course of study that prepares students to pursue advanced graduate degree programs in performance, to engage in professional performance activities, or to establish private teaching studios. The discipline and critical insights gained from pursuing a professional degree in music can also have implications for other career options. 

Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements


Ohio University requires completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for conferral of a bachelor’s degree. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the Graduation Requirements – University-wide  page.

Music Major Requirements


Aural Skills


Complete the following courses:

Music History and Literature


Complete the following courses:

Complete one (1) of the following sets of courses:


Ensemble


Complete eight (8) semesters of a large ensemble for one (1) credit hour each semester. See the School of Music Undergraduate Handbook for ensembles appropriate to the principal instrument and major. 

Applied Study


Complete twelve (12) credit hours of applied study on the principal instrument for the major. 

Performance Lab


Complete six (6) semesters of the following course: 

Upper-level Music Theory and Literature Electives


Complete two (2) courses from the following. Some electives listed below are required courses for individual concentrations:

Recital


Complete one (1) of the following courses: 

Capstone


Complete one (1) of the following courses: 

Popular Music Performance Concentration Requirements


Music Theory


Complete the following course:

Applied Study - Additional Credits


Complete eight (8) semesters of applied study on the principal instrument for the major at four (4) credit hours per semester, for a total of 32 credit hours. Twelve (12) credit hours are applied to the Music major requirements and twenty (20) credit hours are applied to the Popular Music Performance concentration requirements. Students pursuing the Music major with a concentration in Popular Music Performance must fulfill both requirements. 

Class Piano or Guitar


Complete one (1) of the following sets of courses:

Music Technology


Complete a minimum of three (3) of the following courses: