Prospective Students

Admission Requirements

Welcome to the Music Department at Ohio Northern University!  All students interested in majoring in music at Ohio Northern must go through the Office of Admissions to submit an Admissions Application. Ohio Northern is now waiving all application fees for applications submitted online!

In addition to submitting an Ohio Northern University admissions application, interested students must schedule a music major audition through the Department of Music.

Campus Visit

We strongly encourage all interested students to schedule a campus visit. The campus visit is arranged according to your degree and interests. To set up a campus visit, contact the Admissions Office by calling (419) 772-2260. 

• Observe an Ensemble rehearsal
• Attend Music Theory, Aural Skills or Introduction to Music class
• Receive a complimentary lesson from applied study area instructor
• Meet with Music Department Chair, Dr. Thomas Hunt
• Attend a Student Recital or Concert
• Music Department tour and/or general campus tour
• Financial Aid Meeting
• Lunch with music major and/or music faculty
• Overnight stay with music major

If overnight accommodations are necessary, The Inn at Ohio Northern University is available. When making a reservation, mention that you are with admissions on a campus visit for a discounted price.

Audition Information

Music Major Auditions
Auditions are required of all students who wish to declare a major in music. The music major audition process also determines Talent Award consideration.

For each music major audition day, there are two sessions available: 9:00 AM-noon and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM. Students and parents should plan to be here for the whole length of time of the session scheduled for. The session will start with a general meeting followed by auditions. Individual audition times will be given during the general meeting. Music Major Audition Requirements vary by instrument.

If interested in auditioning to become a music major, fill out the Music Major Audition Form provided on the website. 

2013-2014 Music Major Audition Dates:

• January 26, 2013
• February 23, 2013
• March 16, 2013
• March 23, 2013
• April 6, 2013

Live auditions are required.  However, students who live more than 300 miles from campus may submit a CD or DVD audition in lieu of a live audition. Before sending recorded audition, contact Music Department Chair, Dr. Thomas Hunt, at t-hunt.1@onu.edu or (419) 772-2151.

Non-Music Major Talent Award for Orchestra

Ohio Northern University non-music major talent awards for Symphony or Wind Orchestra are available to all enrolled students at Ohio Northern University regardless of major. Awards are granted based on the student’s artistic potential as heard in a scheduled audition. Talent award amounts are contingent upon the complete financial aid package.

Musicians who play the following instruments are eligible: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Oboe/English Horn, Bassoon, Saxophone, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion, Piano, Harp.

Audition Requirements: All incoming freshman and current students must audition by scheduling an audition with Orchestra Manager, Mary Beth Donahoe at m-donahoe@onu.edu. Auditions will consist of the following:

• A prepared unaccompanied solo
• Scales, major and minor 2 octaves
• Sight reading of orchestral excerpts

Requirements for Non-Music Major Talent Award for Orchestra

• Required to enroll in the appropriate private lessons at Ohio Northern University during freshman year.
• All potential principal players must be available to play in the pit orchestra on an as needed basis.
• Must be present at all orchestra rehearsals as assigned at the beginning of each academic year. Absences are only permitted in the case of University classes and approved activities.

Non-Music Major Talent Award for Orchestra Renewal

Talent Awards are renewable as long as the student is in good academic standing and meets the requirements of the Talent Award. The musician on an Orchestra Award does not need to re-audition each year to renew the award, however, seating is determined at the beginning of each year based on auditions.

For more information regarding this non-music major talent award for Orchestra, please contact Professor Lloyd Butler, at l-butler@onu.edu or (419) 772-2690.

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Music in Performance
The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree is designed for the student who has the desire to achieve a level of professional and artistic competence in a particular applied study area. The emphasis is on the development of all of the resources required to be an effective performer and teacher in the chosen applied study area, and to provide essential background in all other areas of music pertinent to the profession.  Our master class programs consistently bring world-renowned guest artists and performers to our campus to work directly with students.

Bachelor of Music in Music Education
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree is designed for the student with the ability, desire, and determination to become an outstanding music teacher. The program allows the ONU graduate to be licensed to teach instrumental, vocal and/or general music, Kindergarten through 12th grade, in the state of Ohio.

Bachelor of Arts in Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree is designed for the student who has a deep passion for music and wants to study the field with a broad knowledge and understanding of music, it's history, cultural impact, and it's performance practices.

Students pursuing this degree must either complete one of the following:

• Applied Studies
• Music History and Literature
• Music Theory and Composition
• Minor in Administration Arts

Music Minor
The Music Minor is designed for the student who is inspired by music and wishes to further that inspiration with practical experience and knowledge. The minor allows for some flexibility in course work and ensemble participation.

For more information on degree programs, view the 2012-2013 Course Catalog.

Ensembles

All students at Ohio Northern University have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles including: University Singers, Men's Chorus, Women's Chorus, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and many additional minor ensembles.