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Department of Music

JOIN US! Study with world class professional practitioners and music educators.

At Ottawa University, not only will we help you discover your unique artistic voice, but you will be armed with 21st century skills necessary to monetize and establish a stable and rewarding music career.

Why Music at Ottawa University?

  • We have a world class faculty that are professional practitioners of what they teach.  Students can actively see and hear their professors “Do it!”.
     
  • With Ottawa’s proximity to the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, there are numerous opportunities for students to interact with professionals in every lane of the music business; and are generally part of the fabric of the city both in student performances and professionally.
     
  • Ottawa has terrific facilities including:
    • Our state-of-the-art Wenger practice studios feature a Virtual Acoustic Environment (VAE), which allows you to simulate performing in nine performance environments ranging from a small recital hall to a large cathedral. Your session can be recorded for immediate playback which allows you to gain immediate feedback.
       
    • We have a collaborative recording studio loaded with the newest digital audio workstations with several sound isolation booths.
       
    • We are an All Steinway School and have high quality pianos in all performance locations, most practice rooms, and in each teaching studio location.

 

Programs

The Music program promotes an understanding and appreciation of musical expression as part of a liberal arts education.  

We are focusing on 21st century skills required for monetization in the music arts and emphasize 5 pillars of successful musicians: Performance, Pedagogy, Composition, Arranging as well as, Business and Entrepreneurship. 

Our program delivers a complete representation of Music History and Music Theory, giving equal emphasis to traditional and contemporary traditions.

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Bachelor of Music - Instrumental Performance

Bachelor of Music - Jazz Studies

Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance

Bachelor of Music Education (BME)

Bachelor of Music Education (BME) - PreK-12 Instrumental

Bachelor of Music Education (BME) - PreK-12 Vocal

Music Minor

Ensembles

Ottawa University has ensembles from a wide array of disciplines from traditional to contemporary and everything in between. Each ensemble has regularly scheduled rehearsals and performances both on and off-campus. Most ensembles meet twice per week. With our proximity to the greater Kansas City Metropolitan area, it is common for Ottawa University ensembles to perform in the city center, as well as nationally and internationally. 
 
Athletic Bands 
Chamber Ensembles 
Choral Ensembles 
Jazz Ensembles 
Percussion Ensemble and Drum Line 
Wind Ensemble

The Ottawa University Music Department is looking for new students to be a part of our growing program! Music scholarships are assigned based on a combination of musical ability and departmental need. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of performance and musicianship skills in the audition through the performance of appropriately prepared repertoire and other audition elements. Whether you plan to major in music or something else, scholarships are available to help support your continued passion for and participation in music.

  • Video Prescreening for Jazz Studies is Available


Audition Material Recommendations

  • It is recommended that you perform something that represents you as an artist.

Traditional Instrumentalists and Vocals

Any music/repertoire you have prepared as a soloist for regional or state music ensemble is appropriate for your audition. You are not required to perform accompanied work. Should you choose to you may bring a music-minus-one play-along, or your own accompanist. With some notice we will try to provide an accompanist for you.

  • Instrumentalists should prepare two (2) contrasting excerpts from a solo, etude, or movement from a larger work. 

  • Vocalists should prepare two (2) contrasting songs. 

Jazz Studies Students

  • Three (3) contrasting jazz works from the American songbook.
    • One must ne a 12-bar blues.
    • You must state the melody and improvise 2 choruses.
  • In lieu of three (3) contrasting jazz works, you may elect to perform two (2) contrasting works and on transcription you have completed on your own.
     
  • RYTHYM SECTION EXTRAS
    • Drum-set
      • In addition to the above, you must demonstrate how you mark the form, and be able to solo displaying your understanding of the melody. 
      • You must also work up varied feels (ideally in a seamless presentation).
      • Med Swing, Up Tempo Swing, Samba, Bossa, Ballard Brushes, Afro-Cuban 12/8, Reggae, Jazz Waltz, Shuffle, and anything you just love!
    • Bass
      • In addition to the above, you must demonstrate, walking, straight eighth and ballad accompanying.
    • Harmony (piano / guitar / vibes)
      • In addition to the above, you must demonstrate comping (as though you're accompanying a soloist). Consider also adding a solo work. 

Our upcoming Scholarship Days will be on:

  • Friday, June 16, 2023

We will offer both face-to-face and virtual options for this event. Be sure to RSVP below.

What Major Are You Considering?:
What Major Are You Considering?





Voice:
Voice



Instrumental:
Instrumental




Have you submitted your FAFSA for financial aid?:
Have you submitted your FAFSA for financial aid?

What is your current registration status?:
What is your current registration status?



How would you like to perform your audition?:
How would you like to attend this event?


Which date do you prefer to attend?:


Faculty

Our faculty members have performed at locations as far reaching as the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Lincoln Center in New York City, the Musikverein Golden Hall in Vienna, and even the National Music Hall in Taipei! They can also be found closer to home in Kansas City jazz clubs and at the helm of orchestras in neighboring locales. Sharing the stage with musicians from the Temptations to Yo-Yo Ma, these professors are also professionals who continue to perfect their craft.

Kevin Maret, DMA

Kevin Maret, DMA

Director of Bands - OUKS
Assistant Professor of Music

Chair, Creative Arts Division

Eric Bradshaw, MM

Eric Bradshaw, MM

Assistant Professor of Music
Director of  Music Outreach and Athletic Bands
Applied Tuba

Zachery Devin, MM

Zachery Devin, MM

Assistant Professor of Music
Director of Choral Music
Applied Voice

Dan Thomas, MA

Dan Thomas, MA

Director of Jazz Studies

Associate Professor of Music

Katelyn Benyo, MM

Katelyn Benyo, MM

Applied Violin and Viola

Aaron Linscheid, MM

Aaron Linscheid, MM

Applied Trumpet

Matt McGrory, ME

Matt McGrory, ME

Applied Bass 

Brent Mead, MM

Brent Mead, MM

Applied Trombone

Brian Steever

Brian Steever

Applied Drum Set

Forest Stewart

Forest Stewart

Applied Horn and Electric Bass

Ivy Lu Wang, DMA

Ivy Lu Wang, DMA

Applied Piano

Brian Ward, DMA

Brian Ward, DMA

Applied Jazz Piano

Arts & Performances

16
Jun

Music Scholarship Audition Day

Friday, Jun 16, 2023 8:00 AM

Ottawa University Campus • 1001 S. Cedar Street, Ottawa, KS 66067

Add to Calendar 6/16/2023 8:00:00 AM America/Phoenix Music Scholarship Audition Day Ottawa University Campus • 1001 S. Cedar Street, Ottawa, KS 66067

Students interested in auditioning for a music scholarship should attend this audition date.

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