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School of Music
497 Glidden Hall
Athens, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ 45701
Musicians rehearsing on stage.
Music – Popular Music Performance
Bachelor of Music
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Music – Popular Music Performance Bachelor's Degree

Make music that sounds like you.
Build the skills to bring it to life.

The Popular Music Performance program at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ is designed for students who want to do more than study music. They want to create, perform, collaborate, and grow into fully realized artists.

Whether you’re a vocalist, instrumentalist, songwriter, or a hybrid of all three, this program gives you the space and support to develop your sound, your voice, and your artistic direction in today’s musical landscape.

Why Study Popular Music at OHIO?

Artist-centered training: Develop your technique alongside your identity, creativity, and artistic voice.

Small, focused program: Work closely with faculty who know you, your goals, and your artistry.

Real-world preparation: Gain experience performing live, collaborating in bands, and building a portfolio.

Creative versatility: Work across genres and roles—performer, songwriter, collaborator, and creator.

A unique program in the region: One of the few programs dedicated to popular music performance in a highly personalized setting.

Careers with a Popular Music Performance Major

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.

Graduates of the program pursue paths as:

  • Performing artists and bandleaders
  • Songwriters and recording artists
  • Collaborative musicians and vocalists
  • Music educators in contemporary styles
  • Creators working across the modern music industry

Most importantly, you’ll leave with the skills to create your own opportunities and sustain a creative life in music.

Keyboard, guitars and drums ready for a concert at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ

Admission Requirements

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.

Admission to the Popular Music Performance program includes an audition demonstrating your musicality and artistic voice.

Audition requirements:

  • Approximately 10 minutes of live performance (in-person or virtual).
  • Any instrument or combination of instruments may be used.
  • Any combination of original music and cover songs can be presented.
  • Students may incorporate technology into their performance.

Prospective students are encouraged to bring their own instruments or equipment as needed.

For specific questions about auditions or setup, please contact program director Dr. Sean Parsons at parsons1@ohio.edu.

School of Music Admissions

About Music Auditions

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Admissions

Tuition & Financial Aid

  • Tuition & Fees

    OHIO is committed to your lifelong success through our Guarantee+, which offers fixed tuition and fees, a graduation plan and lifelong benefits to our students. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.

    Tuition & Fees

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

    Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.

    Financial Aid & Scholarships

Music – Popular Music Performance Courses & Curriculum

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ requires completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for conferral of a bachelor’s degree. The curriculum combines core musicianship with contemporary skills needed for today’s artists. You’ll develop abilities in:

  • Performance and ensemble collaboration
  • Music theory and aural skills
  • Songwriting and arranging
  • Music production and recording
  • Music history and global musical traditions
  • The business and industry of music

Students also take courses in music production and recording through ºìÐÓÊÓƵ’s Media Arts & Studies program, including:

  • Live and remote recording
  • The recording industry and distribution
  • Music marketing and business practices

Get Hands-on Experience with Your Dance Degree

  • What You’ll Do Here

    This is a hands-on program built around the real work of being a musician. You’ll spend your time:

    • Rehearsing and performing in popular music ensembles
    • Taking weekly private lessons focused on your instrument and artistic development
    • Writing, arranging, and interpreting songs
    • Collaborating with other musicians in band settings
    • Performing regularly in studio classes, concerts, and recitals

    By the time you graduate, you won’t just have completed coursework—you’ll have built a body of work that reflects who you are as an artist.

  • Ensembles & Collaboration

    Collaboration is at the heart of the program. Students participate in dedicated popular music ensembles where they:

    • Perform in band settings
    • Arrange and rehearse collaboratively
    • Take on leadership roles within groups
    • Develop communication and creative decision-making skills

    Students also have opportunities to participate in a wide range of ensembles across the School of Music.

  • A Place for Many Kinds of Musicians

    We welcome students working across a wide range of instruments, styles, and approaches, including:

    • Vocalists
    • Guitarists, pianists, and instrumentalists
    • Beat-makers
    • Artists who incorporate technology into live performance
    • Musicians blending traditional and contemporary practices

    If you’re making music and want to grow as an artist, there’s a place for you here.

  • LIVE from OHIO

    This is a place where you can:

    • Explore what you want to say as an artist.
    • Collaborate with musicians who help you grow.
    • Create work that actually feels like you.

    If you’re ready to take your artistry seriously, we’re ready to work with you.

  • Come Experience It

    The best way to understand this program is to see it in action.

    • Sit in on a rehearsal.
    • Visit a class.
    • Attend a performance.
    • Meet the students and faculty.

    College of Fine Arts visits typically happen on Fridays. Schedule yours here!

    Visit

  • Contact Us

    If you’re interested in learning more about the program, we’d love to hear from you.

    Jessica Baldwin
    Assistant Professor of Instruction – Voice
    jessbaldwin@ohio.edu

    Sean Parsons
    Professor of Instruction – Popular Music Ensemble, Keyboard, Jazz Studies, Music Theory
    parsons1@ohio.edu

Ready to Get Started?

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