Department of Music Education

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Music Education B.M.E. (Instrumental) – A degree designed to prepare future music educators who have an instrument as their principal (primary) instrument. They will perform in instrumental ensembles (Marching Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, etc.) and take courses designed to prepare them to teach K-12 Music with a particular focus on Band and instrumental ensembles.

Bachelor of Music Education B.M.E. (Choral/Vocal) – A degree designed to prepare future music educators who have voice as their principal (primary) instrument. They will perform in choral ensembles (Ouachita Singers, Concert Choir, etc.) and take courses designed to prepare them to teach K-12 Music with a particular focus on Band and instrumental ensembles.

As part of their course of study, Ouachita Music Education Graduates are prepared for and expected to complete all certification exams and requirements for certification to teach both Instrumental and Choral/Vocal music from kindergarten through 12th grade in the State of Arkansas.

Music Education job placement rate & graduate studies

Ouachita's Bachelor of Music Education Graduates enjoy a very high job placement rate (nearly 100% over the past three years). Additionally, those students who desire to further their education through graduate study in music and/or education are accepted and excel in respected graduate programs throughout Arkansas and the United States. Our Music Education Faculty is committed to supporting our students through recommendation letters, references and support as they pursue their goals beyond Ouachita.

Music education student resources

2022-2023 music education handbook

Course Descriptions

All Music Education Students

Introduction to Music Education: A course designed to introduce the undergraduate student to the foundations and principles of music education in schools. Students will be introduced to topics including history and philosophy of music education, learning theories as they apply to music education, institutional requirements, sequence of courses, and deadlines for the degree. Spring.

Elementary Music Methods and Materials: A course designed to educate the music specialist in the teaching of elementary music in public schools (Grades P-6). Song singing, dramatization, listening, rhythmic responses, rhythmic instruments, keyboard experience and creative expression are included. The student will also obtain knowledge, understanding and method of use of music technology for the elementary classroom and ePortfolios. Music Majors only. Fall.

Instrumental Students

Woodwind Methods I: Teaching techniques for clarinet, saxophone and flute and elementary playing facility on each. Music majors only. Fall.

Brass Methods: Teaching techniques for brass instruments with elementary playing facility on each. Music majors only. Fall.

String Methods: In addition to learning the functions of the violin, viola, violoncello and double bass, the student also learns to perform on one of these. Fall.

Woodwind Methods II: Teaching techniques for oboe and bassoon and elementary playing facility on each. Music majors only. Spring.

Percussion Methods: A survey of methods and materials for percussion instruments. Students will gain a playing facility in one instrument plus a working knowledge of the remaining instruments in the group. For music majors only. Spring.

Instrumental Conducting 1: An introduction to the fundamentals of conducting instrumental ensembles. Fall.

Instrumental Conducting 2: Advanced study of the theory and practice of conducting instrumental ensembles. Spring.

Secondary Instrumental Methods and Materials: A course designed to expose students to the functions of a band director in relation to the organization of a total band program (Grades 7-12). Emphasis on public relations, budgeting, marching techniques, concert and contest preparation. The student will also obtain knowledge, understanding and method of use of music technology for the secondary classroom and e- Portfolios. Music majors only. Spring.

Vocal Perspectives: A course designed to expose the instrumental music education major to concepts of vocal and choral techniques. Enrollment limited to instrumental music majors. Spring.

Choral/Vocal Students

Choral Conducting 1: An introduction to the fundamentals of conducting choral ensembles. Fall.

Choral Conducting 2: Advanced study of the theory and practice of conducting choral ensembles. Spring.

Secondary Choral Methods and Materials: A study of the musical needs of the junior high and senior high schools(Grades 7-12). The course examines programs, procedures and materials. The student will also obtain knowledge, understanding and method of use of music technology for the secondary classroom and e- Portfolios. Music Majors only. Fall.

Instrumental Perspectives: A course designed to expose the choral music education major to concepts of woodwind, brass, percussion and stringed instrument techniques. Spring.

Vocal Pedagogy: Psychological and physiological problems in the teaching of voice production. Instruction and supervision in the mechanics and methods of teaching private and class voice are presented. Fall.

Keyboard Students (Courses Offered On Demand)

Piano Pedagogy: A study of drill methods, fundamentals, teaching materials, and principal problems of piano teaching. Open to all students with freshman piano major facility. Spring of even-numbered years.

Organ Pedagogy: A study of the methods and materials for teaching organ. Preparation of lesson plans for one semester of organ lessons and the teaching of students as a laboratory experience is included. Prerequisites: Organ principal and consent of instructor. On Demand.

Joshua Brown, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Music
Director of Choral Activities
Chair of Music Education

Phone: 870-245-5143
Cell: 870-568-8893
Email: [email protected]