Music

Academic Programs

Graduates in Music are prepared to follow their calling into school or private teaching, music ministry, performance, music industry or to continue their education at the master's level.  The Music Teacher Education Program at College of the Ozarks is accredited with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to offer certification in instrumental and choral music.

All students receive either a B.A. or a B.S. degree.  There are five emphases available for music majors. These emphases are listed below.

General Emphasis 

• Prepares the student for graduate and/or professional work,
• Allows a number of elective choices to complement the degree,
• Required recital during the senior year.

Choral or Instrumental Music Education/Secondary Education

• Prepares the student for teacher certification,
• Field experiences and student teaching in approved schools.

Piano

• Prepares the student for graduate studies and/or private teaching,
• Specialized courses in piano including pedagogy and literature,
• Required recital during the senior year.

Music Ministry

• Prepares the student for ministry utilizing rich and diverse music in worship leadership,
• Specialized courses in worship and Christian ministry,
• Internship in a local church and/or culminating project during the senior year.

Theory/Composition

• Prepares the student for graduate work and/or commercial music production,
• Full compliment of advanced theory electives,
• Full featured MIDI lab available for composition projects,
• Required recital/culminating project during the senior year.

Studying music at the College of the Ozarks involves the collaboration of students and committed faculty. Active performing groups have a vital place in campus life with numerous opportunities for solo performances and small group activities as well. Everyone has the opportunity to grow in skill and achievement.

Faculty-Full-time

Mr. Gregg Busch
Chapel Choir and Music Ministry
busch@cofo.edu
417-690-2245

Dr. Bruce Gerlach
Theory/Composition, Chorale, Organ
gerlach@cofo.edu
417-690-2367

Dr. Clara Christian
Music History and Piano
cchristian@cofo.edu
417-690-2247

Dr. Kevin Powers
Bands and Exporation of Music
kpowers@cofo.edu
417-690-2410

Adjunct Professors

The department utilizes highly qualified and competent music professionals from the region to supplement and enhance course offerings. Areas include voice, piano, guitar, wind, percussion, strings and harp. Adjunct professors maintain vibrant studios in which a student may choose to study his or her chosen instrument.

Ensembles

A significant variety of major ensembes are available for students to experience many types of performance opportunities. These include: Concert Band, Jazz Band, Handbell Choir, Chapel Choir and Chorale. In addition there are a number of other performing ensembles offered on a regular basis. These include Pep Band, Jazz Combo, and other instrumental or vocal chamber groups. Musical Theatre/Opera is yet another opportunity for students to particpate and gain valuable experience. All ensembles perform on and off campus on a regular basis. Occasionally opportunities to travel nationally and internationally offer the students unique educational experiences. 

Departmental Activities and News

Fall 2014 Concerts and Recitals (subject to change, all recitals are in the Newman Recital Hall unless noted)

Newsletter

College of the Ozarks Music Festival

The College of the Ozarks Band, Orchestra and Choral festival is held on the campus each spring.  It is a three-day event in which elementary, middle school, junior and senior high students perform for adjudication and a hands-on clinic with each judge. For more information, click on the link below:

C of O Music Festival

Facilities

The Edith Gittinger Music Center was completed in August 2003 and offers students some of the finest music facilities in the state. It houses acoustically-engineered practice rooms, audio/visually equipped class rooms, a Yamaha piano lab, a computer/MIDI studio, dedicated choral and instrumental rehearsal rooms, and the 150 seat Newman Recital Hall with state-of-the-art acoustics and recording equipment.