Innovative and contemporary music education

Our program blends a rich foundation of traditional music education—including choral music, concert band, jazz, athletic bands, and general music—with a strong emphasis on contemporary music genres and innovative teaching practices. You’ll gain expertise in teaching modern band, songwriting, composition, world music, and audio and music production pedagogy, preparing you to engage students with varied musical interests and backgrounds while helping them discover and express their own musical voice.

Hands-on experience and collaborative community engagement

Our music education program provides hands-on pre-clinical and clinical experiences, supervised by faculty, to foster professional growth. Candidates engage with the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District V community, collaborating with exceptional K-12 music educators through opportunities such as leading sectionals, offering private lessons, volunteering with local non-profits, and assisting schools with marching band camps, school musicals, music festivals, and professional development. This collaborative environment builds strong connections with local educators and prepares candidates for success in diverse teaching settings.

Study with our world-class faculty

As a student at DSM, you’ll study with and learn from our internationally acclaimed faculty members. They’re respected artist-educators who are dedicated to nurturing you and helping you develop the skills you need to take your place among the world's finest performers, educators, composers, audio engineers, scholars, music producers, songwriters, and more.

Dynamic performance opportunities

DSM is home to more than two dozen student bands, orchestras, choral ensembles, chamber music groups, and more. We give the freedom to explore. Perform in the Wind Ensemble or Dana Chorale. Participate in Athletic Bands. Become a member of a Jazz Ensemble or Combo. Join an Electronic Music Ensemble or a Rock Band. Or, collaborate with peers and form your own group. Abundant opportunities are waiting for you here.