Music
Academic Programs
Graduates in Music are prepared to go into teaching or music ministry, 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 four emphases available for music majors. These emphases are listed below.
General Emphasis
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Prepares the student for graduate work,
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Allows a number of elective choices to complement the degree,
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Required recital during the senior year.
Choral or Instrumental Music Education/Secondary Education
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Prepares the student for teacher certification ,
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Field experiences and student teaching in approved public schools.
Piano
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Prepares the student for piano performance and/or teaching,
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Specialized courses in piano including pedagogy and literature,
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Required recital during the senior year.
Music Ministry
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Prepares the student for a career in church music ministry,
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Specialized course in worship and literature,
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Internship in a local church.
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
Mr. Gregg Busch
Choral and Ministry
busch@cofo.edu
417-690-2245
Dr. Bruce Gerlach
Theory and Bands
gerlach@cofo.edu
417-690-2367
Dr. Dwayne Huff
Music History and Piano
huff@cofo.edu
417-690-2247
Student Groups
At College of the Ozarks, a variety of ensembles are available for students to experience different types of performance opportunities: Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Basketball Pep Band, Handbell Choir, Jazz Combo, Chapel Choir, Opera/Musical Theatre, Chorale (select SATB ensemble), and Instrumental and Chamber Ensembles. Several of the ensembles perform on a regular basis locally and regionally. National and international tours occur on a regular basis.
Departmental Activities and News
Summer 2013 Music Department Recital-Concert Schedule
(Subject to Change)
The Music Department will once again be hosting the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra this summer from June 17-29. We invite you to experience music of the highest caliber performed by our visiting artists. Among the many highlights: The Faure Requiem and Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. See the link below for the full schedule of concerts.
http://www.taneycomofestivalorchestra.com/resources/TFO%20Concert%20Poster%20Large.pdf
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 Kawai electronic 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.