Field Programs

Cooperative Relationships with our Community

Over the past several decades, the music education department has established a number of cooperative working arrangements with area public and private schools, in addition to establishing other important musical relationships with the broader northwest Ohio community. These programs are unique in that they provide faculty and students with opportunities to refine meaningful pedagogical skill sets, cultivate critical professional connections, and conduct research with musicians of all ages. Through these partnerships, undergraduate music education majors participate in early, practical teaching experiences under the direct guidance of members of the department, while graduate students may take leadership roles or become involved in collaborative research efforts. The vibrant educative and musical relationships that evolve through these partnerships are a hallmark of the BGSU Music Education program. 

Cooperative Schools Band Program

The Cooperative Schools Band Program is an educational partnership with St. Aloysius, St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, and All Saints Catholic schools. These schools provide a setting for instrumental music education majors to interact with students and develop teaching skills under the supervision of graduate assistants and faculty.

Music Plus

Music Plus is an enhancement program for central-city students (grades 7-12) from Toledo Public Schools and is under the direction of Dr. Lisa Martin. Students are brought to campus on Wednesday evenings for private lessons, keyboard instruction and creativity classes. Volunteer teaching staff for the program includes undergraduate and graduate music students. Many Music Plus students attend college or another form of continuing education after high school education.

PATHE Program

PATHE Program (Positive Approach to Handling Emotions) allows opportunities for undergraduate and graduate music education majors to teach individual violin and cello lessons and elementary general music classes to students enrolled in a special school for K-12 students with social, emotional and/or behavioral difficulties.

The Academy Bands

The BGSU Academy Bands  program is an extra-curricular performance opportunity designed specifically for middle and high school band students in Northwest Ohio. This program includes full group rehearsals, sectional instruction, and elements of comprehensive musicianship, culminating in a performance in BGSU’s own Kobacker Hall. All rehearsals, sectionals, and activities are led by music education faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students to create an engaging, individualized learning experience supplement students' school music instruction.