Our story
What is it like to be a music student at BGSU?
An unbeatable vibe
Tight-knit. Supportive. One-of-a-kind. We have built a community that attracts incredible students and faculty – people who want to learn and teach here. Students tell us every day this is where they belong.
Abundant opportunities
We are a major cultural resource for the campus and the region. That means hundreds of opportunities to perform, compose, listen, engage and stretch your musical muscles.
Collaboration, not competition
You will find an inclusive and inviting culture of collaboration and support – something that sets us apart from many other institutions. You'll be challenged by faculty and peers, but always within a nurturing environment. The close relationships formed in the classroom, the studio and even the hallways elevate everyone’s experience.
Connections that count
Networking. It’s the way you find mentors, learn about new career paths and get hired. We help you build those valuable relationships thanks to the partnerships we’ve cultivated with arts organizations like the Toledo and Detroit symphonies, the Toledo Opera and the Toledo Museum of Art. Our alumni – in the Midwest and beyond – are eager to support the next generation.
An attitude of gratitude
Creating public good is at the heart of our college and Bowling Green State University. You’ll have opportunities to give back through our community programs. Mentor inner-city public school music students. Lead high school and middle school band students. Make a difference.
World-class faculty
Our faculty are top-notch musicians and teachers. But they're also amazing people. They're dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive community and genuinely care about
Lifelong friendships
Live and learn with other creative students in two vibrant residential learning communities – the Arts Village and the Batchelder Music Community, just across the street from the Moore Musical Arts Center. Learning community residents experience a smoother transition to college, earn higher grades and graduate at higher rates.
The place to go if you want to be a music teacher
Walk into any music classroom in Ohio and chances are you’ll find a BGSU graduate at the helm. More BGSU alumni teach music in Ohio public schools than from any other university. Gain hands-on experience, teaching directly under the guidance of BGSU faculty before transitioning to student teaching in area schools.
Programs you won’t find at other schools
We’re one of the premier schools for contemporary music. We offer a doctorate in the field and are home to the MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music. Our 15-month, online master's in teaching artistry is a practical graduate degree for music educators. Receive faculty mentorship for a year, and use your classroom as your research lab.
Proven record of success
97% of our graduates report finding jobs in diverse areas of music within six months of graduation. Our graduates work as performers, educators, composers, church musicians, arts administrators, in music retail, business, technology, recording and public relations.
Tradition + innovation
We have been educating music students for more than 100 years. But that doesn’t mean we’re stuck in the past! We're building on that rich tradition – embracing the new trends and pushing the boundaries of music education.
Affordability + generous scholarships
You won’t find many affordable options that combine an outstanding education, so many opportunities to refine your skills AND an incredible return on investment. Nearly half of music majors receive talent-based scholarships. The Hansen Fellowship provides $12,000 to cover professional development and travel for 2-3 incoming first-year students each year.
I am from another culture and I speak another language, but I felt very much part of the CMA community and very welcomed. Everybody was kind, so that was an easy transition for me.
Martha Hudson Pestana, Master of Music in music performance ’23 and current doctoral student in contemporary music
Updated: 06/09/2025 11:20AM