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University Community
Ohio University School of Music to host Popular Music Day on Oct. 17
High school singers, instrumentalists, beatmakers and other contemporary musicians are invited to experience college-level popular music-making firsthand at Ohio University’s upcoming Popular Music Day on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The event, which is free and open to prospective students, will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Glidden Hall on the Athens Campus. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Glidden Hall lobby, and lunch at Nelson Dining Hall is included for all registered participants.
Popular Music Day comes at an exciting time for the School of Music, highlighting the newly renamed Popular Music program, formerly known as Contemporary Music and Digital Instruments (CMDI). The new name better reflects the breadth and focus of the degree program, which is designed for musicians interested in contemporary performance, creative collaboration and developing their own artistic identities.
“We are excited about the transition of CMDI to the new Popular Music program. It’s not just a new name, but a refreshed vision coming out of the School of Music,” said Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, dean of the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts.
“We are excited to see you on campus to experience everything our Popular Music program has to offer! Being here and experiencing it first-hand will prove deeply meaningful to prospective students,” Schroeder-Arce said.
Led by Ohio University faculty, including Dr. Sean Parsons, director of the Popular Music program, Professor Jessica Baldwin, who teaches voice and artist development, and guitar faculty member John Horne, along with OHIO students, the day is designed to give prospective students a hands-on look at how popular music is taught and made at OHIO.
Throughout the morning, participants will explore skills such as groove and feel, arranging, stylistic decision-making, and collaborative music-making. Students will also break into smaller sessions based on their instruments and musical interests before coming together for an ensemble rehearsal. The emphasis throughout the day is on the kinds of listening, communication, experimentation and creative decision-making musicians use when working together in real-world popular music settings.
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The afternoon will give participants opportunities to perform, hear from current students and faculty, and ask questions about studying popular music at Ohio University. Topics may include the audition process, student life, the curriculum, career paths and what it is actually like to be part of the Popular Music program.
At 4 p.m., participants will attend a concert by the Ohio University Popular Music Ensemble, offering another opportunity to experience the program in action and hear current students perform together.
Popular Music Day is designed for high school musicians from a wide range of backgrounds. Students do not need to come from a traditional school music program to participate.
The day may be especially valuable for students who sing or play in bands, take private lessons, participate in programs such as School of Rock, make beats, self-accompany on piano or guitar, or pursue popular music independently outside of their school ensembles.
Ohio University’s Popular Music program combines performance, musicianship, collaboration, creativity, and artist development while preparing students to work across the changing landscape of contemporary music.
All high school musicians interested in popular music or exploring college music programs are invited to attend the Oct. 17 event. Registration is free and remains open as space allows. Parking is available at the Uptown Garage.
For more information, visit the Ohio University Popular Music Performance website or follow @ohioupopularmusic on Instagram.
Published
October 6, 2026