Dr. Brent Nolte Leads Music Department

Dr. Brent Nolte has joined Ohio Christian University (OCU) as the new Music Department chair. He will teach Music History and Music Appreciation.

Previously, Nolte served as Music Department Chair and College Organist at Talladega College where he taught courses in music theory and played the organ for convocations and commencement. Talladega College is located in Talladega, AL, and is a private, SACS-accredited, liberal arts college. Nolte also served at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, as an adjunct organ and brass instructor. Earlier, he was band and chorus director for St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Saginaw, MI. 

Nolte holds a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from Central Michigan University, where he studied with Dr. Steven Egler. His master’s project, “The Organ Music and Musical Philosophy of Chares W. Ore,” was published in the March 2003 edition of The American Organist. In 2010, Brent was awarded a School of Music Fellowship by the University of Minnesota, where he completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance Degree in 2013, studying with Dr. Dean Billmeyer.

In addition to playing and teaching organ, Nolte plays and teaches trumpet, recently performing in the Rochester, Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Minnesota State University Orchestra, and St. Cloud, Minnesota Orchestra. He anticipates joining Ohio’s chapter of American Guild of Organists, the Central Ohio Brass Band, and the Circleville Pumpkin Show Band.

Dr. Nolte’s plan for the upcoming academic year includes launching a Bachelor of Music degree and the department is planning to offer a Suzuki Method major.

“Students need not be Music majors to participate in the University chorale and band. We are eager to establish a small brass band and chamber woodwind/reed instrument ensemble,” explains Nolte. “Dr. Sones and I are collaborating to strengthen the Worship Leadership program. And, of course, the Music Department will draw on community performers to ensure the University’s traditional Festival of Carols continues being a signature event.”