Ohio Christian University (OCU) is now offering a new certificate program in Piano Pedagogy for students majoring in music. This program is valuable for students who wish to open a private piano studio and those who are studying Worship Leadership and plan to teach piano to their congregants. Area piano teachers will also find the Piano Pedagogy Certificate program to be an excellent resource for expanding and honing their pedagogic skills.
Designed for teaching all ages and levels of piano students, this program includes a two- to four-semester hands-on supervised teaching internship through Studio One in Circleville, Ohio. Psychology courses exploring child, adolescent, and cognitive development are also included in the curriculum. Completing this program helps prepare pedagogy students to apply for the Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) designation of the Music Teachers National Association.
“This program is an eclectic survey of piano teaching methods,” explains Dr. Rebecca Grooms Johnson, who developed and is instructing the program's curriculum. “We examine the strengths and limitations of various pedagogic methods and teaching techniques, and learn how to apply them to various individual student needs. These needs can include optimal motor skill development, speed and style of learning, and the best use of various genres of repertoire (e.g. classical, hymns, jazz, pop, lead lines) to guide students toward accomplishing their goals for a positive learning experience. Course topics also include best business practices in managing a studio, using current software and apps to support learning, and avoiding teacher burnout.”
Dr. Johnson, who leads and instructs the piano pedagogy certificate program, is a nationally recognized leader in the field of piano pedagogy. She is a past president of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and chaired the Certification Commission that rewrote the requirements for the Nationally Certified Teacher of Music designation from MTNA. She holds degrees from Capital University and The Ohio State University.
To find out more about the Piano Pedagogy Certificate, click here.
Articles of Interest
Jazz Ambassadors Concert CANCELED (due to COVID-19 concerns)
Published: February 28, 2020
In compliance with Governor DeWine's announcement (3/12/20) concerning
coronavirus precautions and a ban prohibiting mass gatherings of more than
100 people, Ohio Christian University has canceled the April 4 Jazz
Ambassadors concert that was scheduled in the Ministry & Performing Arts
center on campus.
To ensure that information provided to all staff, faculty, students, family
members, and community members be the most up to date, Ohio Christian
University launched a Center for Coronavirus Updates on the university
website.
In compliance with Governor DeWine's announcement (3/12/20) concerning
coronavirus precautions and a ban prohibiting mass gatherings of more than
100 people, Ohio Christian University has canceled the April 4 Jazz
Ambassadors concert that was scheduled in the Ministry
In compliance with Governor DeWine's announcement (3/12/20) concerning
coronavirus precautions and a ban prohibiting mass gatherings of more than
100 people, Ohio Christian University has canceled
Audition Day for Performing Arts Scholarships
Published: January 28, 2020
The Ohio Christian University Department of Music is holding a Performing
Arts Audition Day following Scholars Day on February 29th to allow
prospective students to audition for a Performing Arts Scholarship.
High school seniors and juniors and incoming transfer students planning to
major in one of the Music programs or those who just plan to participate in
Band, Orchestra, Choir and/or Theater are all invited to audition.
“We are proud to offer significant scholarships to music and worship
leadership majors, and to any student who participates in our performing arts
activities,” said
The Ohio Christian University Department of Music is holding a Performing
Arts Audition Day following Scholars Day on February 29th to allow
prospective students to audition for a Performing Arts Scholarship.
High school seniors and juniors and incoming transfer students planning to
major in one of the Music programs or those who just plan to participate in
Band, Orchestra, Choir and/or
The Ohio Christian University Department of Music is holding a Performing
Arts Audition Day following Scholars Day on February 29th to allow
prospective students to audition for a Performing Arts
Festival of Carols Shares Message of Christ
Published: December 10, 2019
The Ohio Christian University Music Department shared an impactful message of
Christ’s birth in its annual Christmas concert, Festival of Carols. The
concert presented this story of glory to audiences of almost 500 on both Dec.
7 and 8 in the Ministry
The Ohio Christian University Music Department shared an impactful message of
Christ’s birth in its annual Christmas concert, Festival of Carols. The
concert presented this story of glory to audiences of almost 500 on both Dec.
7 and 8 in the Ministry
The Ohio Christian University Music Department shared an impactful message of
Christ’s birth in its annual Christmas concert, Festival of Carols. The
concert presented this story of glory to
Band and Vocal Students Among the 'Stars and the Moon'
Published: November 8, 2019
In 1969, Apollo 11 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida,
carrying what would soon be the first men to ever set foot on the Moon. Ohio
Christian University will celebrate this historic event with a concert titled
Stars and the Moon, featuring Ohio Christian’s band and vocal students. The
show will lift off on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Ministry
In 1969, Apollo 11 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida,
carrying what would soon be the first men to ever set foot on the Moon. Ohio
Christian University will celebrate this historic event with a concert titled
Stars and the Moon, featuring Ohio Christian’s band and vocal students. The
show will lift off on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Ministry
In 1969, Apollo 11 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida,
carrying what would soon be the first men to ever set foot on the Moon. Ohio
Christian University will celebrate this
Orchestra Shares Gospel Through Music in Japan
Published: November 8, 2019
This summer, Ohio Christian University’s orchestra went on its third
mission trip to Japan. From Jul. 29 to Aug. 17, students had the opportunity
to share not only their musical talents but their passion for spreading the
gospel.
The orchestra directors, Roger and Linda Stieg, completed their graduate work
at the Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto, Japan. After graduation, the
Steigs were asked to come back to play some concerts. They agreed to return,
hoping to be an example of how God can use even musical talent to help
fulfill the Great Commission. Found in Matthew 28, the
This summer, Ohio Christian University’s orchestra went on its third
mission trip to Japan. From Jul. 29 to Aug. 17, students had the opportunity
to share not only their musical talents but their passion for spreading the
gospel.
The orchestra directors, Roger and Linda Stieg, completed their graduate work
at the Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto, Japan. After graduation, the
Steigs
This summer, Ohio Christian University’s orchestra went on its third
mission trip to Japan. From Jul. 29 to Aug. 17, students had the opportunity
to share not only their musical talents but their
Archived Articles of Interest
Behind the Scenes: Inside Festival of Carols
Published: December 3, 2018
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative moment team. The choirs warm their vocal cords until
their voices float in glorious harmonies across the auditorium. The actors
labor in hectic preparation to perform with excellence and seeming
effortlessness.
Learning choreography with live choirs singing was a challenge that Movements
from the Heart (MFTH), the creative movement team, met in the practice time
afforded before the first
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative moment team. The choirs warm their vocal cords until
their voices float in glorious harmonies across the auditorium. The actors
labor in hectic preparation to perform with excellence and seeming
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative
2018 Festival of Carols' 'Peace on Earth' Theme Shares Global Hope
Published: December 2, 2018
Ohio Christian University’s 2018 Festival of Carols, performed in the
Ministry and Performing Arts Center, celebrated Christmas with 'Peace on
Earth' music from around the world. Decorations featured the flags, colors,
and music of peoples across the globe, representing all who look to Christ
and His promise of eternal peace.
The Ohio Christian University Orchestra played the celebration's prelude with
George Edge, conducting, to the attendees who filled the spacious, modern
auditorium.
After University President Jon S. Kulaga opened the celebration with a warm
welcome and prayer,
Ohio Christian University’s 2018 Festival of Carols, performed in the
Ministry and Performing Arts Center, celebrated Christmas with 'Peace on
Earth' music from around the world. Decorations featured the flags, colors,
and music of peoples across the globe, representing all who look to Christ
and His promise of eternal peace.
The Ohio Christian University Orchestra played the celebration's
Ohio Christian University’s 2018 Festival of Carols, performed in the
Ministry and Performing Arts Center, celebrated Christmas with 'Peace on
Earth' music from around the world. Decorations
Music Department Offers New Suzuki Method Certification
Published: October 31, 2018
Music Department Offers New Suzuki Method Certificate Program
Ohio Christian University has added a Suzuki Method Teaching Certification
program to its Music Department’s offerings. The Suzuki Method
Certification is a four-year program that prepares violin teachers to use
this proven learning method.
Professors Linda and Roger Stieg earned their Suzuki Teacher Training
certification after studying for two years with Dr. Suzuki in Japan. Both
have enjoyed music teaching careers and are Suzuki Association of Americas
(SAA)-accredited teacher trainers.
“Suzuki said his method is a
Music Department Offers New Suzuki Method Certificate Program
Ohio Christian University has added a Suzuki Method Teaching Certification
program to its Music Department’s offerings. The Suzuki Method
Certification is a four-year program that prepares violin teachers to use
this proven learning method.
Professors Linda and Roger Stieg earned their Suzuki Teacher Training
certification after
Music Department Offers New Suzuki Method Certificate Program
Ohio Christian University has added a Suzuki Method Teaching Certification
program to its Music Department’s offerings. The Suzuki
Great New Vibes from the Music Department
Published: October 31, 2018
Since arriving, Dr. Brent Nolte has begun creative collaboration with Music
Department colleagues to gain approval for two new certificate programs for
Suzuki String Pedagogy and Piano Pedagogy.
Moreover, the Music Department is partnering with the Psychology Department
to meet the needs of students interested in music therapy. These students are
being encouraged to earn their Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in
Psychology, preparing them well for a master’s degree in Music Therapy.
Collaborating with Worship Leadership Professor Dr. Rodney Sones, the
department is planning a
Since arriving, Dr. Brent Nolte has begun creative collaboration with Music
Department colleagues to gain approval for two new certificate programs for
Suzuki String Pedagogy and Piano Pedagogy.
Moreover, the Music Department is partnering with the Psychology Department
to meet the needs of students interested in music therapy. These students are
being encouraged to earn their Bachelor of
Since arriving, Dr. Brent Nolte has begun creative collaboration with Music
Department colleagues to gain approval for two new certificate programs for
Suzuki String Pedagogy and Piano Pedagogy.
Dr. Brent Nolte Leads Music Department
Published: September 5, 2018
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.
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
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
