Battelle Fine Arts Center

The home of the Department of Music, Battelle Fine Arts Center was originally built in 1929 as a sports and recreation facility called the Alumni Gymnasium.

Media Gallery

A woman stands on a stage amongst a group of people. They are listening to her speak.

A group of people singing in a choir rehearsal

Two people sit in the music studio doing work

A group ensemble practicing together in a room with a red carpet and white walls.

A dark brown brick building against a blue sky with wispy clouds.

Academic Departments in Battelle Fine Arts Center

Battelle Hall Building Highlights

🎼 Academic Departments in Battelle Fine Arts Center

Department of Music

As you walk through the home of Otterbein University's Department of Music, you’ll notice that it’s alive with music, with laughter, with students in the lounge, with professors talking to students. Whether it be from our talented students, our actively practicing faculty and staff, or from a guest ensemble, there is always music playing at Otterbein.

Otterbein's Department of Music offers the following undergraduate programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Music
- Bachelor of Music Education
- Bachelor of Music in Performance
- Minor in Music

The Department of Music is also affiliated with the following interdisciplinary programs:
- Race & Ethnic Studies (minor)
- Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies (major and minor)

⭐ Battelle Hall Building Highlights

Music Performances

Otterbein offers applied study in classical, jazz, and popular styles, in instruments, voice, and composition. From early music to contemporary music, from string quartet to jazz combo, Otterbein offers a wide variety of ensemble experiences that are open to students of all majors.

Riley Auditorium

Riley Auditorium is the 260-seat recital and lecture hall in the Battelle Fine Arts Center. It is equipped with a practice organ and a 7-foot Steinway grand piano.

Ensembles

The Department of Music offers many diverse opportunities for all students to participate in small ensemble music making. Traditional ensembles such as string quartets, brass quintet and strings with piano chamber music are a regular part of students’ musical training and experience. Flute ensemble and saxophone quartets, electrified strings, jazz combos and guitar ensembles for both jazz and classical styles enrich and diversify students’ course of study and musical development. Students interested in modern music seek performing opportunities with Red Noise, the department’s new music ensemble. While students interested in music of the Medieval and Renaissance periods can explore early music instruments and techniques in one of our Early Music Ensemble groups.

Practice Rooms and Labs

Battelle Hall houses practice rooms, all equipped with sound and video systems; a Keyboard Lab with 12 Yamaha digital pianos; student Mac computer lab with music software; electronic music studio; band room; and a dance studio.