When Ohio State University’s Community Music School (CMS) opened its doors in May of this year, 15 students enrolled in private lessons in piano, voice, and percussion. Six months later, that number had quadrupled, said CMS Manager Angela Heck Mueller.
“Not only that, but we now offer almost every instrument and voice type,” she said. “(We also) offer three classes: an early childhood music class, a music theory class, and a video game music class.”
Heck Muller came to Ohio State last year to oversee the launch of CMS. She has years of experience working with similar programs, dating back to working at Athens Community Schools while earning her bachelor’s degree at Ohio University.
“I was so excited to see Ohio State creating a community program like this,” she said. “Our goal is community engagement and reaching out to our neighbors in the University District.”
Although flute player Heck Muller enjoys teaching, he finds the role of manager just as fulfilling.
“Working behind the scenes as a manager can be very rewarding and impactful,” she said. “That’s a different kind of influence, too. When you’re teaching one-on-one as an instructor, you’re seeing the same students every week and watching them grow. I’m not teaching them in a classroom right now. But it’s exciting to know that we’re reaching so many people in central Ohio.”
The CMS fall and spring sessions last 16 weeks. The summer session runs for 14 weeks. Classes are held at the African American and African Studies Community Extension Center on Columbus’ Near East Side. In addition to classes and private lessons, CMS also has four ensembles, including a flute ensemble and a community choir.
Lessons cost $25 for 30 minutes or $50 for an hour, plus an administration fee. Classes and ensembles are $20 each. Heck Müller said financial aid is available.
“‘Community’ means ‘all,'” she said. “That means reaching everyone: all ages, all backgrounds, all learning styles. So how do we make music accessible? Especially when we’re talking about tutoring, big… The obstacle is economic constraints.”
Heck Muller was thrilled to see so many students receive aid this fall.
“Financial aid was awarded to 27 students. Of the 27, 20 accepted,” she said. “We have 20 people who are getting music education that they didn’t have before, and we’re excited to have them join us.”
Heck Mueller said many of the instructors are from Ohio. Some have recently graduated from music schools. Graduate and undergraduate students are also employed.
“(We) recruit really good juniors and seniors in our degree programs,” she said. “They’re looking for educational experience. (Hiring them) was important to me. I know the value of that experience.”
After 16 weeks of hard practice, students of all ages perform in recital. In addition to sharing their craft, Heck Muller said students learn lifelong skills.
“They learn about performance anxiety and how to overcome it,” she said. “This can be applied to a variety of things, including public speaking, writing book reviews, and preparing for interviews. This is a skill we have to practice. We face those fears. I’m practicing.”
So far, the program has been a great success and has brought a “vibrant energy” to the extension center, Heck Müller said.
“We found that after 4 p.m., the average height inside buildings decreased significantly,” she said. “It’s fun to hear young people’s voices and techniques for beginners.”
Reminiscing about Ezra, the first student at the community school, she said the students are enjoying it as well.
“Ezra showed up to his first lesson and jumped out the door with excitement,” Heck Mueller said. “Ezra wasn’t scared or nervous, so he couldn’t get to his first lesson fast enough.”
