BGSU College of Musical Arts celebrates 50 years

Widely recognized for its musical prowess, BGSU created the College of Musical Arts in 1975 to meet regional demand for music higher education.

While the College of Musical Arts is celebrating its 50th anniversary year in 2025, the history of musical innovation at BGSU traces all the way back to its infancy. 

Starting with its first year, the University saw an opportunity to not only prepare teachers for general studies, but to offer separate two-year and three-year courses for teachers of special subjects, including music.

The University maintained a designated music space in the Administration Building, awarded its first two-year diplomas in music in 1916 and began its first college band in 1923, an opening salvo that set up BGSU as a university with significant musical expertise.

Of the first 10 people on the faculty, one was a music instructor, Ernest G. Hesser, who composed the first-ever song about what became known as BGSU and started a number of musical student organizations during the University’s early years.

To this day, the University remains one of the premier producers of music education teachers in Ohio and the greater region.

With time and growing interest, BGSU continued to expand its footprint in music.

During the 1946-47 school year, BGSU began offering a Bachelor of Arts with a major in music, with the music department becoming a member of the National Association of Schools of Music, an accreditation the University proudly still maintains.

By the early 1970s, the University’s reputation for producing elite musicians and skilled music teachers had only grown, necessitating yet another expansion.

In 1975, the School of Music formally became its own college, the College of Musical Arts, with the groundbreaking for the Moore Musical Arts Center taking place two years later.

Shortly after the College’s creation, it spearheaded the Bowling Green New Music Festival, which will celebrate its 46th occurrence from Oct. 16-18 later this year. Artists and composers from all over the globe play at the festival, making BGSU a well-known hub for new music each year.

In 2011, the University debuted a show-stopping new venue, the Wolfe Center for the Arts, in which students in music, theater, dance, film and digital arts productions can practice their craft.

The innovations and expansion within the field of music at BGSU have led to a long, fruitful connection between the University, its graduates and the greater Bowling Green community.

Many CMA graduates remain connected to their program well beyond their graduation day from BGSU. Alumni and supporters collaborated to break a new fundraising record during the 2024-25 school year, donating nearly $3 million to support a campaign for BGSU Bands.

As part of the campaign, construction of a new synthetic turf field is underway that will serve as the practice home of the Falcon Marching Band and also be used by recreational sports. A ribbon-cutting for The Student Green is planned for Homecoming on Sept. 13.

Home to 18 different degree options and one of the biggest marching bands in the country, the College of Musical Arts and BGSU continue to elevate the enduring impact of music.

"For 50 years, the College of Musical Arts has thrived by honoring traditions and embracing innovation," said CMA Dean Dr. William Mathis. "As we look to the future, we will continue this mindset, responding to a changing world, engaging with new technologies and welcoming fresh ideas.

"In doing so, we provide students with an environment that values exploration, nurtures adaptability and prepares them to shape the next 50 years of musical life and music education across the nation and around the world."