North Columbus News

When The Ohio State University’s Community Music School (CMS) opened in May, it welcomed 15 students for private lessons in piano, voice, and percussion. Six months later, enrollment has quadrupled, according to Angela Heck Mueller, the manager of CMS.

“Not only that, we’re offering almost every single instrument and voice type now,” she stated. “[We’re also offering] three classes: a preschool music class, a music theory class and a video game music class.”

Heck Mueller joined Ohio State last year to manage the launch of CMS. Her experience with similar programs dates back to her time at Athens Community School while pursuing her bachelor's degree at Ohio University.

“I was so excited to see that Ohio State was creating this kind of community program,” she said. “Our goal is community engagement and reaching our neighbors around the university district.”

Though Heck Mueller plays the flute and enjoys teaching, she finds fulfillment in her managerial role.

“To work behind the scenes as a manager, it’s such a rewarding impact to have,” she said. “It’s a different kind of impact, too. When you’re one-on-one as an instructor, you see the same student weekly and watch them grow. I’m not in the room teaching students now, but to know that we are reaching so many participants in central Ohio – it’s exciting.”

The CMS offers 16-week autumn and spring sessions and 14-week summer sessions at the African American and African Studies Community Extension Center on Columbus’ Near East Side. Besides classes and private lessons, CMS hosts four ensembles including a flute ensemble and a community choir.

Lessons cost $25 for 30 minutes or $50 for an hour plus administrative fees; classes and ensembles are $20 each. Financial aid is available.

“‘Community’ means ‘all,’” Heck Mueller explained. “It means reaching everyone: all ages, all backgrounds, all learning styles. So how do we make music accessible? A big obstacle is financial constraints, especially when you’re talking about private instruction.”

This fall saw several students receive aid which pleased Heck Mueller.

“Twenty-seven students were awarded financial aid. Out of those 27, 20 accepted,” she noted. “That’s 20 individuals that are receiving music education that didn’t have it before. We’re excited that they’re able to participate.”

Many instructors hail from Ohio State itself; some are recent graduates from its School of Music while others include graduate associates or undergraduates.

“[We’re hiring] juniors and seniors who are really excelling in their degree program,” she added. “They’re looking for teaching experience. [Hiring them] was important to me. I know the value of that experience.”

After rigorous training over 16 weeks across age groups culminates into recitals where students showcase their skills while learning valuable life lessons.

“They learn about performance anxiety and how to overcome that,” Heck Mueller remarked regarding transferable skills acquired through performing arts like public speaking or job interviews - practicing facing fears becomes essential practice here!

So far success seems evident with vibrant energy brought into Extension center as described by manager herself:

“We’ve noted that average height drops significantly after 4 p.m., hearing young voices & beginner methods brings fun," recounting fond memories like first student Ezra's enthusiasm upon arrival:

"Ezra showed up bouncing through door excitedly without fear/nervousness eager getting started," shared fondly by Ms.Heck-Mueller reflecting overall joyous atmosphere created within this educational initiative undertaken by university's newly established musical outreach program!