Ryan Scherber
Head of Music Education
Assistant Professor
Director of Bands
Coordinator of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies in Music Education
The Music Education program at Case Western Reserve University prepares thoughtful educators, scholars, and leaders through a personalized, student-centered approach to graduate study. Small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and meaningful teaching and research experiences provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to excel in schools, higher education, and other professional settings.
Our dedicated faculty are active scholars, experienced educators, and accomplished musicians who work closely with students throughout their academic journey. Graduate students benefit from extensive hands-on experiences that connect theory with practice.
Graduate Degree Programs
Choose the pathway that best aligns with your professional goals:
- PhD in Music Education
Prepare for careers in higher education, research, policy, and leadership through advanced study and original research. - MA in Music Education
Designed for licensed music educators seeking to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their teaching practice, and advance professionally. - MA with Licensure (MAL) in Music Education
Designed for students with a bachelor's degree in music who wish to earn Ohio teacher licensure while completing graduate study in music education.
Our graduate program is well-supported with significant funding opportunities, including tuition waivers, and graduate assistantships!
Graduate assistants play a vital role in the department, supporting ensembles (bands, choirs, orchestras), undergraduate courses, music technology, and faculty research while gaining valuable professional experience.
Faculty Expertise
| Christopher L. Clark Instructor Director of Choirs |
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| Jason Delfing Lecturer |
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| Matthew L. Garrett Professor Director of University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education (UCITE) |
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| Benjamin C. Helton Assistant Professor Director, Spartan Marching Band Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music |
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| Kathleen Horvath Professor Director of Orchestras |
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| Lisa Huisman Koops Professor |
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| Nathan B. Kruse Professor Department Chair |
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| Ryan Scherber Associate Professor Director of Bands Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music Education Head of Music Education Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music Education |
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Ensembles & Performance Opportunities
Music Education students actively participate in the artistic life of the Department of Music through our bands, choirs, orchestras, chamber ensembles, and other performance opportunities. Because our faculty oversee these ensembles, students experience firsthand the connection between effective teaching and outstanding music-making.
Our philosophy emphasizes lifelong participation in music, and many ensembles include undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and community members. These collaborative experiences strengthen both musicianship and teaching practice while fostering a vibrant musical community.
Visit the Ensembles & Lessons page for details about ensembles, auditions, registration, and performance opportunities.
