James Madison University

JMU's arts programs offer a well-rounded academic adventure

Well-rounded adventure

Creative expression meets academic discipline

Our visual and performing arts feature traditional training and so much more. Our graduates shine because they are trained as critical thinkers and problem-solvers. Students tell us that they are attracted to JMU visual and performing arts because we mix our rigorous professional program with a liberal arts curriculum renowned for its academic excellence It's about expression, knowledge, creativity, and the unique fulfillment that comes with a well-rounded academic adventure.

Hello Hollywood

JMU students learn the business of making movies while studying in LA

Twenty JMU students get a taste of the big screen interning at some of the entertainment industries biggest agencies through L.A. Study Program … Read more
A Harmonious Career

This professor loves music and students

Berklee College Professor of Harmony Omar Thomas ('06) enjoys relating his own musical experiences to his students … Read more
Through and through

This consummate musician shares his gifts

Marlon Foster ('82, 95'M) is a musician through and through. He's played drums for the Marching Royal Dukes and the U.S. Air Force Band. And for the past 18 years, his "gig" has been teaching and conducting band at Thomas Harrison … Read more
"Loves to perform"

Pre-med, biology, dance and community service

Dance comes first at JMU for Kelsey Hickson ('10), a Richmond native, who has been dancing since she was 3. Hickson is a pre-med student with a major in dance and a minor in biology. In recognition of her achievements, … Read more
Making music

Ross Copperman ('04) making dreams come true

Ross Copperman ('04) is turning his dreams into reality, signing a record contract with a major label, touring Europe writing emotionally charged lyrics that leave the crowds singing his songs … Read more
Picture perfect

Emily Street ('09) creates a prizewinning poster

Harrisonburg has found its first official city poster, and the designer is Emily Street. The 2009 graduate earned her bachelor's degree in fine arts with a concentration in printmaking and a minor in French … Read more
Movement, dance, life

Tapping into students' creativity

JMU professor of dance and composition, Kate Trammell, has performed and taught throughout the U.S. and the world with thompson & trammell dance company, ZeroMoving Dance Company, and as an independent teacher/performer. Founding artistic director of the Virginia Repertory Dance Company, she says her students …Read more
Rhythms of the universe

Artist finds unity in multiplicity

After completing Dave Pruett's honors class at JMU, Bethany Tobin ('06) found a book of geometric Islamic patterns, which serve as the framework for Islamic art and architecture. Fascinated by these patterns, she incorporated them into her artwork … Read more
Back in the 'Burg

Columbia Records exec shares secrets

Years after graduating from JMU, Brian Nolan ('02) came back to the 'Burg to share what he has learned on his way to becoming an executive at Columbia Records. Nolan told his story to students in David Cottrell's … Read more