Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major
Description of the Major
The music major at JMU offers a broad array of courses that promote high quality music performance and academic study. The curriculum prepares you for careers in music performance, music education, composition, music theatre, or music industry. The various music areas have rigidly sequential course structures and few, if any, electives.
Studio instruction is at the core of students' success. Applied study (individual lessons) and large ensemble participation are required each semester. Performance areas include brass, percussion, piano, strings, voice, woodwinds, jazz, ensembles and theory/composition.
As a professional degree, there is no provision for a minor within the degree structure.
Interested music majors may apply for admission into the jazz studies major.
Music Education
The music education program consists of both instrumental and vocal concentrations. Students who choose a vocal concentration participate in applied study in either voice or keyboard and focus on the pedagogical aspects of teaching general and/or vocal music. Those who choose an instrumental concentration participate in applied study on their individual instrument and focus on the pedagogical aspects of teaching instrumental music. Both concentrations provide certification to teach kindergarten through 12th-grade music upon completion of the degree program. For more information, visit the pre-professional education programs website.
Degrees Offered
B.M.
Concentrations
Composition
Music Industry
Music Theatre Emphasis
Performance
Minors
General Music
Music Industry
Jazz Studies
Declaring the Major
New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Contact the School of Music for an audition and music aptitude test.
Progressing in the Major
You must apply and be fully admitted to the School of Music to progress in the major.
