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Mission Statement Career Opportunities Co-curricular Activities and Organizations Audition, Exam and Placement Test Music Scholarships Retention Degree and Major Requirements Teacher Licensure Minor Requirements |
Dr. Jeffrey Showell, Director
Phone: (540) 568-6197
E-mail: showelja@jmu.edu
Web site: http://www.jmu.edu/music/
Professors
P. Brady, I. Choi, S. Cross, J.Hilliard, J. Kluesner, J. Little, R. McCashin, W. Rice, P. Rooney, E. Ruple, K. Stees
Associate Professors
D. Cottrell, R. DiGiallonardo, C. Dotas, D. Gilliam, J. Hiatt, W. Huang, M. Kirkdorffer, S. Reid, G. Ritcher
Assistant Professors
S. Barber, B. Chandler, A. Connell, G. Dobner, C. Donakowski, J. Gibson, J. Haney, A. Lankford, D. Maddison, J. Minor, A. Pack, D. Pope, D. Rierson, S. Rikkers, M.J. Speare, C. Stevens
Adjunct Instructors
M. Adams, A. Hummings, K. Stevens, C. Stup, B. Witmer
The School of Music is strongly committed to the highest level of musical training. The school offers a comprehensive undergraduate program and a graduate program that strive for the highest quality in music performance and academic study. The instruction prepares students for careers in music performance, music education, composition, music theatre and music industry. By incorporating general education studies, the undergraduate program enables students to relate music to historical, sociological and economic developments.
Additionally, the School of Music seeks to provide the JMU and Shenandoah Valley communities with a variety of cultural benefits through music performances. These performances include faculty and student recitals, concerts by the numerous musical ensembles within the school, and performances, clinics and workshops by visiting artists.
The School of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
To fulfill the above mission, the School of Music seeks to:
The various programs offered by the school can lead students to a wide range of careers. Programs in performance or composition are intended for students who desire to continue their musical training in graduate programs that will prepare them for professional careers in performance, composition and/or teaching at the college level.
Those who elect the emphasis in music industry will be prepared for positions in a broad area of music-business occupations and for admission to graduate professional schools of business.
The music education program prepares students to teach vocal and/or instrumental music in public schools.
The music theatre program is designed to prepare vocal music majors for the field of popular Broadway musical theatre performance as well as for careers in opera and operetta.
The following list of careers is only a small sample of the many possibilities. For more information about career options, contact the school director.
The following activities are open to all JMU students without audition:
The following activities are open to all JMU students with audition or instructor permission:
Students choosing to major in music must possess a solid background and experience in the performance medium they elect for their major, and they should display sufficient musical talent to indicate promise in their field.
To be considered for undergraduate admission to the music program, all entering freshmen, transfer students and previously enrolled students seeking re-admission must complete the following:
An information packet containing audition guidelines, an audition application and other pertinent materials will be sent to prospective music majors upon request. Applications are also available online at jmu.edu/music/app.html. Students can obtain information packets by visiting the School of Music office or by contacting the music admissions coordinator, Dr. Michele Kirkdorffer, or an admissions assistant at (540) 568-3851 or at music_admit@jmu.edu.
No student will be accepted as a music major until an audition and a music aptitude test are successfully completed. A piano placement test will also be taken but has no bearing on acceptance.
All candidates are expected to perform the entrance audition on one of the scheduled audition dates. The school does not encourage special appointments and will arrange them only when applicants have serious conflicts with the scheduled auditions. Because assessing a student’s ability through a taped performance is difficult, only students who live at great distances are encouraged to send audition tapes. All tapes submitted must be high quality recordings and demonstrate the student’s ability. Candidates who do not appear at scheduled auditions may take the music theory tests during the fall registration period.
The audition should reveal the student’s highest level of musical attainment. Appropriate literature in at least two varying styles and tempos is suggested so that the school can evaluate the candidate’s ability accurately. The theory test is an aural-skills aptitude test and is part of the admissions process. The piano test primarily determines class-level placement.
The entrance audition also serves as the scholarship audition. All music scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit. Taped auditions will not qualify a prospective student for consideration to receive a music scholarship. A transfer student on scholarship at another school can only be considered for a scholarship at JMU if the music executive of the current school sends a written release to the director of the School of Music.
Students admitted as music majors must meet school standards, as published in the School of Music Student Handbook, if they are to continue. To ensure that these standards are met, the Music Academic Review Committee examines each music major’s progress at the end of each semester in accordance with policies stated in the handbook.
Music majors must earn a minimum grade of “C-” in all music courses required for their degree.
The Bachelor of Music degree offers five specialized majors: performance, composition, music industry, music education and music theatre. All music majors must complete the general education program and a 27 credit-hour core program of music courses common to all the majors’ curricula. The remaining hours are specified under each of the various majors and concentrations.
Students must perform in at least one major ensemble each semester of full-time study except in the professional semester, to meet the minimum of seven or eight credits. All music students should enroll in class piano each semester until they meet the requirements appropriate to their specific degree or concentration. Graduating seniors must participate in assessment activities including assessment day.
Another vital aspect of the programs is attendance at recitals and concerts. Attending these events contributes to the breadth of students’ knowledge of music literature. Hearing performances also allows students to observe performing techniques from the student to the professional levels. Consequently, undergraduate music majors must attend a minimum of 20 recitals per semester for six semesters, totaling 120 attendances during their degree studies. Students must continue to register for MUS 195 until they fulfill this requirement.
Degree Requirements
General Education courses 1 41
Core music program courses 27
Major concentration courses and electives 56-63
124-131
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Major Requirements
Core Requirements Credit Hours
Choose one of the following: 1
MUS 101. Elementary Class Piano
(required for music industry majors and prerequisite for MUS 202-303)
MUS 303. Class Piano
(all music majors except music industry; must be passed prior to student teaching)
MUS 141-142. Theory I: Writing and Analysis Techniques 6
MUS 143-144. Theory I: Aural Perception and Analysis 2
MUS 195. Recital Attendance (six semesters) 0
MUS 241-242. Theory II: Writing and Analysis Techniques 6
MUS 243-244. Theory II: Aural Perception and Analysis 2
MUS 317. Basic Conducting 2
MUS 373,374,375,376. Music History 8
27
The freshman year of study shares a common curriculum for all concentrations. The year is devoted to courses from the basic music core requirements, general education courses, ensemble participation and applied study in the student’s major applied area.
A typical freshman course of study might be:
First Year/First Semester Credit Hours
Choose one of the following: 1
MUS 100, 101. Elementary Class Piano
MUS 202, 303. Class Piano
MUS 141. Theory I: Writing and Analysis Techniques 3
MUS 143. Theory I: Aural Perception and Analysis 1
MUS 195. Recital Attendance 0
GWRIT 103. Critical Reading and Writing 3
Applied music major course 2
Music ensemble course 1-2
General Education courses 3
14-15
Second Semester
Choose one of the following: 1
MUS 101. Elementary Class Piano
MUS 202, 303. Class Piano
MUS 142. Theory I: Writing and Analysis Techniques 3
MUS 144. Theory I: Aural Perception and Analysis 1
MUS 195. Recital Attendance 0
Applied music major course 2
Music ensemble course 1-2
General Education courses 6
14-15
For a recommended eight-semester outline of curricular requirements for each major concentration, see the School of Music’s Undergraduate Student Handbook.
Dr. Carrie L. Stevens, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6393
E-mail: stevencl@jmu.edu
Courses1 Credit Hours
Choose one of the following: 8
FR 101-102. Elementary French
GER 101-102. Elementary German
ITAL 101-102. Elementary Italian
MUS 120. Diction for Singers I 1
MUS 121. Diction for Singers II 1
MUS 304. Advanced Keyboard Skills 2
MUS 318. Intermediate Choral Conducting 2
MUS 395. Junior or Senior Half Recital 0
MUS 444. Counterpoint 2
MUS 450. Advanced Music Analysis 2
MUS 465. Opera History and Literature 2 3
MUS 467. Solo Vocal Literature 3
MUS 477. Vocal Pedagogy 2 2
MUS 495. Senior Graduation Recital 1
Applied voice study 22
Basic music core requirements 27
Ensembles (one each semester) 8
General Education courses 41
Approved music electives 3 2
127
1 Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major. 2 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. 3 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
Dr. Eric K. Ruple, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6375
E-mail: rupleek@jmu.edu
Courses1 CreditHours
MUS 371. Private Piano Pedagogy 3
MUS 372. Supervised Private Piano Teaching 1
MUS 395. Junior or Senior Half Recital 0
MUS 420. Piano Technology 2
MUS 443-444. Counterpoint 4
MUS 449-450. Advanced Music Analysis 4
MUS 460. Piano Literature I 2 2
MUS 470. Piano Literature II 2
MUS 495. Senior Graduation Recital 1
Applied piano study 22
Applied secondary area(s) 2
Basic music core requirements 27
Ensembles (one each semester) 8
General Education courses 41
Approved music electives 3 8
127
1 Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major. 2 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. 3 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits, and must include at least two of the following music history courses: MUS 462. Music of the Romantic Period, MUS 463. 20th-Century Music, MUS 478. Music During the Baroque Period, MUS 479. Music During the Classical Period.
Dr. Gabriel Dobner, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6002
E-mail: dobnergt@jmu.edu
Courses Credit Hours
Choose one of the following: 4
FR 101. Elementary French
GER 101. Elementary German
ITAL 101. Elementary Italian
MUS 120. Diction for Singers I 1
MUS 121. Diction for Singers II 1
Choose one of the following: 2
MUS 318. Intermediate Choral Conducting
MUS 319. Intermediate Instrumental Conducting
MUS 371. Private Piano Pedagogy 3
MUS 395. Junior or Senior Half Recital 0
MUS 444. Counterpoint 2
MUS 450. Advanced Music Analysis 2
MUS 460. Piano Literature I 1 2
MUS 467. Solo Vocal Literature 3
MUS 495. Senior Graduation Recital 1
Applied piano accompanying 9
Applied piano study 13
Applied voice study 2
Basic music core requirements 27
General Education courses 41
Approved music electives 2 5
Ensembles (one each semester) 8
126
1 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. 2 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
Dr. Susan Barber, Dr. Carl Donakowski and Prof. Kevin Stees, Co-coordinators
Phone: (540) 568-6197
E-mail: barbersn@jmu.edu, donakocp@jmu.edu, steeskj@jmu.edu
Courses1 Credit Hours
MUS 319. Intermediate Instrumental Conducting 2
MUS 395. Junior or Senior Half Recital 0
Choose two of the following: 4
MUS 443-444. Counterpoint and/or
MUS 449-450. Advanced Music Analysis
MUS 463. Twentieth-Century Music 2 3
MUS 472. Instrumental Pedagogy 1
MUS 495. Graduation Recital 1
Applied music courses (major instrument) 22
Basic music core requirements 27
Chamber ensembles (in addition to the eight 6
semester major ensemble requirement)
Ensembles (one each semester) 3 8
General Education courses 41
Advanced music literature elective 3
Approved music electives 6
(Music literature, theory, and/or secondary performance courses. A maximum of two credits may be counted in secondary applied music study.)
124
1 Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major. 2 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. 3 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
Dr. James S. Hiatt, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6465
E-mail: hiattjs@jmu.edu
Courses1 CreditHours
MUS 352. Music Composition 16
MUS 441-442. Music Arranging 6
MUS 443-444. Counterpoint 4
MUS 445. Orchestration 3
MUS 449-450. Advanced Music Analysis 4
MUS 463. Twentieth-Century Music 2 3
MUS 495. Senior Graduation Recital 1
Applied major study 12
Basic music core requirements 27
Ensembles (one each semester) 3 8
General Education courses 41
Music literature electives 3
Additional music electives 2
127
1 Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by approval of theory/composition faculty. Grades no lower than “B” in all theory and composition courses. 2 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. 3 Various ensembles approved by adviser.
Prof. Rick DiGiallonardo, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6977
E-mail: digialrl@jmu.edu
Credit
Courses Hours
COB 241. Financial Accounting 3
MGT 305. Management and Organizational Behavior 3
MKTG 380. Principles of Marketing 3
GSCI 121. The Physical Nature of Light and Sound 1 4
MUI 221. Survey of the Music Industry 3
MUI 323. Legal Aspects of the Music Industry 3
MUI 324. Introduction to Audio Devices 3
MUI 392. Practicum in Music Industry 1
MUI 426. Music and Sound Product Merchandising 2 3
MUI 492. Internship in Music Industry 3
Applied major study 14
Basic music core requirements 27
Ensembles (one each semester) 7
General Education courses 41
Music industry electives 9
Free electives 3
MUS 395. Junior or Senior Half Recital 0
126
1 These 4 credits will count as 4 of the required 10 credits in Cluster 3 of General Education if the student chooses to complete the other two courses in Package F, but it is also possible if desired to complete the Cluster 3 requirement with any of the other packages. If Package F is chosen, the total credits for graduation will become 126. 2 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.
Dr. Don Rierson, Director of Opera and Music Theatre
Phone: (540) 568-6646
E-mail: riersodg@jmu.edu
Courses1 Credit Hours
MUI 221. Survey of the Music Industry 3
MUS 120. Diction for Singers I 1
MUS 121. Diction for Singers II 1
MUS/THEA 357. Music Theatre History 3
MUS 395. Junior or Senior Half Recital 0
MUS 465. Opera History and Literature 2 3
THEA 171. Performance Production 3
THEA 251. Basic Acting 3
THEA 273. Visual Aspects of Theatre 3
THEA 353. Music Theatre Workshop 3
THEA 483. Music Theatre Form and Analysis 3
DANC 246. Intermediate Jazz Dance 2
DANC 346. Intermediate Jazz II/Musical Theatre Styles 2
Applied voice study 16
Music, theatre or dance electives 3
Basic music core requirements 27
Ensembles (one each semester, as listed below) 3 8
General Education courses 41
125
1 Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major. 2 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. 3 Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre majors must participate in MUAP 343. Opera Theatre, for at least four semesters. They may elect to fill the ensemble requirement in their remaining semesters by taking any of the credited vocal ensembles of the school - Chorus; Men’s or Women’s Chorus; Chorale; Madison Singers; Opera Theatre. A minimum of one credit of ensemble must be selected each semester.
Dr. Gary K. Ritcher, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6753
E-mail: ritchegk@jmu.edu
The Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education is designed primarily for those preparing to teach vocal or instrumental music in public schools. In addition to the School of Music requirements outlined below, students seeking a degree in music education must meet all the criteria for admission to the teacher education program and complete the professional education sequence for teaching licensure.
Students who want to pursue the music education program must earn acceptance into the teaching licensure program offered by the College of Education. For a full description of the program, see Page 193.
Required Courses Credit Hours
EDUC 360. Foundations of American Education 3
EDUC 480. Student Teaching (senior year) 12
GPSYC 160. Life Span Human Development 3
Pre-adolescent and Adolescent Child
READ 420. Content Area Literacy, K-12 2
20
(Applied study in voice or piano)
Courses1 CreditHours
MUED 206. Instrument Familiarization 1
MUED 271. Introduction to Music Education 2 2
MUED 372. General Music Practices 2
MUED 376. Choral Materials and Techniques 2
MUED 380. Music in the Elementary School 2
MUED 471. Jazz and Show Choir Procedures 2
MUS 120. Diction for Singers I 1
MUS 121. Diction for Singers II 1
MUS 150. Introduction to Technological Applications in Music 1
MUS 318. Intermediate Choral Conducting 2
MUS 395. Junior or Senior Half Recital 0
MUS 441. Vocal Arranging 3
MUS 477. Vocal Pedagogy 2 2
Applied major study (voice or keyboard) 12
Applied secondary area 2
(voice for piano majors; MUS 304. Advanced Keyboard Skills for voice majors) 3
Basic music core requirements 27
Ensembles (one each semester) 7
General Education courses 4 38-41
Professional education sequence 20
127-130
1 Additional requirements: Piano majors may elect MUAP 357. Piano Accompanying and Piano Ensemble for two semesters. 2 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. 3 Vocal majors must pass the Advanced Keyboard Skills exam. 4 GPSYC 160 may double count as a Cluster 5 course in General Education
(Applied study in winds, strings, percussion)
Courses1 CreditHours
MUED 271. Introduction to Music Education 2 2
Instrumental Techniques classes 3 7
MUED 301-302. Woodwind Techniques
MUED 303-304. Brass Techniques
MUED 305-306. Percussion Techniques
MUED 307-308. String Techniques
MUED 310. Vocal Techniques 1
MUED 371. Beginning Methods and Materials for 2
Instrumental Music
MUED 373. Advanced Methods and Materials for 2
Instrumental Music
Choose one of the following: 2
MUED 470. Marching Band Procedures
MUED 472. Survey of String and Orchestra Repertoire
MUS 150. Introduction to Technological Applications in Music 1
MUS 319. Intermediate Instrumental Conducting 2
MUS 395. Junior or Senior Half Recital 0
MUS 442. Instrumental Arranging 3
Applied music study (major instrument) 13
Basic music core requirements 27
Ensembles (one each semester) 7
General Education courses 4 38-41
Professional education sequence 20
127-130
1 Additional requirements: Wind and percussion majors are required to participate in marching band for a minimum of two years, but participation every year is recommended. 2 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. 3 One credit required in major Instrument area. Two credits in other three instrumental areas. 4 GPYSC 160 may double count as a Cluster 5 course in General Education.
Students desiring licensure in both instrumental and vocal music must complete the requirements of both concentrations, including 12 credits of student teaching in each area. All students desiring double endorsement should consult the coordinator of music education to plan their programs.
Double licensure may add over a year to the student’s program.
Open to all JMU undergraduate students, the general music minor develops both the performing and non- performing musician’s understanding of music. The minor requires the successful completion of six hours drawn from three areas – fundamentals, literature and history, and electives – for a total of 18 credit hours. Students must earn 50% of the required curriculum at JMU.
Required Courses Credit Hours
Fundamentals: 6
MUS 131, 132. Fundamentals of Music
MUS 141, 142. Writing and Analysis Techniques
Literature and History: 6
GMUS 200. Music in General Culture
GMUS 203. Music in America
GMUS 205. Global Music to the 18th Century
GMUS 206. Global Music 18th Century to the Present
MUS 356. The History of Jazz in America
MUS 357. Music Theatre History
MUS 373, 374, 375, 376. Music History
Electives - Any music course may count in this category, 6
examples include:
All music ensembles
MUI 221. Survey of the Music Industry
MUI 410. Songwriting
MUI 422. Concert Production and Promotion
MUED 380. Music in Elementary School
MUS 204. History of Rock
MUS 240/440. Jazz Improvisation
MUS 456. Choral Literature
MUS 463. Twentieth-Century Music
18
1 The minor in music does not qualify a student to teach music in Virginia public schools.
Open to all JMU undergraduate students, the music industry minor provides students majoring in other disciplines with a foundation for exploring career opportunities in the entertainment industry. The minor requires successful completion of MUI 221, Survey of the Music Industry; MUI 323, Legal Aspects of the Music Industry and of an additional 12 elective credit hours. Students must earn 50% of the required curriculum at JMU.
Required Courses Credit Hours
MUI 221. Survey of the Music Industry 3
MUI 323. Legal Aspects of the Music Industry 3
Electives - Any music industry course may count in this category, 12
examples include:
MUI 324. Introduction to Audio Devices
MUI 392. Practicum in Music Industry
MUI 400. Multi-track Recording Techniques I
MUI 401. Multi-track Recording Techniques II
MUI 410. Songwriting
MUI 411. Film Scoring: Music in Entertainment and Broadcast Media
MUI 420. Marketing of Recorded Music
MUI 422. Concert Production and Promotion
MUI 426. Music and Sound Product Merchandising
MUI 492. Internship in Music Industry
18
Open to all undergraduate students at JMU, the jazz studies minor helps students majoring in other disciplines understand and perform the jazz art form. The minor requires the successful completion of 15 credit hours in specified music courses and 5 credit hours in jazz ensembles. Students must earn 50% of the required curriculum at JMU.
Required Courses Credit Hours
MUS 141. Writing and Analysis Theory I 3
MUS 143. Theory Lab I 1
MUS 240. Improvisation Lab I 2
MUS 356. History of Jazz in America 3
MUS 440. Improvisation Lab II (repeat 3 times) 6
Ensembles (choose from the following) 5
MUAP 347. Jazz Ensembles
MUAP 348. Jazz Band
MUAP 355. Jazz Chamber Ensemble
MUED 471. Jazz and Show Choir Procedures
MUED 473. Jazz Ensemble Procedures and Techniques
20