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This site is best viewed in Internet Explorer Version 4 or above. School of MusicDr. Jeffrey Showell, DirectorPhone: (540) 568-6197 Professors Associate Professors Assistant Professors Instructors Mission StatementThe 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. GoalsTo fulfill the above mission, the School of Music seeks to:
Career OpportunitiesThe 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.
Co-curricular Activities and OrganizationsThe following activities are open to all JMU students without audition:
The following activities are open to all JMU students with audition or instructor permission:
Admission RequirementsStudents 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. Audition, Exam and Placement TestNo 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. Music ScholarshipsThe 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. Retention PolicyStudents 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. Degree and Major RequirementsBachelor of Music DegreeThe 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
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
Recommended Schedule for Freshman MajorsThe 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:
For a recommended eight-semester outline of curricular requirements for each major concentration, see the School of Music's Undergraduate Student Handbook. Bachelor of Music in PerformanceVocal ConcentrationDr. Carrie L. Stevens, Coordinator
1 Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration
by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end
of first year as approved music major. Piano ConcentrationDr. Eric K. Ruple, Coordinator
1 Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful
completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year
as approved music major. Piano Concentration, Emphasis in Accompanying/CoachingDr. Gabriel Dobner, Coordinator
1 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive
requirement for the major. Instrumental ConcentrationDr. Susan Barber, Dr. Carl Donakowski and Prof. Kevin Stees, Co-coordinators
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. Bachelor of Music in CompositionDr. James S. Hiatt, Coordinator
1 Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by approval of theory/composition faculty. Grades no lower than "B" in all theory and composition courses. Bachelor of Music, Emphasis in Music IndustryProf. Rick DiGiallonardo, Coordinator
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. Bachelor of Music, Emphasis in Music TheatreDr. Don Rierson, Director of Opera and Music Theatre
1 Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major. Bachelor of Music, with a Concentration in Music EducationDr. Gary K. Ritcher, Coordinator 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. Teaching Licensure RequirementsStudents 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. Professional Education Sequence
ConcentrationsVocal Concentration
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Courses1 |
Credit Hours |
MUED 206. Instrument Familiarization |
1 |
MUED 271. Introduction to Music Education2 |
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 Pedagogy2 |
2 |
Applied major study (voice or keyboard) |
12 |
Applied secondary area |
2 |
(voice for piano majors;
MUS 304. Advanced Keyboard |
|
Basic music core requirements |
27 |
Ensembles (one each semester) |
7 |
General Education courses4 |
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
Courses1 |
Credit Hours |
MUED 271. Introduction to Music Education2 |
2 |
Instrumental Techniques classes 3 |
7 |
|
|
MUED 310. Vocal Techniques |
1 |
MUED 371. Beginning Methods and Materials for Instrumental Music |
2 |
MUED 373. Advanced Methods and Materials for Instrumental Music |
2 |
Choose one of the following: |
2 |
|
|
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 courses4 |
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 |
|
|
Literature and History: |
6 |
|
|
Electives - Any music course may count in this category examples include: |
6 |
|
|
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, examples include: |
12 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
20 |
|

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