School of Music
Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Music is to provide the highest level of musical training in a comprehensive program that prepares students in conducting, music education, music industry, music performance, and theory/composition, and to prepare them to be thoughtful and productive citizens. Specifically, the school's mission is to:
- Select undergraduate and graduate majors and minors who have demonstrated a commitment to developing their musical skills and talents.
- Motivate music enthusiasts to explore musical concepts by exposing them to and including them in music performance, composition and education.
- Foster a sense of community that encourages intellectual curiosity, creative endeavor, cultural diversity and respect for various perspectives.
- Encourage excellence from faculty members as educators, researchers, performers, clinicians and supporters so that they develop students into motivated, competent professionals and outstanding world citizens.
- Provide music majors and non-music majors with knowledge of music and develop appropriate skill levels and musicianship.
- Offer curricula that prepare students to be professionals in music performance, composition, education or industry.
- Broaden students' understanding of music through innovative teaching, creative experiences and scholarly research.
- Provide a wide variety of cultural events for the JMU and Shenandoah Valley communities.
- Expose students to current technology employed in the music field, such as computers, music instruction software, electronic devices and advanced audio and visual equipment.
- Prepare D.M.A. students to teach, at the college level, not just in their principal areas, but also in many of the core curriculum classes, such as theory, music history, and music appreciation.
The School of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Objectives
The nine major degree concentrations are each designed to establish a set of skills and a knowledge base necessary for success as a practitioner in specific career areas in the broad field of music. These objectives are achieved through the classes in the School of Music.
- Through core music classes, to attain a general level of functional musicianship sufficient to begin and sustain a professional career in the music field.
- To gain awareness and basic competency in composition and analysis of the standard forms and styles of western music.
- To gain a broad historical perspective on the development of the forms and styles of western music, as well as diverse world musics.
- To develop a knowledge base enabling the placement of music within stylistic and chronological eras through cues that can be aurally identified.
- To develop a minimal ability to use a piano keyboard in the study, analysis and performance of music.
- To learn and practice the basic skills of conducting a musical ensemble and leading a rehearsal.
- Through attendance at musical performances, to gain awareness and acceptance of a broad variety of music, as well as of the traditional practices of concert musicians through listening to and watching others perform.
- Through specialized classes in each concentration, music students will attain skills and attitudes necessary for the establishment and maintenance of a career as a professional musician.
- Students in all concentrations will take weekly lessons in a primary instrument until they have mastered the skills of performing on that instrument sufficiently well to pass the graduation level for the specific concentration, and to successfully complete a senior recital in performance or composition.
- Students in all concentrations will perform regularly in both solo and ensemble situations, allowing them to gain a variety of professional-level performing experiences. At least one ensemble per semester is required of all music students until they have completed all the major requirements for the B.M. degree.
- Students in all concentrations will take specialized classes at the upper levels to learn the skills and more concentrated knowledge bases of the individual concentration areas. These classes may be aimed at developing a broad survey knowledge of music literature or history in a particular segment of the repertoire, or at the discovery and development of skills needed in the field but not necessarily to be mastered through individual practice and performance.
- In some major concentrations, internships are required that put the student into the work world in a supervised off-campus learning activity designed to give practical workplace experience in the field.
Career Opportunities
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):
- Artists' manager
- Composer
- Conductor
- Entertainment lawyer
- Music educator
- Music journalist
- Music librarian
- Music software developer
- Orchestra manager
- Performing artist
- Professional accompanist
- Professor/Teacher
- Record producer
Co-curricular Activities and Organizations
The following activities are open to all JMU students without audition:
- Concert Band
- Marching Royal Dukes
- Chorus
The following activities are open to all JMU students with audition or instructor permission:
- Brass Band
- Brass Ensembles
- Chamber Orchestra
- Chorale
- Clarinet Choir
- Flute Choir
- Guitar Ensemble
- Horn Choir
- Jazz Band
- Jazz Chamber Ensembles
- Jazz Ensemble
- Madison Singers
- Opera Theatre
- Opera Theatre Orchestra
- Percussion Ensemble
- Piano Accompanying
- Steel Drum Band
- String Ensembles
- Symphonic Band
- Symphony Orchestra
- Trombone Choir
- Trumpet Ensemble
- Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble
- Wind Symphony
- Woodwind Ensembles
Admission Requirements
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 first year students, transfer students and previously enrolled students seeking re-admission must complete the following:
- Submit an application for admission to JMU's Office of Admission.
- Submit the Undergraduate Music Application Form and request an audition date from those indicated on the form.
An information packet containing audition guidelines, an audition application and other pertinent materials will be sent to prospective music majors by request. Applications are available online. 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 Test
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 recorded performance is difficult, only students who live at great distances are encouraged to send audition recordings. All recordings submitted must be of high quality and demonstrate the student's ability.
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.
In addition to meeting the audition requirements above, all students who intend to major in the Bachelor of Music, Emphasis in Music Industry or the music industry minor are required to first complete MUI 221 and then enroll in MUI 231 and MUI 250. To successfully complete MUI 250, prospective majors and minors must submit a portfolio for review, showing evidence of their interest and potential for success in the music industry. The portfolio should represent work completed in the above classes with assistance in resume preparation from Career and Academic Planning. Portfolios will be reviewed once each fall and once each spring semester. Following the portfolio review, students who are recommended for the major or minor will be eligible to register for upper level music industry classes. Students who are not recommended for admission to the major or minor may reapply the following semester.
For additional details, see the School of Music's Undergraduate Student Handbook. To obtain the schedule of portfolio review sessions, as well as other specific information about the admission process, contact the School of Music, Music Industry area.
Music Scholarships
The entrance audition also serves as the scholarship audition. All music scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit. Recorded 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 Policy
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.
Bachelor of Music 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.
Music majors must perform in at least one adviser-approved ensemble each semester in which they enroll for at least twelve credit hours. An exception is made for music education majors during the student-teaching semester. 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
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| Core music program courses | 27 |
| Major concentration courses and electives | 55-62 |
123-130 |
|
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. Keyboard Skills I | |
| (required for music industry majors and prerequisite for MUS 202-303) | |
| MUS 303. Keyboard Skills IV | |
| (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 |
|
Recommended Schedule for First Year Majors
The first 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 first year course of study might be:
First Year
| First Semester | Credit Hours |
| Choose one of the following: | 1 |
| MUS 100, 101. Keyboard Skills I-II | |
| MUS 202, 303. Keyboard Skills III-IV | |
| MUS 141. Theory I: Writing and Analysis Techniques | 3 |
| MUS 143. Theory I: Aural Perception and Analysis | 1 |
| MUS 195. Recital Attendance | 0 |
| GWRTC 103. Critical Reading and Writing | 3 |
| Applied music major course | 2 |
| Music ensemble course | 1-2 |
| General Education courses | 3 |
14-15 |
|
| Second Semester | Credit Hours |
| Choose one of the following: | 1 |
| MUS 101. Keyboard Skills I | |
| MUS 202, 303. Keyboard Skills III-IV | |
| 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.
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Dr. John Little, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6970
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 38 |
| Core music program courses | 27 |
| Major concentration courses and electives | 60 |
125 |
|
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. Students in this track are required to complete
MUS 467-468. Song Literature I and II, which will count in Part 3 of General Education Cluster Two.
Major Requirements
| Courses 1 | Credit Hours |
| Choose two of the following: | 16 |
| 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 I | 2 |
| MUS 466. Opera History and Literature II | 2 |
| MUS 467. Song Literature I | 2 |
| MUS 468. Song Literature II | 2 |
| MUS 477. Vocal Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUS 495. Senior Graduation Recital | 1 |
| Applied voice study | 16 |
| Ensembles (one each semester) | 8 |
60 |
|
1 Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major.
Dr. Eric K. Ruple, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6375
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| Core music program courses | 27 |
| Major concentration courses and electives | 57 |
125 |
|
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
| Courses 1 | Credit Hours |
| MUS 371. Private Piano Pedagogy | 3 |
| MUS 372. Supervised Private Piano Teaching | 1 |
| MUS 395. Junior 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 |
| MUS 470. Piano Literature II | 2 |
| MUS 480. Advanced Seminar in Musicological Topics 2 | 6 |
| MUS 495. Senior Graduation Recital | 1 |
| Applied piano study | 22 |
| Ensembles (one each semester) | 8 |
| Approved music electives 3 | 2 |
57 |
|
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 Must include two different iterations of MUS 480. Advanced Seminar in Musicological Topics.
3 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits
Piano Track, Emphasis in Accompanying/Coaching
Dr. Gabriel Dobner, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6002
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| Core music program courses | 27 |
| Major concentration courses and electives | 58 |
126 |
|
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
| 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 | 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 |
| Approved music electives 1 | 5 |
| Ensembles (one each semester) | 8 |
58 |
|
1 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
Dr. Susan Barber, Prof. Sam Cross and Prof. Kevin Stees, Co-coordinators
Phone: (540) 568-6197
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| Core music program courses | 27 |
| Major concentration courses and electives | 56 |
124 |
|
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
| Courses 1 | 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 472. Instrumental Pedagogy | 1 |
| MUS 480. Advanced Seminar in Musicological Topics 2 | 3 |
| MUS 495. Graduation Recital | 1 |
| Applied music courses (major instrument) | 22 |
| Basic music core requirements | 27 |
| Chamber ensembles (in addition to the eight semester major ensemble requirement) | 6 |
| Ensembles (one each semester) | 8 |
| General Education courses | 41 |
| Advanced music literature or seminar elective | 3 |
| Approved music electives 3 | 6 |
56 |
|
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 The MUS 480 requirement will be fulfilled by taking the class when the seminar focuses on a topic within the past century. MUS 480 can also be repeated to fulfill the requirements for an advanced music literature elective or the approved music electives.
3 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits. A maximum of two credits may be counted in secondary applied music study.
Bachelor of Music in Composition
Dr. Jason Haney, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6664
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| Core music program courses | 27 |
| Major concentration courses and electives | 62 |
130 |
|
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
| Courses 1 | Credit Hours |
| 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 480. Advanced Seminar in Musicological Topics 2 | 3 |
| MUS 495. Senior Graduation Recital | 1 |
| Applied major study | 12 |
| Ensembles (one each semester) 3 | 8 |
| Music literature or seminar electives | 3 |
| Approved music electives 4 | 2 |
62 |
|
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 The MUS 480 requirement will be fulfilled by taking the class when the seminar focuses on a topic within the past century. MUS 480 can also be repeated to fulfill the requirements for a music literature elective or the approved music electives.
3 Various ensembles approved by adviser.
4 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
Bachelor of Music with an Emphasis in Music Industry
Dr. David Cottrell, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6303
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| Core music program courses | 27 |
| Major concentration courses and electives | 58 |
126 |
|
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
| Courses | Credit Hours |
| COB 241. Financial Accounting | 3 |
| MGT 305. Management and Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| MKTG 380. Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| MUI 221. Survey of the Music Industry | 3 |
| MUI 231. Legal Aspects of the Music Industry | 3 |
| MUI 250. Portfolio Review | 0 |
| MUI 392. Practicum in Music Industry | 1 |
| MUI 440. Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry | 3 |
| MUI 492. Internship in Music Industry | 3 |
| Applied major study | 14 |
| Ensembles (one each semester for seven semesters) | 7 |
| Music industry electives | 12 |
| Approved music electives 1 | 3 |
| MUS 395. Junior or Senior Half Recital | 0 |
58 |
|
1 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
Bachelor of Music with an Emphasis in Music Theatre
Dr. Don Rierson, Director of Opera and Music Theatre
Phone: (540) 568-4164
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| Core music program courses | 27 |
| Major concentration courses and electives | 55 |
123 |
|
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
| Courses 1 | 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 and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS 395. Junior or Senior Half Recital | 0 |
| MUS 465. Opera History and Literature | 3 |
| THEA 171. Performance Production | 3 |
| THEA 251. Basic Acting | 3 |
| THEA 273. Visual Aspects of Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 353. Music Theatre Workshop | 2 |
| THEA 454. Advanced Music Theatre Performance | 2 |
| DANC 246. Intermediate Jazz Dance | 2 |
| DANC 346. Intermediate Jazz II/Musical Theatre Styles | 2 |
| Applied voice study | 16 |
| Approved music, theatre or dance electives 2 | 3 |
| Basic music core requirements | 27 |
| Ensembles (one each semester, as listed below) 3 | 8 |
| General Education courses | 41 |
123 |
|
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 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
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.
Bachelor of Music with an Emphasis in Music Education
Dr. Gary K. Ritcher, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6753
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 Requirements
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 67.
Professional Education Sequence
| 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 |
|
Vocal Track
(Applied study in voice or piano)
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 | 38-41 |
| Core music program courses | 27 |
| Major concentration courses and electives | 42 |
| Professional education sequence | 20 |
127-130 |
|
1 GPSYC 160 may double count as a Cluster 5 course in General Education
Major Requirements
| Courses | Credit Hours |
| MUED 206. Instrument Familiarization | 1 |
| MUED 271. Introduction to Music Education | 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 |
| Applied major study (voice or keyboard) | 12 |
| Applied secondary area | 2 |
| (voice for piano majors; MUS 304. Advanced Keyboard Skills for voice majors) 1 | |
| Ensembles (one each semester for seven semesters) 2 | 7 |
42 |
|
1 Vocal majors must pass the Advanced Keyboard Skills exam.
2 Piano majors may elect MUAP 357. Piano Accompanying and Piano Ensemble for two semesters.
Instrumental Track
(Applied study in winds, strings, percussion, piano1)
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 2 | 38-41 |
| Core music program courses | 27 |
| Major concentration courses and electives | 42 |
| Professional education sequence | 20 |
127-130 |
|
1 Students whose major instrument is piano must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in instrumental ensembles each semester except for two during which they may elect MUAP 357. Piano Accompanying and Piano Ensemble. Performance in these ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.
2 GPSYC 160 may double count as a Cluster 5 course in General Education.
Major Requirements
| Courses | Credit Hours |
| MUED 271. Introduction to Music Education | 2 |
| Instrumental Techniques classes 1 | 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 |
| Ensembles (one each semester for seven semesters) 2,3 | 7 |
42 |
|
1 One credit required in major instrument area. Two credits are required in other three instrumental areas. In the case of piano students, two credits are required in each instrument area for a total of eight credits.
2 Wind and percussion majors are required to participate in marching band for a minimum of two years, but participation every year is recommended.
3 Students whose major instrument is piano must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in instrumental ensembles each semester except for two during which they may elect MUAP 357. Piano Accompanying and Piano Ensemble. Performance in these ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.
Endorsement in Both Vocal and Instrumental Music
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.
General Music Minor1
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 percent of the required curriculum at JMU.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| Fundamentals | 3-6 |
| MUS 131. Fundamentals of Music | |
| MUS 141-142. Writing and Analysis Techniques | |
| Literature and History | 6-9 |
| GMUS 200. Music in General Culture | |
| GMUS 203. Music in America | |
| 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, examples include: | 6 |
| 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.
Music Industry Minor
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 231, Legal Aspects of the Music Industry and of an additional 12 elective credit hours. Students must earn 50 percent of the required curriculum at JMU.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| MUI 221. Survey of the Music Industry | 3 |
| MUI 231. Legal Aspects of the Music Industry | 3 |
| MUI 250. Portfolio Review | 0 |
| Electives – Any music industry course may count in this category, examples include: | 12 |
| MUI 315. Songwriting | |
| MUI 324. Introduction to Audio Devices | |
| MUI 400. Multi-track Recording Techniques I | |
| MUI 401. Multi-track Recording Techniques II | |
| MUI 411. Film Scoring: Music and Sound in Entertainment and Broadcast Media | |
| MUI 422. Concert Production and Promotion | |
| MUI 430. Artist Management | |
| MUI 435. Marketing of Recorded Music | |
| MUI 440. Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry | |
| MUI 492. Internship in Music Industry | |
18 |
|
Jazz Studies Minor
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 five credit hours in jazz ensembles. Students must earn 50 percent of the required curriculum at JMU.
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| MUS 141. Theory I: Writing and Analysis Techniques | 3 |
| MUS 143. Theory Lab I | 1 |
| MUS 240. Improvisation Lab I | 2 |
| MUS 356. History of Jazz in America | 3 |
| MUS 440. Jazz Improvisation Lab II (repeat 3 times) | 6 |
| Ensembles (choose from the following): | 5 |
| MUAP 347. Jazz Ensemble | |
| MUAP 348. Jazz Band | |
| MUAP 355. Jazz Chamber Ensemble | |
| MUED 471. Jazz and Show Choir Procedures | |
| MUED 473. Jazz Ensemble Procedures and Techniques | |
20 |
|
