MM, Conducting & DMA, Conducting, Pedagogy, & Literature:

Choral Conducting Requirements

The application process for graduate music admissions involves submitting two applications: 

1) The Graduate School Application

2) School of Music Application via Slideroom

Please submit the following:

• Repertoire list with works studied, works conducted in rehearsal, and work conducted in performance divided into those three specific categories.
• Pre-screening video that consists of 1-3 samples of 15-25 minutes of uncut rehearsal footage; and 2-5 concert selections.

An invitation for an on-campus audition includes: interviews with JMU School of Music administration and conducting faculty, proficiency testing in voice (please prepare two contrasting works in different languages), sight-singing, piano, score identification, and a 20-minute conducting audition (two contrasting works, one of choice and one assigned) with a JMU choral ensemble.

Please contact Dr. Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy at vanderjx@jmu.edu for more information concerning your application process, pre-screening video, or on-campus audition requirements.

Areas will contact applicants that pass the pre-screening round to relay the next steps in the audition process. In conjunction with auditions, invited applicants will need to complete a writing prompt, solely for the purpose of assessing language skills. Date to be announced.

MM, Conducting & DMA, Conducting, Pedagogy, & Literature:

Orchestral Conducting Requirements

The application process for graduate music admissions involves submitting two applications: 

1) The Graduate School Application

2) School of Music Application via Slideroom

 Please submit the following:

• A list of works studied, works conducted in rehearsal, and works conducted in performance, divided into those three specific categories.

If selected to audition on-campus, candidates will have an audition on a standard major orchestral work with the James Madison University Symphony Orchestra. The campus audition includes interviews and musicianship/conductor evaluation (ability of the ear, sight singing from orchestral scores, etc.).

Please contact Professor Foster Beyers at beyersfj@jmu.edu for more information concerning your application process, pre-screening video, or on-campus audition requirements.

Areas will contact applicants that pass the pre-screening round to relay the next steps in the audition process. In conjunction with auditions, invited applicants will need to complete a writing prompt, solely for the purpose of assessing language skills. Date to be announced.

MM, Conducting & DMA, Conducting, Pedagogy, & Literature:

Wind Band Conducting Requirements

The application process for graduate music admissions involves submitting two applications: 

1) The Graduate School Application

2) School of Music Application via Slideroom

 Please submit the following:

• A repertoire list organized by works studied, works conducted in rehearsal, and works conducted in performance.

If selected to audition on-campus, candidates will interview with JMU conducting faculty and do a 20-minute rehearsal with either the JMU Wind Symphony or Symphonic Band. Repertoire selections for the rehearsal will be determined in consultation with Dr. Bolstad.

Please contact Dr. Stephen Bolstad at bolstasp@jmu.edu for more information concerning your application process, pre-screening video, or on-campus audition requirements.

Areas will contact applicants that pass the pre-screening round to relay the next steps in the audition process. In conjunction with auditions, invited applicants will need to complete a writing prompt, solely for the purpose of assessing language skills. Date to be announced.

M.M. Conducting Objectives

1. demonstrate application of physical conducting skills and rehearsal techniques through the performance of advanced repertoire in the student's area of specialization (instrumental or vocal).
2. formulate advanced insights into the artistic and formal structure of music through score study in the student's area of specialization.
3. describe the musical and formal elements of the major literature in the student's area of specialization.
4. apply the core principles of effective research as scholars and conductors.

M.M. Conducting Advising Checklist

D.M.A. Conducting, Pedagogy, & Literature Objectives

1. demonstrate application of musical and physical conducting skills through the performance of advanced repertoire in the student's area of specialization (instrumental or vocal).
2. demonstrate effective rehearsal techniques through the preparation of representative repertoire in the student's area of specialization.
3. create and deliver effective pedagogical instruction.
4. formulate advanced insights into the artistic and formal structure of music through score study in the student's area of specialization.
5. communicate effectively about music through writing and speaking.

D.M.A. Conducting, Pedagogy, & Literature Advising Checklist

2023-2024 Application Deadlines

• Deadline for Assistantship Consideration*: December 1, 2023
• Auditions/interviews must take place by February 19, 2024
• Deadline for Admission Only (no assistantship consideration): March 30, 2024

All applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship must have complete files by December 1, 2023. Application comprises two required parallel processes:

1. Submission of all materials required on Slideroom (link coming soon), including three letters of recommendation from recommenders qualified to write about the applicant.
2. Application to the Graduate School. 

Applicants will be notified approximately by the end of the first week in January whether they have been invited to audition or interview at James Madison University.

*All candidates applying for study during the traditional academic year (fall/spring) who have complete applications by December 1 will be considered for assistantships. No assistantships are available for summer study in the M.M. Summer-Only Music Education program. 

Prior to the first week of classes, all music applicants must take JMU School of Music diagnostic examinations in music history, written theory, and ear training. The results are used for placement and advising. Deficiencies may require election of certain classes within one's graduate program. Removal of deficiencies is required before applying for graduation.

In addition to uploading the required materials on Slideroom as explained above, international graduate applicants are also required to complete the graduate school application made specifically for international applicants. 

• General Information for International Applicants
• International Tuition & Fee Information
• International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)