Music Major Overview
Become a 21st-century artist and scholar through our comprehensive Music major.
At JMU, you enjoy a conservatory-level education with a Bachelor of Music degree while taking advantage of the opportunities of a large liberal arts-based university program. As a Music major, you can choose from one of six specialized concentrations: performance, composition, music industry, music education, jazz studies or music theatre. School of Music graduates are equipped with all the tools they need to transform the power of their knowledge into action. That action - teaching, performing, leading, researching, creating - makes a direct impact on the world every day.
The major is a part of the School of Music, an academic unit within the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
The Bachelor of Music degree offers six specialized majors: performance, composition, music industry, music education, jazz studies and music theatre. All music majors must complete the General Education program and a 30 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.
All undergraduate music majors must perform on the primary instrument in one assigned ensemble each semester when one or more of the following indicators applies:
- They are enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours on campus.
- They are enrolled for applied lessons on the primary instrument.
- They have not completed all of the requirements in the music major.
- They are not enrolled in an off-campus internship or in student teaching.
While students are required to participate in only one ensemble each semester, they are encouraged to take advantage of the many performance opportunities offered by the School of Music by participating in more than one ensemble. For information regarding the ensemble audition process, see the Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.
If piano is the primary instrument, see the specific requirements in the Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.
All music students should enroll in class piano each semester until they meet the keyboard skills requirements appropriate to their specific degree or concentration. Graduating seniors must participate in assessment activities including assessment day, as represented by MUS 220.
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 10 recitals per semester for six semesters, totaling 60 attendances during their degree studies. Students must continue to register for MUS 195 until they fulfill this requirement.
Music
- Degrees Offered:
- B.M.
- Concentrations:
- Composition
- Jazz Studies
- Music Education
- Music Industry
- Music Theatre Emphasis
- Performance
- Minors:
- General Music
- Music & Human Services
- Music Industry
- Jazz Studies
Declaring the Major
New Freshmen and Transfer Students
- Complete a School of Music application available online.
- Sign up for an audition and music aptitude test.
- If students passed their music audition and have been admitted to the School of Music, declare the Music major when they sign up for orientation.
Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Contact the School of Music for an audition and music aptitude test.
Progressing in the Major
Students must apply and be fully admitted to the School of Music to progress in the major.
Career Planning
A successful career and a meaningful life is what it’s all about. Whether it’s an internship, a great first job or a top graduate school appointment, JMU Dukes make their dreams ignite. You will, too.
Here are current openings available to JMU students.
