Virtual Open House: Music
Recorded Session
A recorded information session is available to view.
School of Music Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to audition to be a music major?
How do I audition to be a music major?
This year, our audition process is going virtual. There's a three-step process for any student interested in majoring in music:
- Submit your Undergraduate Admissions Application via the JMU Admissions Office.
- Register for a virtual Audition Day.
- Submit your School of Music application through Slideroom. Your Music application is due at least 7 days prior to attending your on-campus Music audition. In addition to completing the application questions, you'll need to upload:
- One or two music letters of recommendation
- Unofficial high school transcript
- Music resume
- Videos of audition pieces and other requested materials (see Music website for more details)
Please visit the Music Admissions page for more information.
What should I prepare for my music audition?
Your audition materials will be submitted online through the supplemental School of Music application on Slideroom. Each applied area will ask for different requirements as to what to submit as a part of your audition materials. You should submit your supplemental application at least 7 days prior to your virtual audition day. Please visit our website for a breakdown of those requirements by instrument.
Some areas may also request a callback with you, either in the afternoon of the virtual audition day or in the two weeks following the virtual audition day. You will be contacted by the faculty members in your area directly with more information about what to prepare if you are selected for a callback.
The virtual audition day for the School of Music will consist of information sessions, performances, workshops, and student Q&A sessions. This is a great opportunity for you to get to know more about the kind of programs we offer and our applied areas. In order to be considered for a merit scholarship from the School of Music, you'll need to attend a virtual audition day (see sign up links above).
Can I take a trial lesson with a music professor at JMU?
Music Performance - for those students wanting to become professional performers, often going on for an advanced degree beyond JMU.
Music Education - to become a music teacher in the K-12 public school system, which includes certification and student teaching
Music Industry - for students interested in a wide range of music technologies, such as audio engineering, music software, music copyright, music advertising, artist management, and more.
Jazz - for students looking to pursue a career as a professional jazz musician
Composition - for students who are interested in classical style composition and careers in instrumental/vocal scoring as well as film scoring.
Students don’t have to declare a concentration until their sophomore year. Everyone takes the same first year as essentially Music undecided. There are additional requirements to declare each of the different concentrations, and some students may choose to declare up to two concentrations.
What does the typical schedule look like for a music major in your first year?
How big is the School of Music?
How can I join the Marching Royal Dukes?
If I’m not a music major, can I still audition for ensembles or take private lessons?
What kind of performance opportunities will I have as a music major?
In a normal year, the School of Music puts on over 250 performances every year and there are over 30 different large and small ensembles. There are performance opportunities starting in your freshman year. Students will register for at least one ensemble their first semester, which will typically have 2-3 performances each semester. In addition, students will have the opportunity to perform in their studio class and in the weekly area recitals. There are also end of the semester juries, not to mention any clubs or extra ensemble performances to look forward to. No matter what your concentration, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to perform!
In the COVID-19 pandemic, our music students and faculty are using technology to continue to connect, perform, and teach. Ensemble rehearsals are taking place during their regularly scheduled times, and each ensemble has been divided into smaller groups in order to comply with social distancing recommendations. To maximize playing/singing opportunities, ensembles have at least one additional rehearsal space, which allows two groups to be rehearsing simultaneously. Instead of traditional evening concerts, videos of performances will be posted online. When a piece is ready for performance, it will be recorded in the Concert Hall during class time. These recordings will be combined to create a “Concert Video,” which will be posted on the School of Music website. Degree recitals are taking place this semester. Attendance for those performances is limited to the soloist’s immediate family (no more than 10) and the required faculty. All other School of Music performances for the fall semester will be online or outdoors.
What kinds of music performance facilities do you have at JMU?
Recital Hall: 198 seat intimate space for student, faculty, and guest recitals and small ensemble performances.
Concert Hall: 600 seat space for large ensemble and guest performances
Mainstage Theatre: 450 seat space for Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Opera productions.
Earlynn J Miller Dance Studio: a Dance performance and classroom space
Studio Theatre: home for the Experimental Theatre program, with student curated plays and musicals.
In addition there’s also the Music Building which houses most of the faculty studio spaces, classrooms, a recording studio, and our Music Library. JMU is an All-Steinway school, with over 200 Steinway family pianos for practice and performance.
How many students will be in my music classes?
Can I do study abroad as a music major?
What kinds of professional development opportunities does the School of Music offer?
What are the music minor opportunities?
Music minor: flexible, general Music minor (18 credits)
Jazz minor: helps students majoring in other disciplines understand and perform the jazz art form (15 credits)
Music and Human Services minor: prepares students for vocational opportunities to use music performance, education and community engagement skills to serve diverse populations (18 credits)
Music Industry minor: foundation for exploring career opportunities in the music entertainment industry (15 credits)