Degree Offered
Master of Music (M.M.) in Music - See concentrations
The School of Music offers a master's degree program that provides students with the necessary opportunities to achieve the highest degree of musical development and professional training. We are seeking candidates who have the potential to pursue the highest level of achievement in conducting/performance and teaching.
Description
A student entering a graduate degree program in music is expected to have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in music or its equivalent and have a grade point average of 3.0 or better in music studies.
In addition to The Graduate School requirements, the School of Music administers its own diagnostic examinations in written theory, ear training and music literature prior to the student's first semester. The school also requires successful completion of any deficiencies by the time 18 credit hours of study have been completed.
In addition to these general requirements, conducting studies must pass examinations in conducting, and those in choral conducting must pass tests in sight singing, keyboard skills and language diction. The faculty/student ratio also allows for a close relationship and provides the opportunity for individualized instruction in many areas.
The School of Music offers a Master of Music degree with concentration options in conducting, music education, performance and composition. The program seeks to provide an opportunity for the highest level of musical development and professional training for each student, appropriate for careers in teaching, performance and composition of music. Conducting students will undertake a comprehensive study of the literature of their medium, develop advanced insights into the musical ideas and structure of the major works, and refine their conducting and rehearsal skills.
Performance students will specialize in activities that develop the technical mastery and musical maturity essential to the art of making music involving their chosen instrument or voice. Student composers will immerse themselves in the techniques and aesthetics of musical creation and will become aware, through intensive examination, of the music and musical thought of all style periods, especially that of the present and immediate past. Music education students will examine the foundations and principles underlying the practices of their profession and will develop both scholarly and technical abilities essential to a continuing development as effective teachers and leaders.
All concentrations in the Master of Music program must complete a minimum requirement of 32 hours of graduate credit (30 hours in the music education concentration). In addition to opportunities to broaden and improve skills through music electives, music education students have the option to pursue courses selected from programs in elementary, secondary or higher education.
As per JMU graduate school requirements, successful completion of the Master of Music degree includes an oral comprehensive examination to be arranged at a date convenient for the master's candidate, adviser and comprehensive committee.
Post-baccalaureate, post-master's and other qualified students may enroll in certain courses on a limited basis. For details concerning requirements and deadlines, contact the director of graduate studies for the School of Music.
Concentrations:
- Composition
- Conducting
- Music Education
- Performance
- Performance with Optional Signing Health emphasis
MSC 6702
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Mon - Fri:
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. &
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch
