The Bachelor of Music degree is designed for students with six specialized concentrations: Music Performance, Composition, Industry, Jazz Studies, Music Theatre, and Music Education. Majors in Performance, Music Theatre, Jazz Studies, or Composition are intended for students desiring to continue their musical training in graduate programs, which will prepare them for professional careers performing or teaching at the collegiate level. Those electing the concentration 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 concentration prepares students for certification in music teaching in the public and private schools of Virginia, as well as future graduate study in the music field. 

Please read the following steps before starting your applications. After reading the requirements, please complete these steps in the order presented to apply for the Bachelor of Music at James Madison University.

1. Submit your Undergraduate Admissions Application via the JMU Admissions Office

2. Create a Slideroom Portfolio:

• Instrumental Applicants Slideroom Portfolio (please check back for link)
• Voice Applicants Slideroom Portfolio (please check back for link)

In addition to completing the application questions, you'll need to upload:

• Contact information for an optional reference
• Unofficial high school transcript
• Music resume

Your Slideroom Portfolio should be completed one week prior to your audition. All supplemental materials should be uploaded to Slideroom No items should be mailed or emailed to the School of Music.

3. Register for a 2025-26 audition date (please check back for registration links):

• November 3, 2025 (priority consideration and recommended for students applying to JMU Early Action)
• December 6, 2025 (priority consideration and recommended for students applying to JMU Early Action)
• January 24, 2026
• February 7, 2026

*All Bachelor of Music applicants must register for an audition date. You will do this separately from your JMU Undergraduate Admissions Application using the links above. There will not be a reminder on your University Application. 

For more details regarding specific instrument or vocal audition requirements, please visit our audition guidelines page.

NOTE ON SCHOLARSHIPS: All students who apply to the School of Music are automatically considered for a music scholarship.