2022-2023 Application Deadlines
Deadline for Assistantship Consideration*: December 1, 2022
Auditions/interviews must take place by February 15, 2023
Deadline for Admission Only (no assistantship consideration): March 30, 2023
All applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship must have complete files by December 1, 2022. Application comprises two required parallel processes:
1. Submission of all materials required on getacceptd.com 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 MM Summer-Only Music Education program.
Conducting Degree Objectives
- demonstrate application of physical conducting skills and rehearsal techniques through the performance of advanced repertoire in the student’s area of specialization.
- formulate advanced insights into the artistic and formal structure of music through score study in the student’s area of specialization.
- describe the musical and formal elements of the major literature in the student’s area of specialization (vocal/choral or instrumental).
- apply the core principles of effective research as scholars and conductors.
See Music, Conducting, M.M. curriculum
M.M. at JMU
Please note that this page is for information about the Masters of Music (M.M.) application process ONLY. For information about the Undergraduate and DMA programs, please visit those respective programs' application pages.
The School of Music offers a Master of Music in Music that provides students with the necessary opportunities to achieve the highest degree of musical development and professional training. Students seeking admission to a program leading to the M.M. degree must meet JMU Graduate School requirements, general School of Music requirements for all majors and specific requirements for entrance into a specific concentration. Admissions decisions will be determined without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, handicap or national origin of individuals.
Click here to apply for the M.M. Degree in Music.
Entrance Examinations
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.
Assistantships
The chief source of aid for graduate study is through assistantships awarded by the school. Teaching and non-teaching graduate assistantships in music are awarded each year on a competitive basis. Specific assignments in administration, applied music, bands, music history, music education, orchestra and theory are based on qualifications and School of Music needs. In addition to a stipend, assistantships include a tuition award. For more information about graduate assistantships including current stipend amounts, click here.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. William Dabback
Director of Graduate Studies and Graduate Admissions
School of Music, MSC 7301
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
dabbacwm@jmu.edu
International Students
In addition to uploading the required materials on getacceptd.com as explained above, international graduate applicants are also required to complete the graduate school application made specifically for international applicants. Applicants can find this application link and information including deadlines, language requirement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial declaration here. You can also find information about international tuition and fees here. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is another page that could assist you in navigating various resources and services available to international students. ISSS provides (a) services, resources, and assistance to meet the students, scholars, and staff of JMU's visa and immigration needs, (b) programs and services to enhance their time at JMU, and (c) educational programs for the entire campus community.
Stephen P. Bolstad
Professor, Director of Bands
Ensemble Area Coordinator
bolstasp@jmu.edu
Contact Information
Foster Beyers
Assistant Professor
Director of Orchestras
beyersfj@jmu.edu
Contact Information
Chuck Dotas
Professor, Director of Jazz Studies
dotascj@jmu.edu
Contact Information
W. Bryce Hayes
Associate Professor, Associate Director of Choral Activities
hayeswb@jmu.edu
Contact Information
Scott Rikkers
Director of the Marching Royal Dukes, Assistant Director of Bands
rikkersd@jmu.edu
Contact Information
Kevin J. Stees
Professor, Conductor of the JMU Brass Band
steeskj@jmu.edu
Contact Information
Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy
Associate Professor, Director of Choral Activities, Coordinator of Voice Area
vanderjx@jmu.edu
Contact Information
Nieves Villaseñor
Assistant Director of Athletic Bands
Director of Pep Band
villasnx@jmu.edu
Yi-Ping Chen
Instructor, Conducting
chenyc@jmu.edu
Contact Information
Greg Thomas
Instructor
thoma3gp@jmu.edu
