Apply for the Master of Music degree
Applications will go live on September 15, 2023.
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 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.
For more information on Graduate Studies in the School of Music, contact Dr. William Dabback at dabbacwm@jmu.edu.
Important Dates & Deadlines
2023-2024 Application Deadlines
- Deadline for Assistantship Consideration*: December 1, 2023
- Auditions/interviews must take place by February 19, 2024
- Deadline for Admission Only (no assistantship consideration): March 30, 2024
All applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship must have complete files by December 1, 2023. Application comprises two required parallel processes:
- Submission of all materials required on Slideroom, including three letters of recommendation from recommenders qualified to write about the applicant.
- 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 M.M. Summer-Only Music Education program.
2023-2024 Graduate Audition Dates
- January 20, 2024
- February 10, 2024
- February 19, 2024
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.
International Students
In addition to uploading the required materials on Slideroom as explained above, international graduate applicants are also required to complete the graduate school application made specifically for international applicants.
