School of Music
School of Music Diversity Statement
Difference in identity enriches our community, fosters artistic and intellectual growth, and is vital to creating thriving venues for expression in a global world. In addition to welcoming all individuals and perspectives regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, socio-economic status, or citizenship status, we wish to make the following acknowledgements and affirmations, adapted from Americans for the Arts:
- In the United States, there are systems of power that grant privilege and access unequally such that inequity and injustice result. We resolve to educate ourselves, keep vigilant watch, and act to bring an end to systemic oppression.
- Cultural equity--which embodies values, practices, and policies that ensure all people have access to, and are represented in, the arts--is critical to the sustained engagement of music in society.
- Acknowledging and challenging our inequities and working in partnership is how we will make change happen.
- Everyone deserves equal access to a full, vibrant creative life, which is essential to a healthy and democratic society.
- The creative work of musicians can play a prominent role in challenging inequities in society.
Updates
School of Music Operations, Fall 2021 - click here
JMU School of Music office hours Fall 2021:
Monday through Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
540.568.6197
School of Music Headlines
The 40th James Madison University Contemporary Music Festival
Concerts, master classes and informal talks with exciting performers of new music – both guest artists and performers and composers from the JMU community. View the site here
Congratulations Class of 2021!
Dr. Amy Lewis - Providing a Pathway
School of Music faculty member, Dr. Amy Lewis, uses her voice and research to shine a light on systemic racism. Read more
JMU Piano Professor Featured on PBS Children's Program
Dr. Paulo Steinberg (JMU Piano Department) was recently featured on PBS’s children’s program, Songs and Stories with Mary and Mike - “The Sounds of Brazil”.
JMU Jazz Alum Awarded "Emerging Black Composer" by International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers
Courtney Wright (BM Jazz Studies '16) has been co-awarded "Emerging Black Composer" from the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers. She is a current member of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop after recently studying with Richard DeRosa at the University of North Texas. Read More.
JMU Trombone Professor Receives UNCG 2020-21 Distinguished Alumni Award
Each year, the College of Visual and Performing Arts at UNC Greensboro honors a select group of alumni for their achievements in artistic performance, research and education. Andrew Lankford, JMU Professor of Trombone, was recognized for his achievements in artistry and education. Read More
JMU School of Music Professor, David Newman, featured in New York Times Article
Professor David Newman was featured in a recent New York Times article "A Choir Finds a Way to Sing. Just Ignore the Steering Wheel." Read the Article
Saxophone Students Surprise Professor with Pop-Up Concert
Members of David Pope’s saxophone studio at James Madison University, led by doctoral student Anthony Cincotta (‘20M), recently surprised him with a pop-up concert on his front lawn. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope has not been able to work with his saxophone students in-person since March. Read More
