The JMU School of Music offers a variety of different programs for different interests! We have offerings for individuals looking for more musical opportunities, for school programs looking to expand their students' experiences, and offerings for the community to be involved in different ways, from learning music themselves to supporting our local music ensembles!
For Individuals
Monday, November 7, 2022! This free one-day event is designed to provide information about what it's like to be a music major at a university in a friendly and non-threatening environment.
Learn more about Music Major Preview Day
Join us May 26-28, 2023! This year will mark the 46th year for this highly popular program designed to provide enrichment for middle and high school students.
Learn more about Spring String Thing
Your summer music experience begins here! You can be part of one of our 5 unique camps - July 5-9, 2022.
Learn more about Summer Band Camps
The JMU Vocal Arts Summer Camp is a celebration of choral singing, community, and lifelong friendship through music - coming July 25-29, 2023!
Learn more about Vocal Arts Camp
James Madison University is proud to offer Kodály Teacher Training (Levels I, II, & III) here on our campus. It is endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators and is held during the summer, when those actively teaching in the field can join us.
The JMU Kodály Teacher Training will take place July 17-29, 2022.
Learn more about Kodály Teacher Training
The JMU Double Reed Club will be hosting a jazz workshop for Double Reed players on November 6, 2022! Jazz basoonist Michael Rabinowitz will lead an improvisation workshop with an emphasis on improvisation and exploring this nontraditional double reed musical role.The workshop will present exercises that will increase technical proficiency and explore rhythmic jazz phrasing and articulation. If you are a high school double reed musician, feel free to stay the night in Harrisonburg, and join us for Music Major Preview on November 7, 2022!
Learn more about the jazz workshop
Tromblow'in is an annual trombone festival that gives trombonists of all ages and abilities a day of workshops, concerts, and clinics with professionals from around the state and country. Tromblow'in 2022 has been postponed. Please check back for more information.
JMU Piano Day includes mini masterclasses with internationally-known piano faculty, workshop sessions, and a performance opportunity in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts Recital Hall! 2022 Piano Day has been postponed. Please check back for more information.
The JMU Flute Club and the School of Music host Flute Fling every two years in the Spring. This event is a fun and informative day of flute activities presented and sponsored by the students of the JMU Flute Club and geared towards flutists of all ages, teachers, band directors, and flute aficionados! JMU Flute Fling is currently on hiatus. Please check back for more information.
For School Programs
The JMU ChoralFest is held in September, when over 200 singers of high school and college levels rehearse together on the Forbes Center Concert Hall stage for two days, culminating in a final festival performance. During the weekend, visiting high school students rehearse alongside members of the JMU Chorale. They will have the opportunity to interact with college students from different majors & backgrounds, experience matrix sessions for vocal technique, receive information and ask questions pertaining to collegiate music study, and explore the JMU campus.
The annual JMU Parade of Champions is a marching band competition featuring over 45 bands from Virginia and beyond! The 2022 Parade of Champions date will be announced soon. Please check back for more information.
Learn more about Parade of Champions
Saturday, March 25, 2023! The JMU George West Jazz Festival is a non-competitive festival in which schools have the option of performing for a rating or for comments only. Schools have the opportunity to perform in the Forbes Center Concert Hall with complete stage crew and professional sound reinforcement, will receive a professionally mixed CD (or online recording via dropbox) of your band's peroformance and recorded comments by two clinicians, as well as an in-depth private post-performance clinic. All ages and ability levels are welcome; both combos and big bands are eligible to perform.
The JMU High School Choral Invitational is a one-day 'side-by-side' choral festival co-sponsored by the JMU American Choral Directors Association and the University Choruses. This event centers on range specific ensembles (SSAA and TTBB - 3 pieces per ensemble), with an SATB finale. The day includes matrix sessions, question and answer periods, the opportunity to visit the JMU campus and perform in the renowned Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, as well as meet and share with collegiate choral singers. The 2022 HSCI has been postponed. Please check back for more information.
For the Community
The Contemporary Music Festival is comprised on concerts, master classes, and informal talks with exciting artists, performers, and composers of new music, and with performers and composers from the JMU Community.
Learn more about the Contemporary Music Festival.
Designed for beginners and developing learners, Music Academy classes are tailored for adults to make music in a fun, no-pressure environment!
We currently offer group classes on guitar, piano, and voice (NEW offering coming Fall 2022)!
These recreational music classes meet on JMU campus and are open to JMU faculty, staff, students, and adults of the local community.
Classes are offered in full sessions or half sessions depending on theme or instrument. For more details, click here.
Sponsored by the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the School of Music at James Madison University, the annual Concerts on the Lawn series is a free experience where all are invited to bring a lawn chair, a blanket, or some food to the Duke Lawn to enjoy music by a variety of community music ensembles on select Sundays each summer.
Thanks to all who came out for a successful 2022 Concerts on the Lawn Series! We'll see you next year!
