Summer 2025 registration is open! Navigate to the class you'd like to take and click on the "Register Now" button!
JMU Music Academy
Designed for beginners and developing learners, Music Academy classes are tailored for adults to make music in a fun, no-pressure environment!
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, read below.
Registration is available under the specific classes below.
Here are the registration fees for summer 2025:
Full Session - $275.00
Half Session - $138.00
(plus $3.50 online payment processing fee)
Music Academy Offerings
Summer Classes
Two separate 5-week classes available!
The DNA of Music: Discover the heart of music through an exciting journey into classical and pop styles. You'll gain a fresh perspective on how you listen to music—and by the end of the session, you'll even create you own original piece!
Mondays 7:00-8:00pm
Dates: May 26, June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23
Forms and Stories: Each class, we'll dive into the music of a different classical composer. What sparked their ideas? What stories were they trying to tell through their sound? By the end of this session, your friends won't want to go to a classical concert without you there to explain it all.
Thursdays 7:00-8:00pm
Dates: May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26
If you've ever had a "dream" piano piece, this is your chance to request to learn it! All class content is based off of student favorites.
Tuesday evenings: 7:45-8:35pm
1st Session Dates: June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, July 1
2nd Session Dates: July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, August 5
Full Session Dates: 1st + 2nd half sessions
Fridays: 12:00-12:50pm
1st Half Session Theme: Music of the 60s/70s
Dates: May 30, June 2, June 13, June 20, June 27
2nd Half Session Theme: Love Songs Across the Ages
Dates: July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8
Fridays: 1:00-1:50pm
1st Half Session Theme: Music of the 60s/70s
Dates: May 30, June 2, June 13, June 20, June 27
2nd Half Session Theme: Love Songs Across the Ages
Dates: July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8
Fridays: 12:00-12:50pm
Dates: July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8
Instructor: Thaddeus Jackson
Fridays: 1:00-1:50pm
Dates: July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8
Instructor: Thaddeus Jackson
Fridays: 2:00-2:50pm
Dates: July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8
Instructor: Thaddeus Jackson
Guitar Classes (Academic Year Offerings)
In this class, we will focus on fun and easy beginner elements to get started playing on the guitar with songs from various styles and student favorites!Guitars can also be rented from The Tuning Fork or Tiller Strings in Harrisonburg, VA.
Instructor: Ben Scott
Email: scottbp@dukes.jmu.edu
Monday evenings | 6:30-7:20pm
Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 10-Apr. 21; $253.00 tuition
1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 10-Mar. 10; $128.00 tuition
2nd Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Mar. 24-Apr. 21; $128.00 tuition
No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 17th)
Registration deadline for full & 1st half sessions is February 21, 2025. Registration deadline for 2nd session is March 28th.
Guitar classes for intermediates will go over important skills on guitar including correct strumming, picking, and chord shapes. Intermediate class content is built off of student song requests and other enjoyable musical selections! Guitars can also be rented from The Tuning Fork or Tiller Strings in Harrisonburg, VA.
Instructor: Ben Scott
Email: scottbp@dukes.jmu.edu
Monday evenings | 7:30-8:20pm
Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 10-Apr. 21; $253.00 tuition
1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 10-Mar. 10; $128.00 tuition
2nd Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Mar. 24-Apr. 21; $128.00 tuition
No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 17th)
Registration deadline for full & 1st half sessions is February 21, 2025. Registration deadline for 2nd session is March 28th.
Music Theory Classes (Academic Year Offerings)
Open to precollege students grades 1-12. It's a perfect supplement for those who take instrumental lessons but want to have more focused lessons on music theory.
Participants will learn music theory through ear-training and games and become experts at sight-singing and sight-reading on piano. These classes also prepare students to pass the Virginia State Music Theory Test.
Instructor: Linlin Uta
Email: huang3xx@jmu.edu
Saturday mornings | 9:00-9:50am
Course Dates (7 weeks): January 25-March 8th
Class registration fee: $218.00
VMTA Test Date: March 15th
Music is everything—it's the ultimate storyteller, expressing emotions, life experiences, and even a touch of faith. Let's dive into the lives and styles of composers to uncover the hidden messages in their works. After all, their music might just spill some juicy secrets—like a good gossip session! Oops! Join us this semester as we unravel the fascinating tales of Bach and Mozart. You never know what we might discover!
For anyone who has ever wondered about the inspirations for classical composers and their famous compositions, this class is perfect for you! This class will be a combination of music theory and musicology.
Instructor: Linlin Uta
Email: huang3xx@jmu.edu
Thursday evenings | 7:10-8:00pm
Course Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 13-March 13
Class registration fee: $128.00
Join us on an exciting journey to explore the DNA of music through the lenses of classical and pop genres!
Just as blood cells are essential to our bodies, intervals and scales are fundamental to music, while chords form the very core of its DNA.
By the end of our time together, you'll not only gain a fresh perspective on music but also have the opportunity to compose your own piece at the conclusion of each five-week session. Let's embark on this creative adventure together!
Beginner 1 will be the first 5 weeks, Beginner 2 will be the second 5 weeks.
Instructor: Linlin Uta
Email: huang3xx@jmu.edu
Monday evenings | 7:00-7:50pm
Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 13-April 24; $253.00 tuition
1st Half Session Dates - Beginner 1 (5 Weeks): Feb. 13-March 13; $128.00 tuition
2nd Half Sessions Dates - Beginner 2 (5 Weeks): March 27-April 24; $128.00 tuition
No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 18th).
Registration deadline for full & 1st half sessions is February 21, 2025. Registration deadline for 2nd session is March 28th.
Piano Classes (Academic Year Offerings)
In this class, we will focus on fun and easy beginner elements to get started playing at the piano with pop songs, chording, and student favorites!
Instructor: Natalie Doughty
Email: doughtna@jmu.edu
Friday afternoons | 12:00-12:50pm
Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 14-April 25; $253.00 tuition
1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 14-March 14; $128.00 tuition
2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 28-April 25; $128.00 tuition
No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 21st).
Registration deadline for full & 1st half sessions is February 21, 2025. Registration deadline for 2nd session is March 28th.
Get back into the fun of playing the piano in a friendly group setting! Intermediate class content is built off of student song requests, pop songs, and other enjoyable musical selections!
Instructor: Natalie Doughty
Email: doughtna@jmu.edu
Friday afternoons | 1:00-1:50pm
Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 14-April 25; $253.00 tuition
1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 14-March 14; $128.00 tuition
2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 28-April 25; $128.00 tuition
No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 21st).
Registration deadline for full & 1st half sessions is February 21, 2025. Registration deadline for 2nd session is March 28th.
This class will help participants learn a Pop Piano Approach. Content will focus on reading leadsheets and chords, improvisation, and discussion and exploration of music that students are currently listening to. As part of this class, students will explore interpretations of lyrics, melody, and basic pop style. They will also have the opportunity to write and share their own song (if they wish). No experience is necessary. This class is also a great option for beginning teens.
Instructor: Natalie Doughty
Email: doughtna@jmu.edu
Tuesday evenings | 7:30-8:20pm
Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 11-April 22; $253.00 tuition
1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 11-March 11; $128.00 tuition
2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 25-April 22; $128.00 tuition
No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 18th).
Registration deadline for full & 1st half sessions is February 21, 2025. Registration deadline for 2nd session is March 28th.
Voice Classes (Academic Year Offerings)
Everyone can sing! Would you like to improve your singing voice in a fun and safe environment? This Beginning Level Group Singing Class will concentrate on some of the basic lessons of singing (breathing, phonation, articulation, and resonance) and how these make up the whole of each person's individual sound. Using easy vocal exercises, commonly known songs, and some suitable songs suggested by the participants, we will feature learning in a positive environment while highlighting good vocal practices and better breathing.
Instructor: Denise Schulz
Email: schulzkd@jmu.edu OR muzikmkr@gmail.com (if JMU is on academic break)
OFFERED IN THE FALL ONLY
Would you like to improve your singing ability and have fun? This Intermediate Group Singing Class will emphasize not only the basics of singing (respiration, phonation, articulation, and resonance) but also some next-level techniques, such as singing dynamics, increasing your vocal range, vocal register balance, and vibrato. Along with vocal exercises and familiar folk songs, participants will suggest songs for the class to sing together. In classes 8 & 9, students who would like may sing a solo in class (your choice of song) and be coached by the instructor. This is optional.
Instructor: Denise Schulz
Email: schulzkd@jmu.edu OR muzikmkr@gmail.com (if JMU is on academic break)
Thursday evenings | 5:30-6:20pm
Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 13-April 24; $253.00 tuition
1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 13-March 13; $128.00 tuition
2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 27-April 24; $128.00 tuition
No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 20th).
Registration deadline for full & 1st half sessions is February 21, 2025. Registration deadline for 2nd session is March 28th.
The Advanced Voice Class is designed to help students take their singing to the next level by refining a variety of vocal skills. Although this class is designed as the third part of a series, students can join even if they haven't taken the Beginning or Intermediate classes—as long as they have a solid foundation in singing and meet these basic requirements:
- Can sing in tune consistently
- Can understand and use diaphragmatic breathing
- Has a vocal range of at least 1.5 octaves
In this class, we'll focus on improving vocal technique and performance. You'll explore things like dynamic control, different types of vibrato, and how to express emotion through your voice.
Together, you and your teacher will choose 3-4 songs to work on over the 10 weeks (recommended length of the class). Each class will involve singing in front of the group, receiving gentle coaching from your teacher and guest instructors, and reflecting on your own progress. At the end of the class, you'll also receive a video recording of your performance to keep as a reminder of how far you've come!
Instructor: Denise Schulz
Email: schulzkd@jmu.edu OR muzikmkr@gmail.com (if JMU is on academic break)
Thursday evenings | 6:30-7:20pm
Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 13-April 24; $253.00 tuition
1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 13-March 13; $128.00 tuition
2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 27-April 24; $128.00 tuition
No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 20th).
Registration deadline for full & 1st half sessions is February 21, 2025. Registration deadline for 2nd session is March 28th.
Music consists of three main elements—melody, rhythm, and harmony. This class will cover the basics of harmonizing and will cover basic music concepts of melody and how harmony is created. In the first class, we will start with a few basics—whole steps and half steps, the major scale, and chords built on the scale. The ability to read music is useful but optional. As the class progresses, we will look at fundamental forms of harmony such as rounds and partner songs. The class will then emphasize how chords are used in some of the more straightforward musical forms featured in folk and pop music that will demonstrate the concepts utilizing the I, IV, and V chords. Students will be singing each week and will gain an understanding of how they can both hear and apply classroom concepts to the music they love.
Instructor: Denise Schulz
Email: schulzkd@jmu.edu OR muzikmkr@gmail.com (if JMU is on academic break)
Thursday evenings | 7:30-8:20pm
Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 13-April 24; $253.00 tuition
1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 13-March 13; $128.00 tuition
2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 27-April 24; $128.00 tuition
No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 20th).
Registration deadline for full & 1st half sessions is February 21, 2025. Registration deadline for 2nd session is March 28th.
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Natalie Doughty
Director and Primary Piano Instructor, JMU Music Academy
Thaddeus Jackson
Guitar Instructor, JMU Music Academy
Denise Schulz
Voice Instructor, JMU Music Academy
Linlin Uta
Aural Skills Instructor; Music Theory Instructor, JMU Music Academy
