B.M. in Music
Harrisonburg, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
USD 6,434 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* regular admission | November 1st, 2022: early admission
** in-state tuition fee | $15,076: out-of-state tuition fee. Additional fees may apply
Introduction
Become a 21st-century artist and scholar through our comprehensive Music major.
At JMU, you enjoy a conservatory-level education with a Bachelor of Music degree while taking advantage of the opportunities of a large liberal arts-based university program. As a Music major, you can choose from one of six specialized concentrations: performance, composition, music industry, music education, jazz studies or music theatre. School of Music graduates are equipped with all the tools they need to transform the power of their knowledge into action. That action - teaching, performing, leading, researching, creating - makes a direct impact on the world every day.
The Bachelor of Music degree offers six specialized majors: performance, composition, music industry, music education, jazz studies and music theatre. All music majors must complete the General Education program and a 30-credit-hour core program of music courses common to all the majors' curricula. The remaining hours are specified under each of the various majors and concentrations.
All undergraduate music majors must perform on the primary instrument in one assigned ensemble each semester when one or more of the following indicators applies:
- They are enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours on campus.
- They are enrolled for applied lessons on the primary instrument.
- They have not completed all of the requirements in the music major.
- They are not enrolled in an off-campus internship or in student teaching.
While students are required to participate in only one ensemble each semester, they are encouraged to take advantage of the many performance opportunities offered by the School of Music by participating in more than one ensemble.
All music students should enroll in class piano each semester until they meet the keyboard skills requirements appropriate to their specific degree or concentration. Graduating seniors must participate in assessment activities including assessment day, as represented by MUS 220.
Another vital aspect of the program is attendance at recitals and concerts. Attending these events contributes to the breadth of students' knowledge of music literature. Hearing performances also allows students to observe performing techniques from the student to the professional levels. Consequently, undergraduate music majors must attend a minimum of 10 recitals per semester for six semesters, totaling 60 attendances during their degree studies. Students must continue to register for MUS 195 until they fulfill this requirement.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Music degree offers six specialized concentrations: performance, composition, music industry, music education, jazz studies and music theatre. All music majors must complete the General Education program and a 30-credit hour core program of music courses common to all the concentrations’ curricula. The remaining hours are specified under each of the various concentrations.
All undergraduate music majors, regardless of concentration, must perform on the primary instrument in one assigned ensemble each semester when one or more of the following indicators applies:
- They are enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours on campus.
- They are enrolled for applied lessons on the primary instrument.
- They have not completed all of the requirements in the music major.
- They are not enrolled in an off-campus internship or in student teaching.
While students are required to participate in only one assigned ensemble each semester, they are encouraged to take advantage of the many performance opportunities offered by the School of Music by participating in more than one ensemble.
All music students should enroll in class piano each semester until they meet the keyboard skills requirements appropriate to their specific degree or concentration.
Assessment: First-year music majors must complete the Incoming Music Major Assessment Milestone no later than the first week of classes in the semester in which they matriculate. In February of the calendar year in which they plan to graduate, seniors must participate in assessment activities including assessment day and completion of the School of Music Senior Assessment Milestone.
Another vital aspect of the program is attendance at recitals and concerts. Attending these events contributes to the breadth of students’ knowledge of music literature. Hearing performances also allow students to observe performing techniques from the student to the professional levels. Consequently, undergraduate music majors must attend a minimum of 10 recitals per semester for six semesters, totaling 60 attendances during their degree studies. Students must continue to register for MUS 195 until they fulfill this requirement.
Required Courses
- General Education courses 38-41 Credit Hours1
- Core music program courses 30 Credit Hours
- Major and concentration requirements and electives 54-62 Credit Hours
- Professional education sequence 20 Credit Hours2
Footnotes
1The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2In addition to the School of Music requirements outlined below, students seeking a concentration in music education must meet all the criteria for admission to the teacher education program and complete the professional education sequence for teaching licensure.
Major Requirements
Required Courses
- Incoming Music Major Assessment Milestone Credits / Units: 0.00
- MUS 143. Aural Skills I Credits: 1.00
- MUS 144. Aural Skills II Credits: 1.00
- MUS 195. Recital Attendance Credits: 0.00 (six semesters)
- MUS 206. Introduction to Global Music [C2VPA] Credits: 3.001
- MUS 243. Aural Skills III Credits: 1.00
- MUS 244. Aural Skills IV Credits: 1.00
- MUS 317. Basic Conducting Credits: 2.00
- MUS 373. Music History Credits: 3.00
- MUS 374. Music History Credits: 2.00
- MUS 375. Music History Credits: 3.00
- School of Music Senior Assessment Milestone Credits / Units: 0.00
- Choose one of the following: 1 Credit Hour
- MUS 101. Keyboard Skills II Credits: 1.00 (required for music industry students and prerequisite for MUS 202-MUS 303)
- MUS 303. Keyboard Skills IV Credits: 1.00 (all music students except music industry, jazz studies, and music education jazz subtrack; must be passed prior to student teaching)
- MUS 305. Jazz Keyboard Skills Credits: 1.00 (students in the B.M. Jazz Studies and Music Education Instrumental Jazz subtrack concentrations enroll in MUS 305 instead of MUS 303)
Written Music Theory Path One: 6 Credit Hours
Choose this path if you have passed the music theory diagnostic exam. None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit.
- MUS 241. Diatonic and Chromatic Harmony Credits: 3.00
- MUS 252. Analysis of Music 1900-1950 Credits: 3.00
or - MUS 253. Analysis of Music 1950-Present Credits: 3.00
- Choose two of the following courses: 6 Credit Hours
None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit.- MUS 250. Form and Analysis: Baroque and Classical Credits: 3.00
- MUS 251. Form and Analysis: Romantic Credits: 3.00
- MUS 252. Analysis of Music 1900-1950 Credits: 3.00
- MUS 253. Analysis of Music 1950-Present Credits: 3.00
- MUS 254. Form and Analysis: Popular Music Credits: 3.00
- MUS 255. Jazz Theory Credits: 3.00 (Students concentrating in Jazz or Music Education Jazz Subtrack must take MUS 255).
- MUS 256. Contrapuntal Techniques Credits: 3.00
Written Music Theory Path Two: 9 Credit Hours
Choose this path if you have not successfully passed the music theory diagnostic exam. None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit.
- MUS 141. Foundations of Music Theory Credits: 3.00
- MUS 241. Diatonic and Chromatic Harmony Credits: 3.00
- MUS 252. Analysis of Music 1900-1950 Credits: 3.00
or - MUS 253. Analysis of Music 1950-Present Credits: 3.00
- Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours
None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit.- MUS 250. Form and Analysis: Baroque and Classical Credits: 3.00
- MUS 251. Form and Analysis: Romantic Credits: 3.00
- MUS 252. Analysis of Music 1900-1950 Credits: 3.00
- MUS 253. Analysis of Music 1950-Present Credits: 3.00
- MUS 254. Form and Analysis: Popular Music Credits: 3.00
- MUS 255. Jazz Theory Credits: 3.00 (Students concentrating in Jazz or Music Education Jazz Subtrack must take MUS 255).
- MUS 256. Contrapuntal Techniques Credits: 3.00
Footnote
1MUS 206 will count for the Music Core and also for the General Education, Cluster Two, Part 2 if desired. There will be a specific music major section of MUS 206 offered once each academic year.
Recommended Schedule for First Year Majors
The first year of study shares a common curriculum for all concentrations. The year is devoted to courses from the basic music core requirements, General Education courses, ensemble participation, and applied study in the primary applied area.
First Year
First Semester
- MUS 141. Foundations of Music Theory Credits: 3.00
or - MUS 241. Diatonic and Chromatic Harmony Credits: 3.00
- MUS 143. Aural Skills I Credits: 1.00
- MUS 195. Recital Attendance Credits: 0.00
- WRTC 103. Rhetorical Reading and Writing [C1W] Credits: 3.00
- Applied music major course Credits / Units: 2.00
- Music ensemble course Credits / Units: 1.00 -2.00
- General Education courses (from Cluster One) Credits / Units: 3.00
- Choose one of the following (According to placement decision): 1 Credit Hour
- MUS 100. Keyboard Skills Credits: 1.00
- MUS 101. Keyboard Skills II Credits: 1.00
- MUS 202. Keyboard Skills III Credits: 1.00
- MUS 303. Keyboard Skills IV Credits: 1.00
- MUS 305. Jazz Keyboard Skills Credits: 1.00 (MUS 305 is required for jazz studies students and music education jazz subtrack students)
Second Semester
- MUS 144. Aural Skills II Credits: 1.00
- MUS 195. Recital Attendance Credits: 0.00
- Applied music major course 2 Credit Hours
- Music ensemble course 1-2 Credit Hours
- General Education courses (MUS 206 and final courses from Cluster One) Credits / Units: 9.00
- Choose one of the following: 1 Credit Hour
- MUS 101. Keyboard Skills II Credits: 1.00
- MUS 202. Keyboard Skills III Credits: 1.00
- MUS 303. Keyboard Skills IV Credits: 1.00
- MUS 305. Jazz Keyboard Skills Credits: 1.00 (required for jazz studies students and music education jazz subtrack students)
Additional Information
For a recommended eight-semester outline of curricular requirements for each concentration, see the School of Music’s Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.
Career Opportunities
A successful career and a meaningful life is what it’s all about. Whether it’s an internship, a great first job or a top graduate school appointment, JMU Dukes make their dreams ignite. You will, too.
Here are current openings available to JMU students.
Jobs for JMU Students
Music
- Teaching Artist at Keegan Theatre
- Art Therapist at A Free Bird Corporation
- Music Teacher - Arlington, VA at Arlington VA Public Schools
- AmeriCorps Summer Respite Apprentice- Easterseals Wisconsin Camps at Easter Seals Wisconsin
- AmeriCorps Spring Respite Apprentice- Easterseals Wisconsin Camps at Easter Seals Wisconsin
- AmeriCorps Fall Respite Apprentice- Easterseals Wisconsin Camps at Easter Seals Wisconsin
- Music Educator at Prince George's County Public Schools (MD)
- Visual and Performing Arts Education Jobs in Georgia at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual and Performing Arts Education Jobs in Maryland, DC, and Delaware at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual and Performing Arts Education Jobs in Virginia and DC at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Kentucky and Tennessee at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Florida at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in North Carolina and South Carolina at Southern Teachers Agency
- K-12 Teachers for Classical, Liberal Arts Academies 2022-2023 School Year Mid-year Openings at Great Hearts Academies (GREAT HEARTS AMERICA)
- Art/Music Therapist at TidalHealth
- K-12 Teachers for Classical, Liberal Arts Academies 2023-2024 School Year at Great Hearts Academies (GREAT HEARTS AMERICA)
- Elementary Music Teacher at Nogales Unified School District No. 1
Music Education
- Teaching Artist at Keegan Theatre
- Music Teacher - Arlington, VA at Arlington VA Public Schools
- (#4792264003) Speech and Language Pathologist (2022-2023) at Classical Charter Schools
- School Psychologist (2022-2023) at Classical Charter Schools
- Preschool Teacher at First Baptist Church of Tahoe City
- Music Educator at Prince George's County Public Schools (MD)
- Production Manager I at South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities
- Visual and Performing Arts Education Jobs in Georgia at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual and Performing Arts Education Jobs in Maryland, DC, and Delaware at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual and Performing Arts Education Jobs in Virginia and DC at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Kentucky and Tennessee at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Florida at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in North Carolina and South Carolina at Southern Teachers Agency
- K-12 Teachers for Classical, Liberal Arts Academies 2022-2023 School Year Mid-year Openings at Great Hearts Academies (GREAT HEARTS AMERICA)
- High School Math Teacher at Carney, Sandoe & Associates
- K-12 Teachers for Classical, Liberal Arts Academies 2023-2024 School Year at Great Hearts Academies (GREAT HEARTS AMERICA)
- Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Harlem Gems at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
Music Industry
- Showroom Coordinator, Portland at Brilliant Earth
- Coordinator, Bookings at Memphis Grizzlies
- Showroom Coordinator, Atlanta at Brilliant Earth
- Music Educator at Prince George's County Public Schools (MD)
- 2023 Summer - Music Agent Training Program at United Talent Agency
- Production Manager I at South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities
- Financial Analyst - Agency Temp (part-time) at SiriusXM
- Showroom Coordinator, Charlotte at Brilliant Earth
- Showroom Operations Coordinator - Boston at Brilliant Earth
- Showroom Operations Coordinator - Miami at Brilliant Earth
- Director of Communications at Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
- Acoustic Beamforming Engineer at VOCAL Technologies LTD
- Operations & Event Set-Up Technician at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Museum Sales Coordinator at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Event Sales and Catering Manager at Dickies Arena, Trail Drive Management Corp
- Event Trainee, Retail Client at Octagon
- Outreach Associate at HSP (Highland Support Project)
- Guest Services Team Lead at SuperflyX
- Show Services Team Lead at SuperflyX
Performing Arts
- Teaching Artist at Keegan Theatre
- Recreation Leader I, Newhall Community Center - PTS at City of Santa Clarita
- Receptionist - Community Manager I at Carr Workplaces
- Teacher - Special Education (Special Education Teacher) at Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Divisional Recruiter (McLean, VA) at Piper Companies
- Divisional Recruiter (Charlotte, NC) at Piper Companies
- Divisional Recruiter (Cary, NC) at Piper Companies
- Divisional Recruiter (Columbia, MD) at Piper Companies
- Social Media Content Creator at Planit Advertising, Inc.
- Web Services Front End Designer and Developer at Spartanburg County Public Library
- Art Educator at Prince George's County Public Schools (MD)
- Production Manager I at South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities
- Visual and Performing Arts Education Jobs in Georgia at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual and Performing Arts Education Jobs in Maryland, DC, and Delaware at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual and Performing Arts Education Jobs in Virginia and DC at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Kentucky and Tennessee at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama at Southern Teachers Agency
- Visual & Performing Arts Education Jobs in Florida at Southern Teachers Agency
Internships for JMU Students
Music
- Automotive Audio Systems Intern at Tesla
- WEB3 Interns - Music Industry at Ropeadope
- LAI Video Assistant Editor Intern at Leading Authorities, Inc.
- SOUND & PROJECTIONS APPRENTICE at Olney Theatre Center
- AmeriCorps Summer Daycamp Leader - PT North Texas Internship at Project Transformation North Texas
- Stage Management Internship - Toni Stone Production at Goodman Theatre
- Stage Management Internship - A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre
- EDITION by Modern Luxury Print Editorial Internship - Fall 2022 (Remote) at Modern Luxury
- Programming Intern at Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital
- Short Film/Video Content Creator ( Part-Time, Paid) (Immediate, Remote/Flexible hours) - School Year 2022-23 at CaringDr Corporation
- Media Coordinator at Camp Cheerio and Cheerio on the New River
- Public Relations & Marketing Spring Internship (Virtual) at The Amish Heritage Foundation
- Social Media Marketing Spring Internship (Virtual) at The Amish Heritage Foundation
- Music Instructor: iPlay® at Power Changes Lives
- Warner Music U, Content Creator at Warner Music Group
- Warner Music U, Marketing Rep at Warner Music Group
- Social Media Intern at The Mansion on O Street
- Hospitality Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Development Internship at The Mansion on O Street
Music Education
- MRC Culture Paid Internship - Spring 2023 at Media Research Center
- AmeriCorps Summer Daycamp Leader - PT North Texas Internship at Project Transformation North Texas
- Stage Management Internship - Toni Stone Production at Goodman Theatre
- Stage Management Internship - A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre
- 2023 Summer Internship at Jill's House
- Short Film/Video Content Creator ( Part-Time, Paid) (Immediate, Remote/Flexible hours) - School Year 2022-23 at CaringDr Corporation
- Public Relations & Marketing Spring Internship (Virtual) at The Amish Heritage Foundation
- Social Media Marketing Spring Internship (Virtual) at The Amish Heritage Foundation
- Social Media Intern at The Mansion on O Street
- Hospitality Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Development Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Events Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Photography Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Internship Program at Voice of America
- Finance & Accounting Volunteer at A Free Bird Corporation
- Music Archivist-Curator Internship at The Mansion on O Street
Music Industry
- WEB3 Interns - Music Industry at Ropeadope
- Warner Music U, Content Creator at Warner Music Group
- Warner Music U, Marketing Rep at Warner Music Group
Performing Arts
- Automotive Audio Systems Intern at Tesla
- SOUND & PROJECTIONS APPRENTICE at Olney Theatre Center
- Digital Artist Intern at KCF Technologies, Inc.
- Fundraising and Donor Relations Remote Internship (Fall 2022) at Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
- Stage Management Internship-New Stages Festival at Goodman Theatre
- Stage Management Internship - Toni Stone Production at Goodman Theatre
- Stage Management Internship - A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre
- Youth Development Internship at Circle F Dude Ranch Camp and Outdoor Education Center
- Character Art Intern - Fortnite - R23434 at Epic Games
- Social Media Marketing; Email Marketing; Customer Service, Member Support & Care; Public Relations (PR); E-Commerce & Merchandise; Video, Film, & Media Production; Website & Technology; Human Resources (HR); Business Management & Operations; Analytics at National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM)
- Sales, Partnership & Sponsorship Strategies Virtual Remote Internship at National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM)
- Digital Fundraising Volunteer at A Free Bird Corporation
- Arts, Business, Artists, Marketing, Fashion, Social Media, Event Planning and more. at Six Summit Gallery and affiliated Venues
- Business, Marketing, Social Media, Analytics, Media, Sales & Member Support, Film, Computer Science, E-Commerce, Information Collection & Data Management, Business Management, PR, HR, Entrepreneurial, Virtual, Remote Internship at National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM)
- Marketing, Public Relations & Management (May Be Virtual) Internship for Spring 2023 at Ivana D. George Studios
- Music Archivist-Curator Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Contemporary Art Museum internship at Shenandoah MOCA
Scholarships and Funding
Madison awards more than 400 one- to four-year scholarships each year to incoming students. The primary criterion for merit-based scholarships is exceptional academic performance. Other selection criteria may include leadership, involvement, and career goals.
The Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships at James Madison University. To access the Madison Scholarships Hub, log in to MyMadison. Under the Applicant tab, click on the Madison Scholarships Hub logo.
All students are encouraged to fill out the General Application in the Madison Scholarships Hub to be considered for various scholarship opportunities. Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the General Application information as well as information pulled directly from your admissions application.
Review the criteria carefully for any recommended scholarship opportunities you are presented with and if you meet the qualifications, click apply to submit the additional required information. Deadlines vary across departments so be sure to complete the General Application as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Some scholarship opportunities become available starting in the fall while others open later so be sure to check back in January, February and March.
Facilities
English Language Requirements
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