Program Details
Bachelor of Music, Major in Music
Bachelor of MusicJames Madison University
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. For information regarding the ensemble audition process, see the Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.
If piano is the primary instrument, see the specific requirements in the Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.
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 programs 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.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | To be accepted into the music major, all students must pass an audition on a traditional instrument or voice. Each concentration in the major requires a public senior recital. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Music majors specialize in one of several concentrations: Performance, Music Education, Music Industry, Jazz Studies, Composition or Music Theatre. They may also choose to minor in Music Industry, Jazz Studies or Music and Human Services. All of these concentrations have special opportunities. For example, Jazz Studies majors (and other interested music students) have an optional study abroad program in Montreal; Music Industry requires an internship in the field; and Composition students participate in the annual Contemporary Music Festival with recognized composers. For all students, JMU has a wide variety of ensemble opportunities. Each year, JMU welcomes professional musicians who not only perform in concert, but also work with our students in master classes. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Our students regularly compete in regional and national competitions. In recent years, JMU has had four first-place winners at the NATS National Student Auditions, and the Brass Band was a Runner-Up at the 2019 North American Brass Band Association Championship. JMU has state-of-the-art facilities. It is an All Steinway School, has a 600-seat Concert Hall and a 198-seat Recital Hall. Voice students perform an opera each year in the 450-seat Mainstage Theatre. In the field of Music Education, JMU has a higher number of educators placed in Virginia schools than any other college. |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Music | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Music, A.F.A. | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Fine Arts - Music | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Fine Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Music, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Music, BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music Composition-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music Education-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Music Performance-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Sound Recording Technology-BM | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Music Major - BA (Music Performance Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Music Jazz Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Music Performance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Music, Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Music with concentration in Music Education/Instrumental, Bachelor of Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Music with concentration in Music Education/Vocal-Choral, Bachelor of Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Music with concentration in Performance/Guitar, Bachelor of Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Music with concentration in Performance/Jazz Studies, Bachelor of Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Music with concentration in Performance/Piano, Bachelor of Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Music with concentration in Performance/Strings, Bachelor of Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Music with concentration in Performance/Voice, Bachelor of Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Music with concentration in Performance/Winds and Percussion, Bachelor of Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Music (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Music Performance (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Music Instrumental Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Music Voice Performance (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Music Vocal Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Music with Education Minor for VA Teaching Licensure in Instrumental Music (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Music with Education Minor for VA Teaching Licensure in Vocal/Choral Music (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Music (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121.00 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 27-2041.00 | Music Directors and Composers | Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-2042.00 | Musicians and Singers | Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete