Oct 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Music, B.M.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Departments

Program Description


The Bachelor of Music degree offers six specialized concentrations: performance, composition, music industry, music education, jazz studies and music theatre. All B.M. students 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 pursuing the Bachelor of Music, 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. 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 Bachelor of Music students should enroll in class piano each semester until they meet the keyboard skills requirements appropriate to their specific degree or concentration. 

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, Bachelor of 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.

Special Admission and Retention Requirements


Admission Requirements

To be considered for undergraduate admission to the music program, all entering first year students, transfer students and previously enrolled students seeking re-admission must complete the following:

Guidelines may be found on the music website.

Students are encouraged to contact the applied faculty on their area of performance expertise with specific questions about auditions. General questions about the music degree programs may be answered by an admissions assistant at (540) 568-3851 or by sending a message to music_admit@jmu.edu.

Audition, Exam and Placement Test

No student will be accepted into the music degree programs until an audition or interview is successfully completed. 

Bachelor of Music candidates are expected to perform the entrance audition on one of the scheduled audition dates and Bachelor of Arts in Music candidates must complete an interview on one of the scheduled interview dates. The school does not encourage special appointments and will arrange them only when applicants have serious conflicts with the scheduled auditions.

Because assessing a student’s ability through a recorded performance is difficult, only students who live at great distances are encouraged to send audition recordings. All recordings submitted must be of high quality and demonstrate the student’s ability.

The audition should reveal the student’s highest level of musical attainment. Appropriate literature in at least two varying styles and tempos is suggested so that the school can evaluate the candidate’s ability accurately. If you have specific questions regarding appropriate audition literature, please contact the applied professor of your area of performance.

In addition to meeting the audition requirements above, all students who intend to major in the Bachelor of Music, concentration in music industry or the music industry minor  are required to first complete MUI 221  and then enroll in MUI 230  and MUI 231 . To successfully complete MUI 230 , prospective majors and minors must submit a portfolio for review, showing evidence of their interest and potential for success in the music industry. The portfolio should represent work completed in the above classes with assistance in resume preparation from the University Career Center. Portfolios will be reviewed once each fall and once each spring semester. Following the portfolio review, students who are recommended for the major or minor will be eligible to register for upper-level music industry classes. Students who are not recommended for admission to the major or minor may reapply the following semester. To obtain the schedule of portfolio review sessions, as well as other specific information about the admission process, contact the School of Music, music industry area.

Students who score a 4 or 5 on the Music Theory – Aural Subscore Advanced Placement exam may earn credit for MUS 143 .

All major concentrations in the School of Music require potential candidates to develop additional qualifications before full admission to the concentrations. These gateways are generally attempted at the end of the first or second year in the major. For additional details, see the School of Music’s Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.

Retention Policy

Students admitted as music majors must meet school standards published in the School of Music Student Handbook to continue.

Music majors must earn a minimum grade of “C-” in all music courses required for their degree. In situations where courses are sequential, with prerequisites (for example, MUS 143 -MUS 144  or MUS 243 -MUS 244 ), if a grade lower than “C-” is earned, it does not constitute fulfillment of the prerequisite.

Footnotes


1 The General Education  program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. MUS 206 , PSYC 160 , and EDUC 102  may be fulfilled by courses within the major.

2 In 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


Choose one of the following: 1 Credit Hour


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.

Choose two of the following courses: 6 Credit Hours

None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit.

Path One Total: 12 Credit Hours


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.

Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours

None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit.

Path Two Total: 12 Credit Hours


Total: 30 Credit Hours


Footnotes


Students may substitute 1 credit of MUS 243  or MUS 244  for 1 credit of MUS 143  rather than repeating the course.
Students may substitute 1 credit of MUS 243  or MUS 244  for 1 credit of MUS 144  rather than repeating the course.
MUS 206  will count for the Music Core and also for the General Education , Arts and Humanities , Part 2 if desired. There will be a specific music major section of MUS 206  offered once each academic year.
MUS 257  is not open to music composition 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.

Jazz Studies Concentration


Coordinator: Dr. Charles Dotas
Phone: (540) 568-6180

Jazz Studies Requirements: 39 Credit Hours


Admission to the Jazz Studies concentration by successful completion of a jazz performance audition no sooner than the end of the first year as an approved music major.

Applied Music Lesson in Primary Instrument: 8 Credit Hours


Applied music study (primary instrument), Level 1-4. Jazz Studies students enroll in 2 credits in the primary instrument for 4 semesters in the first two years for a total of 8.00 credit hours. Students accepted into Jazz Studies program may continue applied music study (in addition to applied jazz study) with consent of primary applied instructor.

Applied Music Lesson in Jazz: 12 Credit Hours


Applied music study (Jazz). Two credits of Applied Jazz Study, Level 5-8, for 6 semesters for a total of 12.00 credit hours; may be taken concurrently with applied music study in the primary instrument. The student must be enrolled in Applied Jazz Study during the semesters of the Half Recital MUS 395  and the Graduation Recital MUS 495 .

Total: 59 Credit Hours


Footnotes


1 Prior to acceptance into Jazz Studies program, ensemble placement determined by primary instrument applied faculty and Ensemble Committee. Students accepted into the Jazz Studies program must enroll in MUAP 347  (or MUAP 348  with jazz studies coordinator permission) each semester until graduation. Students in the Jazz Studies program are encouraged to continue participation in additional School of Music ensembles.
2 Approved electives include: MUS 446 MUS 480  and MUS 485 .

Music Composition Concentration


Coordinator: Dr. Eric Guinivan
Phone: (540) 568-6891

Music Composition Requirements


Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by approval of theory/composition faculty. Students should take both MUS 252  and MUS 253  from the theory menu; MUS 257  is not open to music composition students.

Total: 55 Credit Hours


Footnotes


MUS 256  must be taken in addition to the 4 courses required as part of the music theory core.
2 Various ensembles approved by advisor.
3 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.

Music Education Concentration


Coordinator: Dr. William Dabback
Phone: (540) 568-3464

The Music Education program is designed primarily for those preparing to teach vocal or instrumental music in public schools. In addition to the School of Music requirements outlined below, students seeking a degree in music education must meet all the criteria for admission to the teacher education program and complete the professional education sequence for teaching licensure.

Endorsement in Both Vocal and Instrumental Music

Students desiring licensure in both instrumental and vocal music should consult the coordinator of music education to plan their programs.

Teaching Licensure Requirements

Students who want to pursue the music education program must earn acceptance into the teaching licensure program offered by the College of Education .

Music Education General Education Requirements

Music Education students must take 41 credit hours of General Education  courses. PSYC 160  may double count as a Sociocultural and Wellness Area  course in General Education .

Professional Education Sequence Requirements


Total: 20 Credit Hours


Footnotes


Minimum grade of “C” required in EDUC 102 PSYC 160  and WRTC 103 .
2 EDUC 102  and PSYC 160  may also fulfill a General Education  requirement.

Music Education, Instrumental Track


(Applied study in winds, strings, percussion, piano)

Students whose primary instrument is piano must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in instrumental ensembles each semester except for two during which they must elect MUAP 357 . Performance in these ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.

Instrumental Techniques Classes: 5 Credit Hours

Total: 46 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 MUED 275  should be taken twice: once for elementary general music practicum experience and once for secondary music (middle/high) practicum experience.
2 Wind and percussion students are required to participate in marching band for a minimum of two years, but participation every year is recommended.2 Wind and percussion students are required to participate in marching band for a minimum of two years, but participation every year is recommended. 

3 Students whose primary instrument is piano must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in instrumental ensembles each semester except for two during which they must elect MUAP 357 

Additional Information

Performance in these ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.

Music Education, Instrumental Track, Subtrack in Jazz


(Applied study in winds, strings, percussion, piano, guitar) 

Students whose primary instrument is piano must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in three semesters of MUAP 347  or MUAP 348 , and four semesters of a non-jazz instrumental ensemble except for two during which they must elect MUAP 357 . Performance in Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Band will be on piano; performance in non-jazz ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.  Students whose primary instrument is guitar must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in three semesters of MUAP 347  or MUAP 348 , and four semesters of a non-jazz instrumental ensemble except for two during which they must elect MUAP 353 . Performance in Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Band will be on guitar; performance in non-jazz ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester permitted on guitar as ensemble needs dictate.

Degree Requirements for the Music Education, Instrumental Track, Subtrack in Jazz


Conditional admission to the Subtrack in Jazz by successful completion of jazz performance audition no sooner than the end of the first year; full admission to the Subtrack in Jazz upon completion of Sophomore Music Education Interview.

Four semesters of traditional applied music studio study, to include a Capstone Performance Project (Area Recital, Double Jury, or other public performance approved by the applied instructor), followed by three semesters of applied jazz study, to include a senior half recital comprising jazz repertoire.

Music Education, Instrumental Track, Subtrack in Jazz Requirements: 38 Credit Hours

Instrumental Techniques Classes: 5 Credit Hours

Take all five classes:​​​​

Total: 45 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 MUED 275  should be taken twice: once for elementary general music practicum experience and once for secondary music (middle/high) practicum experience.
MUS 346  may be substituted if student teaching occurs during the fall semester.
Half recital to comprise jazz repertoire.
4 Students in the Jazz Subtrack are required to participate in four semesters of an assigned traditional wind or string ensemble, and three semesters of one assigned jazz ensemble (MUAP 347  or MUAP 348 ). Students must participate in at least one assigned ensemble each semester for seven semesters.
Students are required to participate in marching band for a minimum of one year.  Piano and guitar students will perform on the secondary instrument.
One semester of MUAP 355  is required in lieu of the second year of marching band.
7 Students whose primary instrument is piano must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in three semesters of MUAP 347  or MUAP 348 , and four semesters of a non-jazz instrumental ensemble except for two during which they must elect MUAP 357 . Performance in Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Band will be on piano; performance in non-jazz ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.  Students whose primary instrument is guitar must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in three semesters of MUAP 347  or MUAP 348 , and four semesters of a non-jazz instrumental ensemble except for two during which they must elect MUAP 353 . Performance in Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Band will be on guitar; performance in non-jazz ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester permitted on guitar as ensemble needs dictate.
Additional Information

Performance in these ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.

Music Education, Vocal Track


(Applied study in voice or piano)

Music Education, Vocal Track Requirements


Total: 45-46 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 MUED 275 should be taken twice: once for elementary general music practicum experience and once for secondary music (middle/high) practicum experience.
2 Vocal track students must pass the Advanced Keyboard Skills exam.
3 Piano track students may elect MUAP 357  for two semesters.

Music Industry Concentration


Coordinator: David Cottrell
Phone: (540) 568-6303

Music Industry Concentration Requirements


Total: 57 Credit Hours


Footnote


1 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.

Music Performance


Music Performance, Instrumental Track


Co-coordinators: Beth Chandler Cahill, Carl Donakowski and Chris Carrillo
Phone: (540) 568-6197

Music Performance, Instrumental Track Requirements: 52 Credit Hours


Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major.

Music Theory Elective: 3 Credit Hours

Choose one of the following courses that has not previously been taken.

Total: 55 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 MUS 450 MUS 480 , or MUS 485  also fulfill the requirement for an advanced music literature elective or the approved music electives.
2 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits. A maximum of two credits may be counted in secondary applied music study.

Music Performance, Piano Track


Coordinator: Dr. Paulo Steinberg
Phone: (540) 568-6977

Music Performance, Piano Track Requirements: 50 Credit Hours


Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major.

Choose one 3-credit Seminar: 3 Credit Hours

Music theory elective. Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours

The chosen course should be one not taken to fulfill the music theory core requirements.3

Total: 56 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 If choosing a second iteration of MUS 450  in this category, the semester and seminar topic must be different than the first required MUS 450 
2 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
Course may not have already been taken as part of the music theory core curriculum. In other words, piano performance students should be selecting a fifth course from the music theory menu of options.

Music Performance, Piano Track - Subtrack in Accompanying/Coaching


Coordinator: Dr. Gabriel Dobner
Phone: (540) 568-6002

Music Performance, Piano Track - Subtrack in Accompanying/Coaching Requirements: 49 Credit Hours


Choose one of the following: 4 Credit Hours

Choose one of the following: 2 Credit Hours

Music theory elective. Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours

The chosen course should be one not taken to fulfill the music theory core requirements.

Total: 58 Credit Hours

Footnote

1 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.

Music Performance, Vocal Track


Coordinator: Sonya Baker
Phone: (540) 568-4770

The Music Performance, Vocal Track requires 41 General Education  courses. The General Education  program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary. Students in this track are required to complete MUS 467 , which will count in Arts and Humanities  , Part 3, of General Education .

Music Performance, Vocal Track Requirements: 39 Credit Hours


Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major.

Music Theory Elective: 3 Credit Hours

Choose one of the following courses that has not previously been taken.

Choose two of the following: 16 Credit Hours

Total: 58 Credit Hours

Footnote

1 Students in the Bachelor of Music in Performance with a specialization in Performance - Vocal Track must participate in MUAP 343  in an on-stage capacity for at least two semesters. They may elect to fill the ensemble requirement in their remaining semesters by taking any of the credited vocal ensembles of the school: Men’s or Women’s Chorus, Treble Chamber Choir, Chorale, Madison Singers, or Opera Theatre. A minimum of one credit of ensemble must be selected each semester.

Music Theatre Concentration


Director of Opera and Music Theatre: Joshua Borths

Phone: (540) 568-6863

Music Theatre Requirements: 42 Credit Hours


Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major.

Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours


Total: 55 Credit Hours


Footnotes


1 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
2 Students in the Bachelor of Music, Music Theatre Concentration must participate in MUAP 343 , in an on-stage capacity for at least two semesters. They may elect to fill the ensemble requirement in their remaining semesters by taking any of the credited vocal ensembles of the school – Men’s or Women’s Chorus; Treble Chamber Choir; Chorale; Madison Singers; Opera Theatre. A minimum of one credit of ensemble must be selected each semester.

Major, Concentration and Electives Total: 54-62 Credit Hours


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


Choose one of the following (According to placement decision): 1 Credit Hour

Total: 14-15 Credit Hours

Second Semester


Choose one of the following: 1 Credit Hour

Total: 14-15 Credit Hours

Program Total: 123-133 Credit Hours


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Departments