|
|
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Music, B.M.
|
|
 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. 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 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. Degree and Major Requirements
Footnotes
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. Required Courses: 17 Credit Hours
Keyboard Requirement: 1 Credit Hour
Choose one of the following: Written Music Theory Paths: 12 Credit Hours
Students choose path one if they have passed the music theory diagnostic exam, and path two if they have not passed the music theory diagnostic exam. None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit. 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. 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. Footnotes
1 Students may substitute 1 credit of MUS 243 or MUS 244 for 1 credit of MUS 143 rather than repeating the course. 2 Students may substitute 1 credit of MUS 243 or MUS 244 for 1 credit of MUS 144 rather than repeating the course. 4 MUS 257 is not open to music composition students. Jazz Studies Concentration: 59 Credit Hours
Coordinator: Charles Dotas
Email: dotascj@jmu.edu
Phone: (540) 568-6180 Required Courses: 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 . 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: 55 Credit Hours
Coordinator: Jason Haney
Email: haneyjx@jmu.edu
Phone: (540) 568-6664 Required Courses
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. Footnotes
1 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: 45-46 Credit Hours + 20 Credit Hours
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: 20 Credit Hours
Music Education, Instrumental Track: 46 Credit Hours
(Applied study in winds, brass, percussion or strings, 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 instrumental ensembles each semester except for two during which they must take MUAP 301-0014 (Collaborative Piano). Performance in band and orchestral ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate. Subtrack in Winds, Brass, Percussion, Piano Requirements
Required Courses: 39 Credit Hours
Instrumental Techniques Classes: 5 Credit Hours
Restricted Electives: 2 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 Students may substitute MUS 495 for MUS 395 . 3 Wind, brass, and percussion students are required to participate in marching band for a minimum of two years, but participation every year is recommended. 4 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 a MUAP 301 assigned instrumental ensemble for five semesters. For two additional semesters they must take MUAP 301-0014 (Collaborative Piano). Performance in band or orchestral ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate. Subtrack in Strings, Piano, Guitar Requirements
Required Courses: 39 Credit Hours
Instrumental Techniques Classes: 5 Credit Hours
Restricted Electives: 2 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 Students may substitute MUS 495 for MUS 395 . 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 a MUAP 301 assigned instrumental ensemble for five semesters. For two additional semesters they must take MUAP 301-0014 (Collaborative Piano). Performance in band or orchestral ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate. Subtrack in Jazz Requirements
(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. Conditional admission to the Subtrack in Jazz is by successful completion of jazz performance audition no sooner than the end of the first year; full admission to the Subtrack in Jazz is upon completion of Sophomore Music Education Interview. Four semesters of traditional applied music studio study are required, 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. Required Courses: 39 Credit Hours
Instrumental Techniques Classes: 5 Credit Hours
Restricted Electives: 2 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 MUS 346 may be substituted if student teaching occurs during the fall semester. 3 Half recital to comprise jazz repertoire. 5 Students are required to participate in marching band for a minimum of one year. Piano and guitar students will perform on the secondary instrument. 6 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. Students must participate in at least one assigned ensemble each semester for seven semesters. 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 an assigned jazz ensemble, and four semesters of an assigned non-jazz instrumental ensemble except for two during which they must elect MUAP 301-0014 (Collaborative Piano). 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 an assigned jazz ensemble, and four semesters of a non-jazz assigned instrumental ensemble except for two during which they must elect MUAP 301-0015 (Guitar Ensemble). 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. Music Education, Vocal Track
(Applied study in voice or piano) Required Courses: 40-41 Credit Hours
Restricted Electives: 4-5 Credit Hours
Piano majors take 4.00 credit hours; voice majors take 5.00 credit hours from the following courses: Footnotes
1 MUED 275 should be taken twice: once for elementary general music practicum experience and once for secondary music (middle/high) practicum experience. 3 Vocal track students must pass the Advanced Keyboard Skills exam. 4 Piano track students must take MUAP 301-0014 (Collaborative Piano) for two semesters. Music Industry Concentration: 57 Credit Hours
Footnotes
2 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits. Music Performance: 52-57 Credit Hours
Music Performance, Instrumental Track: 52 Credit Hours
Co-coordinators: Beth Chandler Cahill, Carl Donakowski and Chris Carrillo Email: chand2be@jmu.eduPhone: (540) 568-6197 Required Courses: 49 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. 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: 56 Credit Hours
Required Courses: 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. Seminar: 3 Credit Hours
Choose one of the following: Music Theory Elective: 3 Credit Hours
The chosen course should be one not taken to fulfill the music theory core requirements.3 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.
3 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: 57 Credit Hours
Required Courses: 48 Credit Hours
Language Requirement: 4 Credit Hours
Conducting Requirement: 2 Credit Hours
Music Theory Elective: 3 Credit Hours
The chosen course should be one not taken to fulfill the music theory core requirements. Footnote
1 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits. Music Performance, Vocal Track: 56 Credit Hours
Required Courses: 34 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. Vocal Literature Electives: 6 Credit Hours
Language Requirement: 16 Credit Hours
Elementary Languages I: 12 Credit Hours
Elementary Languages II: 4 Credit hours
Take one of the following: Footnote
1 Students in the Bachelor of Music in Performance with a specialization in Performance - Vocal Track must participate in MUAP 301-0006 (Opera Theater) 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 MUAP 301 assigned vocal ensembles in the school: UCTB, UCSA, Treble Chamber Choir, Chorale, Madison Singers, or Opera Theatre. A minimum of one credit of ensemble must be selected each semester. Music Theatre Concentration: 55-57 Credit Hours
Coordinator: Joshua Borths Required Courses: 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
Choose one of the following: 2-3 Credit Hours
Choose two of the following: 4-5 Credit Hours
Dance Classes: 4 Credit Hours
- DANC 140. Elementary Modern Dance (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 142. Elementary Ballet (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 144. Ballroom Dance (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 146. Jazz Dance (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 147. Tap Dance (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 240. Intermediate Modern Dance I (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 242. Intermediate Ballet I (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 245. Dance Improvisation (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 246. Intermediate Jazz Credits: 2.00
- DANC 303. Topics in Dance Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- DANC 340. Intermediate Modern Dance II (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 342. Intermediate Ballet II (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 346. Intermediate Jazz II/Musical Theatre Styles Credits: 2.00
- DANC 440. Advanced Modern Dance (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 442. Advanced Ballet (0, 4) Credits: 2.00
- DANC 446. Advanced Jazz Credits: 2.00
Footnotes
2 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits. 3 Students in the Bachelor of Music, Music Theatre Concentration must participate in MUAP 301-006 (Opera Theater), 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 MUAP 301 assigned vocal ensembles in 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. Total: 55-57 Credit Hours
Major, Concentration and Electives Total: 45-59 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. Choose one of the following (According to placement decision): 1 Credit Hour
Total: 14-15 Credit Hours
Choose one of the following: 1 Credit Hour
Total: 14-15 Credit Hours
Program Total: 120-128 Credit Hours
|
Return to: Academic Departments
|
|
