Program Overview

Introduction to the JMU School of Music Program

The JMU School of Music, in partnership with the School of Professional and Continuing Education, offers a college-level online music theory course for credit to high school students.

Program Details

• The course provides JMU university credit, which is transferable to other VA institutions.
• The normal 3-credit course rate is $1700, but a 94% discount is applied, making the cost of the course $99.
• The textbook for the course is open source and free.

Admission and Completion Requirements

• Completion of the course with a C or better satisfies the entrance requirement for the JMU School of Music Bachelor of Arts in Music.
• Completion of the course with a C or better also counts toward a Bachelor of Music at JMU, but an additional audition is required for admission into that degree program.

Course Structure

• The course features a mix of synchronous and asynchronous class meetings.
• Synchronous class meetings are recorded for students who cannot attend.

Course Schedule

• The course runs during the JMU Spring 2026 semester, from January 20 to May 6, with finals from May 7 to 13.

Continuing Studies at JMU

• Students interested in continuing their studies at JMU must satisfy the university admissions requirements.
• The Bachelor of Arts in Music does not have an applied music requirement, but students who want to study private lessons must also complete an audition.

Program Overview

The JMU School of Music's online music theory course for high school students offers a unique opportunity for early college credit and satisfies specific admission requirements for music programs at JMU.