Program Overview

University Program Details

The university offers various concentrations in music, including B.A. - Music Industry, Music Studies, and B.M. - Performance, Composition, Music Industry, Music Education, Music Theatre, and Jazz Studies.

Major Requirements

The major requirements for the music program include:

• JMU Course: MUS 141, 143, Music Theory I
  • VCCS equivalents: MUS 111
  • RBC equivalents: No equivalent
• JMU Course: MUS 142, 144, Music Theory II
  • VCCS equivalents: MUS 112
  • RBC equivalents: No equivalent
• JMU Course: MUS 241, 243, Music Theory III
  • VCCS equivalents: MUS 211
  • RBC equivalents: No equivalent
• JMU Course: MUS 242, 244, Music Theory IV
  • VCCS equivalents: MUS 212
  • RBC equivalents: No equivalent
• JMU Course: MUS 356, History of Jazz in America
  • VCCS equivalents: MUS 225
  • RBC equivalents: No equivalent
• JMU Course: PSYC 160, Life Span Human Development
  • VCCS equivalents: PSY 230 or 231 and 232
  • RBC equivalents: PSY 250
• JMU Course: EDUC 200, Foundations of Education in the United States
  • VCCS equivalents: EDU 200
  • RBC equivalents: EDUC 200

Admission Criteria

• Students interested in the B.A. degree must submit a portfolio and complete an interview.
• Students interested in the B.M. degree must audition for a place in the program.
• The B.A. requires intermediate proficiency in a foreign language, which can be demonstrated through the JMU foreign language placement exam or coursework.
• All transfer of music theory study for music majors is subject to interviews and testing by JMU theory faculty.

Music Education

The Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education is designed primarily for those preparing to teach vocal or instrumental music in public schools. All education students must apply and be admitted to Teacher Education.

Additional Requirements

• Students pursuing teacher licensure must complete specific courses, including PSYC 160 and EDUC 200.
• The Music Education program has specific admission requirements, which include applying and being admitted to Teacher Education.