Music

Overview

About this Degree

A student entering a graduate degree program in music is expected to have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in music or its equivalent and have a grade point average of 3.0 or better in music studies.

In addition to The Graduate School requirements, the School of Music administers its own diagnostic examinations in written theory, ear training and music literature prior to the student's first semester. The school also requires successful completion of any deficiencies by the time 18 credit hours of study have been completed.

In addition to these general requirements, conducting majors must pass examinations in conducting, and those in choral conducting must pass tests in sight singing, keyboard skills and language diction. The faculty/student ratio also allows for a close relationship and provides the opportunity for individualized instruction in many areas.

The School of Music at James Madison University offers a Master of Music degree with concentration options in conducting, music education, performance and composition. The program seeks to provide an opportunity for the highest level of musical development and professional training for each student, appropriate for careers in teaching, performance and composition of music. Conducting majors will undertake a comprehensive study of the literature of their medium, develop advanced insights into the musical ideas and structure of the major works, and refine their conducting and rehearsal skills.