Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Jazz Studies

The Bachelor of Music degree offers six specialized majors: performance, composition, music industry, music education, jazz studies and music theatre. All music majors must complete the General Education program and a 30 credit hour core program of music courses common to all the majors’ curricula. The remaining hours are specified under each of the various majors and concentrations. JMU offers both an undergraduate Jazz Studies Major and a Minor in Jazz Studies. Course offerings include private Applied Jazz Study, four levels of Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Theory and Ear Training, Jazz Keyboard Skills, Arranging for Small Jazz Ensemble, Big Band Arranging, Jazz Composition, Advanced Topics Jazz Seminars, Jazz History, and Jazz Pedagogy. Students also have the option of advanced private jazz lessons and coursework through JMU's popular four-week Study Abroad program held each summer in Montreal, Quebec. JMU offers a variety of opportunities for students to learn about and perform jazz. Performing groups include two large jazz ensembles and multiple jazz chamber ensembles. The JMU Jazz Ensemble has a long tradition of excellence and has performed at the Montreux, North Sea, and East Coast Jazz Festivals, VMEA convention, and at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater.