Below you will find the schedule for Music Major Preview 2024. The sessions have been designed to cater to your instrumental/vocal path. In addition, there are opportunities provided for you to interact with our faculty and current music majors. The event descriptions provided should help determine your sessions. 

As a reminder, a meal is not provided; however, we have built time into your schedule for you to enjoy lunch on-campus. We encourage you to eat at one of our varied dining venues. These a la carte or buffet style dining options accept cash, credit, or debit. If you need assistance in choosing and/or finding a dining option, please feel free to ask one of our student volunteers.

If you are considering studying music in college, this session will answer specific questions about majoring in music. A panel of faculty from the JMU School of Music will discuss and answer questions about pursuing a degree in music. Topics will include potential career paths, vocational skills, and different types of music degrees. The JMU School of Music offers a Bachelor of Music (Composition, Jazz Studies, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Industry, and Music Theatre) and a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Music Studies and Music Industry). Desirable skills for employers include critical thinking, collaboration, discipline, leadership, and creativity, all of which are foundational skills developed in the music curriculum.

Applying to a music program typically includes a two-layered admissions process: admissions to the university and admissions to the music program. This session will outline the process for applying for admissions to a music program including audition requirements, portfolio reviews, and music scholarships. The Director of the JMU School of Music and the Director of Music Admissions will answer questions and provide insights into the world of music admissions.

Participants of Music Major Preview Day will have the opportunity to experience a side-by-side rehearsal with one of our ensembles. Voice students will join a rehearsal of The Madison Singers, string students will work with the JMU Symphony Orchestra, and wind and percussion students will join the JMU Wind Symphony. Get a feel for what it is like playing with a top collegiate ensemble and work with our distinguished ensemble directors.

Work with our renowned faculty in a masterclass setting. JMU School of Music performance faculty are nationally recognized performers. Get a chance to meet the faculty and meet some of the students in their applied music studios. You will get to hear some of our student performers and hear the faculty talk about their approaches to performing.

A music curriculum typically consists of performance opportunities like ensembles and applied lessons but also classroom courses like music theory, music education, and musicology. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a sample lecture to gain insight into the classroom experience as a music major. JMU faculty in music theory, music education, and musicology are leading scholars in their disciplines who publish and present research nationally and internationally.

A representative from the JMU Financial Aid Office will give a presentation about applying for financial aid. Topics will include the various steps for applying for aid and different kinds of aid.