Welcome to JMU!

I am so proud of the work of our students and faculty at JMU, and the beautiful music experiences that we create. In my role at JMU I teach classes in choral conducting, graduate choral literature, and music education. In addition, I work with our musical theatre shows and operas—but my main love and passion is as a choir director. I work with auditioned and non-auditioned choirs, comprised of music majors and non-music majors, as well as graduate and undergraduate students. An exciting part about choirs at JMU is the number of students who sing that study music, but their main instrument is not voice. The possibilities that exist in ensemble music are truly great, and making music with many diverse people is one of my greatest joys. 

In all of my classes, shows, and choirs one of the most important lessons I try to impart to my students is that of balance. College music students are very busy, often involved in many credit hours of classes, multiple ensembles, and countless activities. Learning how to maintain a sense of one’s self while juggling multiple obligations is such a difficult task, and one of the most important lessons of the college experience. Sharing my journey of finding balance in my life and remaining open to students’ struggles is a constant goal of mine. Through our shared stories we create meaningful connections that help serve life-changing musical experiences. 

I welcome you to be in contact, come visit a rehearsal or performance, or check out recordings of our choirs below or our live-stream. Go Dukes! 

BIOGRAPHY 

Recently honored as Distinguished Teacher of the year by The College of Visual and Performing Arts, Dr. W. Bryce Hayes maintains an active career as a conductor, teacher, church musician, pianist, accompanist, and singer. As choral conductor, Bryce is currently Associate Professor of Choral Music at James Madison University where he conducts The University Chorus: Tenor/Bass Ensemble and Treble Chamber Choir. In addition to his choral conducting responsibilities at JMU, Bryce teaches graduate choral literature, undergraduate conducting, and music education classes.   

He is an active adjudicator and clinician, recent and upcoming appearances include conducting honors choirs and workshops. Bryce also serves as the director of civic choir, Winchester Musica Viva. 

A New Jersey native, Dr. Hayes completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from The University of Minnesota. Prior to his time in Minnesota, Dr. Hayes received a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Temple University. His career began with a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Westminster Choir College following which he taught high school choir at Princeton Day School.