All Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts students at James Madison University are required to give at least one degree recital, depending on degree requirements (see the University Catalogs for more information on specific requirements).

Students are required to adhere to the degree recital policies for the culminating performance project as established by the applied areas within which students are pursuing their degree.

Recital Spaces & Availability:

All degree recitals (doctorate, masters, senior, & junior level) recitals have the opportunity to schedule in the Forbes Center Recital Hall. Additionally, students are allowed to use Anthony-Seeger Auditorium or an off-campus location. 

Forbes Recital Hall Dates & Times:

D.M.A. Recitals are scheduled on select available Sundays, usually at 1:00pm, 4:00pm, and 7:00pm. 

M.M., Senior Full, Senior Half, and Junior Half Recitals are scheduled on select Tuesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at various times.

Anthony-Seeger Auditorium Dates & Times:

Recitals in Anthony-Seeger are usually scheduled on Fridays at 8:00pm, or Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00pm, 4:00pm, or 7:00pm. Times will vary based on availability. 

Recital Requirements:

Degree Recitals must adhere to the lengths determined by the JMU School of Music

 *Shared half recitals cannot include an intermission.

**Full solo recitals (Senior Full, M.M., and D.M.A.) may include a 10-minute intermission if desired. 
 

Paperwork Requirements:

Each on-campus location has it's own required paperwork & deadline. Please see the Forbes Recital Packet-DMA, Forbes Recital Packet-Sr/MM, or Anthony-Seeger Recital Packet according to the location of your recital. 

All on-campus degree recitals are scheduled through Sarah Macomber, the School of Music Operations Coordinator. Below are the steps for the scheduling process:

1. All recitalists interested in giving a recital in the Forbes Recital Hall MUST attend one of the orientation meetings listed below in the Forbes Recital Hall from 1:50pm to 2:50pm. This meeting is required in order to schedule a recital in the Forbes Center:
   • Wednesday, August 28th
   • Friday, August 30th
2. Students signing up to give a degree recital on campus (Recital Hall or Anthony-Seeger Auditorium) must enter the Recital Lottery (which will open on August 28, 2024 at 12:00am).
3. Student Recital Requests must be approved by their applied faculty (this step is done by Sarah Macomber).
4. Recital lottery entries will be split into degree levels and randomized (this step is done by Sarah Macomber).
5. Sarah Macomber will place students in recital slots according to preference & availability.
6. Sarah Macomber will send a confirmation email to each recitalist and their applied professor. Once the time is confirmed, the recital time will be official. 

Forbes Center Dress Rehearsals:

Dress Rehearsals for all recitalists performing in the Forbes Recital Hall must be scheduled with Sarah Macomber by 5 weeks prior to the recital. If a dress rehearsal is not scheduled by 3 weeks prior to the recital date, a dress rehearsal time will be assigned without consulting the student or faculty about availability.

All dress rehearsal dates are first come, first served. Sarah Macomber will send an email with dress rehearsal date options to all recitalists.

Anthony-Seeger Dress Rehearsals:

Dress Rehearsals for all recitalists performing in Anthony-Seeger Auditorium must be scheduled with Sarah Macomber by 4 weeks prior to the recital. Dress rehearsal dates are first come, first served. 

Forbes Recital Hall Cancellation Policy

Due to the high demand placed on our limited resources, it is expected that all Student Recitals take place on the day and time originally scheduled. If there is a need for cancellation, you must contact the Forbes Production Office and Sarah Macomber immediately.

In all cases, except those of extreme hardship (e.g. debilitating illness) as identified by the School of Music and the Forbes Production Office, you will not be permitted to reschedule in the Recital Hall within the same academic year. You may be permitted to utilize other School of Music venues or you may choose to postpone your recital until the following academic year.

Anthony-Seeger Auditorium Cancellation Policy

All cancellations need to be communicated to Sarah Macomber (macombse@jmu.edu). Recitals cancelled in Anthony-Seeger can be rescheduled if a date and time are available.

The School of Music Office of Concert & Support Services will print the programs for all student degree recitals free of charge. Please follow the below procedure:

1. Use the appropriate program template.
2. All recital parties involved should approve program, including professors.
3. Once approved by professors, please email to Donna Wampler (wampledk@jmu.edu) or the Graduate Assistant that has been corresponding with you. This email should show that it was approved by your professor(s).
4. Please pick up program by 3:00PM the day of your recital or by 3:00PM on Friday if your recital is on the weekend. 

Students are permitted to perform off-campus with their applied professor's permission, and it must be in Harrisonburg city/Rockingham County. Most off-campus recitals are held in churches in downtown Harrisonburg, and students must handle all scheduling and logistics of the recital. 

Please inform Sarah Macomber (macombse@jmu.edu) of your off-campus recital so it can be advertised on our Calendar.