The JMU School of Music offers a variety of different programs and events for different interests! We have offerings for individuals looking for more musical opportunities, for school programs looking to expand their students' experiences, and offerings for the community to be involved in different ways, from learning music themselves to supporting our local music ensembles.
For Individuals
Music Major Preview Day
This free one-day event is designed to provide information about what it's like to be a music major at a university in a friendly and non-threatening environment.
JMU Lab Band
The JMU Lab Band encourages the technical and musical development of band students in the Shenandoah Valley. This is a fun and friendly introduction to ensemble collaboration and musicianship for grades 7-10 with a minimum of 1 year's experience.
JMU Jazz High School Combo Workshop
This free one-day event for high school students is for those interested in developing and improving improvisational skills. Participants will work with JMU Jazz Studies faculty and current students, as well as other high school students, in a non-threatening coaching environment for every skill level from beginner to advanced improvisers.
Piano Day
JMU Piano Day includes mini masterclasses with internationally-known piano faculty, workshop sessions, and a performance opportunity in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts Recital Hall!
Tromblow'in
Tromblow'in is an annual trombone festival that gives trombonists of all ages and abilities a day of workshops, concerts, and clinics with professionals from around the state and country.
Spring String Thing
A highly popular string orchestra program designed to provide enrichment for middle and high school string students!
Summer Band Camps
Your summer music experience begins here! You can be part of one of our 5 unique camps—Concert Band, Drum Major, Marching Band, Percussion, or Colorguard!
Vocal Arts Camp
The JMU Vocal Arts Camp is a celebration of choral singing, community, and lifelong friendship through music.
Kodály Teacher Training
James Madison University is proud to offer Kodály Teacher Training (Levels I & II) here on our campus. It is endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály educators and is held during the summer, when those actively teaching in the field can join us.
Conducting Workshop
The JMU Conducting Workshop is open to all levels of conducting! We welcome music-enthusiasts, current music educators, undergraduate music students, & graduate music students! Under the guidance and encouragement of the workshop faculty, participants will receive the opportunity to conduct one of the JMU instrumental ensembles: the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, or Opera Orchestra.
For School Programs
ChoralFest
The JMU ChoralFest is held in September, when over 200 singers of high school and college levels rehearse together on the Forbes Center Concert Hall stage for two days, culminating in a final festival performance. During the weekend, visiting high school students rehearse alongside members of the JMU Chorale. They will have the opportunity to interact with college students from different majors & backgrounds, experience matrix sessions for vocal technique, receive information and ask questions pertaining to collegiate music study, and explore the JMU campus.
Parade of Champions
The annual JMU Parade of Champions is a marching band competition featuring over 45 bands from Virginia and beyond!
High School Choral Invitational
The JMU High School Choral Invitational is a one-day 'side-by-side' choral festival co-sponsored by the JMU American Choral Directors Association and University Choruses. This event centers on a range of specific ensembles (SSAA & TTBB - 3 pieces per ensemble) with an SATB finale. The day includes matrix sessions, question and answer periods, the opportunity to visit the JMU campus and perform in the renowned Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, as well as meet and share with collegiate choral singers.
For the Community
Music Academy
Designed for beginners and developing learners, Music Academy classes are tailored for adults to make music in a fun, no-pressure environment!
We currently offer group classes on guitar, piano, and voice. These recreational music classes meet on the JMU campus and are open to JMU faculty, staff, students, and adults of the local community.
Classes are offered in full sessions or half sessions depending on the theme or instrument.
Contemporary Music Festival
The Contemporary Music Festival is comprised of concerts, masterclasses, and informal talks with exciting artists, performers, and composers of new music, and with perfomers and composers from the JMU Community.
Concerts on the Lawn
Sponsored by the School of Music at James Madison University, the annual Concerts on the Lawn series is a free experience where all are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket to the Duke Lawn to enjoy music by a variety of community music ensembles on select Sundays each summer.
