Degree Programs: Undergraduate

The Music Department at George Mason University is pleased to currently offer the following undergraduate degree programs listed below. Please feel free to browse the University Catalog for more information about these programs and their requirements.

Bachelor of Music: Performance

The Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Performance requires extensive coursework that includes courses of Applied Music, Music Theory, Music History, Pedagogy, Literature, Ensembles, Teaching Internships, and completion of both a Junior and Senior Recital. Students pursuing a performance concentration may choose to study from a wide variety of specializations that include voice, piano, organ, guitar, harp, and all orchestral and band instruments. Admission to the performance concentration normally occurs at the end of the sophomore year. This degree is ideal for musicians dedicated to the pursuit of a professional performance career.

Admission to the Concentration in Performance program typically occurs at the end of the sophomore year and is based upon audition. Entering students planning to concentrate in Performance must pass an entrance Music audition and be accepted by the University.

Coordinators:
Roger Behrend, brass
Edwin Johonnott, strings
Judith Lapple, woodwinds
Patricia Miller, voice
Dr. Linda Apple Monson, piano

To learn more about the audition process, please click here. Advising tracks for the Bachelor of Music in Performance are available for instrumental, piano, and vocal areas, and students are encouraged to follow them as best as possible. You may also view the Performance Concentration Requirements in the 2007-2008 George Mason University Catalog.

Bachelor of Music: Music Education

The Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Music Education allows its students to obtain certification to teach in the Virginia Public School system. Students may follow an Instrumental or Choral/General Music Emphasis in curriculum.

The George Mason Department of Music is proud to announce that our Music Education graduates have a 100% placement rate. This means that 100% of our Music Education graduates are sought after by school administrators to fill music teacher vacancies in Virginia and around the country.

Admission to the Music Education Concentration program is based upon audition and acceptance by the University. Official acceptance into the Music Education Program normally occurs at the beginning of the fifth semester of study.

Coordinators:
Dr. Lisa A. Billingham, Choral Music Education
John Casagrande, Instrumental Music Education

To learn more about the audition process, please click here. Advising tracks for the Bachelor of Music in Music Education are available for both instrumental and choral areas, and students are encouraged to follow them as best as possible. You may also view the Music Education Concentration Requirements in the 2007-2008 George Mason University Catalog.

Bachelor of Music: Jazz Studies

In 1987, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution declaring jazz “a rare and valuable national treasure.” Jazz is America’s quintessential musical expression that is sometimes referred to as “American Classical Music.” As America’s own true indigenous art form, Jazz is American culture and American history. Gunthur Schuller states, “It can be argued that jazz and its derivatives have exerted a more powerful, penetrating, worldwide influence than any other music in human history.”

Continually growing and evolving as the most diverse university in the nation, George Mason University’s Jazz program has much to offer its students. Drawing on the resources of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, students have the opportunity to study with top performers in jazz. No other music puts so much emphasis on the importance of the individual and individual expression. In this light, student performance opportunities include the traditional Big Band, but coupled with a strong emphasis on small groups, improvisation, and personal growth.

“Well, you know – They say music speaks louder than words so we would rather voice our opinion that way if you don’t mind ---Good!” – Charlie Parker

Coordinator: Jim Carroll

Admission to the Jazz Studies program typically occurs at the end of the sophomore year and is based upon audition. Entering students planning to concentrate in Jazz Studies must pass an entrance Music audition and be accepted by the University.

To learn more about the audition process, please click here. Advising tracks are available for the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and students are encouraged to follow them as best as possible. You may also view the Jazz Studies Concentration Requirements in the 2007-2008 George Mason University Catalog.

Bachelor of Music: Composition

Admission to the Composition Concentration program is based upon review of a composition portfolio and acceptance by the University.

Coordinator: Dr. Glenn Smith

To learn more about the audition process, please click here. Advising tracks are available for the Bachelor of Music in Composition and students are encouraged to follow them as best as possible. You may also view the Composition Concentration Requirements in the 2007-2008 George Mason University Catalog.

Bachelor of Arts in Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree allows students to obtain extensive musical knowledge and experience in a liberal arts setting. Students pursuing a BA in Music complete extensive coursework that includes courses of Applied Music, Music Theory, Music History, Pedagogy, Ensembles, Teaching Internships, Music in Computer Technology, and a broad array of general education subjects. This degree is ideal for those students wishing to major in music, but do not necessarily want to teach music in the classroom or pursue a performance career. Past graduates of George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music have gone on to teach in private schools, run their own private studios, work in Arts Management, and succeed in many other professions, both in and out of the arts.

Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Music program is based upon audition and acceptance by the University.

To learn more about the audition process, please click here. Advising tracks are available for the Bachelor of Arts in Music and students are encouraged to follow them as best as possible. You may also view the Bachelor of Arts in Music Requirements in the 2007-2008 George Mason University Catalog.