Music

Curriculum Overview

Music students at Jacksonville University may pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.),  or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.)  degree. The music core is required of all music students with modifications for specific areas of interest.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) offers emphases in a typical liberal arts curriculum. These generalist degrees prepare students for careers or further study on advanced degrees that require a more general background.  Students are also required to identify and pursue a 12-hour area of emphasis in music such as composition, jazz, music business, music education, music history, musical performance, or music theatre.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree in Music Theater is a professional interdisciplinary degree that provides immersive study in the areas of music and vocal performance, theatre, and dance.  This degree prepares students for careers as performers or for further advanced study.

The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) professional program prepares students for careers in professional performance, private studio teaching, or preparation for study toward advanced degrees. 

The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) degree is designed to satisfy certification requirements to teach music in kindergarten through twelfth grades of the public schools of Florida and most other states.  The curriculum contains a strong music concentration in any instrument or voice, with general distribution requirements to ensure a liberal arts education.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a concentration in Music Business is a generalist degree in music business. Students are also required to complete an option in management, marketing, or music technology. This degree prepares students for careers in the music business or for further advanced study.

Students are encouraged to perform throughout the year in events on and off campus, and to take advantage of Study Abroad opportunities.  Minors in music also are available, and general music courses are open to all students, regardless of major.

An audition is required for admission to the student's chosen program. Auditions also are required for music scholarships and music service grants.  Auditions may be accomplished in person or by videotape recording. Placement tests in theory and keyboard are administered to admitted students upon initial registration for classes. Students planning to major in music education, music performance, or composition and theory must enroll in piano each semester until the keyboard proficiency examination has been passed.