Department of MusicUndergraduate Programs

Orchestra in Terry concert hall

Music at JUPersonalized Attention, Professional Preparation, Innovative Programs

The Department of Music at Jacksonville University is composed of a distinguished faculty of professional performing artists and scholars combined with outstanding performance facilities that allows students to focus and refine their skills while deepening their appreciation for music. An accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1931, the Department of Music at Jacksonville University is dedicated to providing excellent programs of study within the context of a strong liberal arts education.

Audition

Interested students must first apply for admission to Jacksonville University. Learn more about the audition process.

Chamber ensemble performance

Our ApproachCreating the Crossover Artist

The Department of Music at Jacksonville University is guided by a distinguished faculty of performing artists, teachers, composers and scholars. Our students take advantage of cross-disciplinary opportunities within the Stein College of Fine Arts and Humanities —a place where music, dance, theater, and visual arts intersect in a dynamic creative community. Programs of study include performance, jazz, musical theatre, technology, composition, and education.

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OUR PROGRAMS

Majors and Minors

Bachelor of Arts in Music (Vocal or Instrumental) 

  • The BA emphasis includes private instruction in the student’s primary instrument, ensemble opportunities of varied size and scope, and instruction in standard music core subjects such as theory, aural skills, and history.  

  • BA students enjoy a larger elective core in this traditional liberal arts degree, allowing flexibility to tailor the course of study to their interests.  

  • Foreign language proficiency equivalent to four semesters of study is required for the BA degree and may be demonstrated by placement examination or coursework.

BA in Music


 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre (Vocal)

  • The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Musical Theatre is a professional interdisciplinary degree that provides immersive study in the areas of music and vocal performance, theatre, and dance.  

  • The BFA in Musical Theatre provides intense instruction in music (voice), acting, and dance. This training is synthesized in various productions put on by the university. A typical year will include 2 musical theatre productions, 2 plays, 2 dance concerts, along with many large and small ensemble concerts. 

  • Individualized instruction ensures that each student finds and hones what makes them unique and marketable in the cutthroat profession of musical theatre.

MUSICAL THEATRE


 

Bachelor of Music (Vocal, Instrumental, Composition) 

  • The BM emphasis includes private instruction in the student’s primary instrument and instruction in standard music core subjects such as theory, aural skills and history.  Advanced topics include contemporary music, orchestration, and counterpoint.  
  • Ensemble opportunities are of varied size and scope. 
  • Cumulative recitals showcase performance achievements during the junior and senior years. 

BM in Music


 

Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Commercial Music 

  • The BM in Jazz and Commercial Music is a stand-alone degree program combining jazz applied study, a dedicated jazz studies course compliment and commercial music courses. 
  • JCM majors enjoy a jazz focus rooted in chamber jazz ensemble performance, composing and arranging projects, studio music recording and production, and collaboration with the record label, Dolphinium Records. 
  • Students receive regular jazz applied lessons, concertize regularly throughout the year with resident and guest artists, and are engaged with faculty and student led recording projects. 

JAZZ & COMMERCIAL MUSIC


 

Bachelor of Music Education (Vocal or Instrumental) 

  • Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree students pursue concentrations in Choral or Instrumental Music; upon completion of coursework, students are prepared to earn certification to teach K-12 Music in the public schools of Florida and most other states.  
  • The BME emphasis includes private instruction in the student’s primary instrument, ensemble opportunities of varied size and scope, instruction in standard music core subjects such as theory, aural skills and history, and advanced topics including conducting, contemporary music, orchestration, counterpoint and courses in instrumental or choral methods and literature.  
  • A cumulative recital showcases performance achievements during the junior or senior year. Music Education Student Teaching is the capstone of this degree program during which the student teaches full time under the mentorship of a supervising public school teacher. 

MUSIC EDUCATION


 

Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology 

  • The BM in Music Technology features coursework in music technology including Acoustics and Recording Techniques, Songwriting, Commercial Arranging and Production, Entrepreneurship, and Intellectual Property Law.  Students choosing the BA option take the same foundational technology courses but with room for elective courses in more technology or general music. 
  • Both degree options include ensemble opportunities varying in size and scope as well as instruction in standard music core subjects such as music theory, aural skills, and music history.  
  • Students work in the recording studio on industry standard equipment including an Avid S4 as well as record in performing spaces including Terry Concert Hall, Swisher Theater, and Phillips Black Box.  The in-house record label, Dolphinium Records, provides real-world experience in record and EP production. 

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY


 

Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy

  • The BM in Music Therapy program will provide you with a personalized education of classroom and practical clinical experiences that will allow the music therapist within you to develop in a manner that is appropriate for you.
  • Courses include foundational music study in applied lessons, ensembles, theory, aural skills, and history as well as skill-oriented study in conducting, guitar, hand drumming and music technology.  Music Therapy courses include broad coverage in Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Music Therapy Methods and Practicums, Improvisation for Music Therapy, a Senior Seminar and Clinical Internship placement with prominent local health centers and music therapists.
  • Successful completion of the Internship Program and passing the national Board Certification exam will designate graduates as a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). 
  • This degree has been Plan Approved by NASM and is pending AMTA approval. 

Music Therapy


 

Minor in Music

  • Upon audition, a student may minor in music
  • 18 credits of theory, history/appreciation, applied lessons, ensembles, and electives provide students with supportive skills as a musician

The Performance ExperienceEnsembles, Productions, and Guest Artists

The Department of Music ensembles provide many opportunities for students to make music in ensembles that perform in all styles of music – traditional to contemporary. Invited guest artists appear regularly in workshops, masterclasses, and concerts as part of the Creative Arts Series.

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black box theater rehearsal

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Performing Arts Programs

The School of Performing Arts offers several other programs of study. Learn more about the programs at

All Performing Arts Programs