Bachelor of Music

Performance majors receive one-on-one instruction on their primary instrument or voice. Students have the opportunity to perform in many large and chamber ensembles, along with performing two separate recitals as their capstone. The Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Performance includes the following emphases:

• Brass
• Keyboard 
• Percussion
• Strings (incl. Guitar and Harp)
• Voice
• Woodwinds 

The music education concentration at George Mason University is recognized by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as an approved teacher preparation program that imparts licensure.  Coursework includes both music method courses along with courses within the College of Education. Music education students study with the same instructors as our performance majors, and complete a music education recital as part of their program. The capstone experience of the music education program is a semester long student teaching internship within the Fairfax, Loudoun, or Prince William Counties.

The Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Music Education includes the following emphases: 

• Brass
• Guitar
• Keyboard
• Percussion
• String
• Voice
• Woodwind

The Music Technology concentration provides students with a strong grasp of the technical and theoretical aspects of music recording and production. It acquaints them with the historical and social context of recorded music and electronic music in all of its aspects, from the avant-garde experiments to current styles of electronica. Students develop the skill and technique to produce substantial new creative works in electronic composition and music recording and production. Students will take part in internships within their field at venues such as the Grammy Award winning Bias Studios, located close to campus.

The Music Technology concentration offers the following emphases:

• Electroacoustic 
• Engineering
• Recording

Composition concentration students are encouraged to study with multiple faculty as they can be exposed to various genres and styles. Students have the opportunity to premiere their compositions with both chamber groups such as our New Sound Collective and with our large ensembles. Capstone experiences include an individual recital of the student’s works.

Students must complete all concentration requirements as well as requirements for one of the following emphases:

• Brass  
• Guitar
• Keyboard
• Percussion
• String
• Voice
• Woodwind

The Jazz Studies department offers instrumental and vocal instruction combining performance, curriculum, and service to support House Resolution 57 which states jazz is “hereby designated as a rare and valuable national American treasure.”