Contact Info
Tel: (703) 993-1380
Fax: (703) 993-1394
Email: music@gmu.edu
Website: http://music.gmu.edu/
Recognized internationally for its innovation, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit, George Mason University offers a wide array of academic programs, enterprising scholars and teachers, and a student body representing 135 countries and all 50 states. Located in Virginia only minutes from Washington, D.C., Mason provides unparalleled opportunities in research, internships, and work experiences through strong alliances with business, the community, and government.
The Mason School of Music is part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Students study with nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are active performers, conductors, composers, music theoreticians, historians, and music teachers. Admission is based on acceptance to the university and audition. The music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
For complete information on program requirements and policies, please see the University Catalog.
Program Requirements
For complete information on program requirements and policies for the 2017-18 year, please see the University Catalog.
Please see the University Catalog for complete program requirements and policies, and discuss all program plans with an academic advisor. Certain courses may fulfill multiple requirements across the Mason Core general education program, the college or school, and/or the specific program.
Admission to the university is determined by the Office of Admissions. However, entrance to all music degree programs is by audition. Auditions are held approximately once per month, and arrangements for an audition must be made in advance. Audition dates and audition application forms are available on the School of Music web site.
Competency placement tests are required of all transfer students who wish to present transfer credit in aural skills or keyboard skills.
Degree Requirements (120 credits total)
Mason Core General education program required for all undergraduate students.
College Requirement(s) BA students complete one of the following: a minor, double major or double degree outside their primary field of study (15-20 credits), or demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language (0-9 credits).
Major Requirements (42-53 credits)
Students may pursue either a traditional Bachelor of Arts in Music program or a specialized Concentration in Music Technology. Please note that for clarity, requirements for each option are listed separately in their entirety.
Music (without concentration) – complete major requirements
Musicianship
- MUSI 113 - Aural Skills I Credits: 1
- MUSI 114 - Aural Skills II Credits: 1-2 (must be taken for 1 credit)
- MUSI 115 - Theory I Credits: 3
- MUSI 116 - Theory II Credits: 3
- MUSI 171 - Keyboard Skills I Credits: 1 (pianists substitute MUSI 371 for MUSI 171)
- MUSI 172 - Keyboard Skills II (1 credit) - (pianists substitute MUSI 372 for MUSI 172)
Music History
- One of the following:
- MUSI 332 - Music History in Society II Credits: 3
Performance and Music Electives
- MUSI 300 - Recital Attendance Credits: 0 (five semesters)
- MUSI 490 - RS: Musical Communication in Context Credits: 3
- MUSI 259 - Music in Computer Technology Credits: 3
- 12-13 credits in MUSI courses
- Six credits of Applied Music
- Three credits of Music Ensemble Options
Pedagogy
- One of the following:
- Two credits of MUSI 395 - Teaching Internship Credits: 1-4
- MUSI 351 - Keyboard Pedagogy Credits: 3 (Required for keyboard students)
- MUSI 352 - Vocal Pedagogy and Lab Credits: 3 (Required for voice students)
- MUSI 353 - Instrumental Pedagogy and Literature Credits: 3 (Required for strings and guitar students; recommended for wind, brass, and percussion students)
Music, with Concentration in Music Technology – complete major requirements
Musicianship
- MUSI 113 - Aural Skills I Credits: 1
- MUSI 114 - Aural Skills II Credits: 1-2 (must be taken for 1 credit)
- MUSI 115 - Theory I Credits: 3
- MUSI 116 - Theory II Credits: 3
- MUSI 171 - Keyboard Skills I Credits: 1 (pianists substitute MUSI 371 for MUSI 171)
- MUSI 172 - Keyboard Skills II Credits: 1 (pianists substitute MUSI 372 for MUSI 172)
Music History
- MUSI 338 - Music History in Society A Credits: 3
- MUSI 438 - Music History in Society B Credits: 3
- MUSI 439 - Music History in Society C Credits: 3
Performance and Music Electives
- MUSI 300 - Recital Attendance Credits: 0 (five semesters)
- MUSI 490 - RS: Musical Communication in Context Credits: 3
- Eight credits of Applied Music
- Three credits of Music Ensemble Options
Music Technology
- MUSI 252 - Popular Music Arranging Credits: 3
- MUSI 254 - Music and Technology Credits: 3
- MUSI 354 - Electronic CompositionCredits: 3
- MUSI 355 - Recording Techniques Credits: 3
- MUSI 359 - Topics in Music Technology Credits: 3
Opportunities
Music majors at Mason work with world-class faculty who perform regularly in renowned venues with acclaimed ensembles. Music students also study and perform in beautiful spaces outfitted with up to date technology. Mason School of Music is an all-Steinway school. Performance opportunities are available for all musicians at Mason in more than 20 ensembles.
Concentrations within the Music, BA include:
- Music
- Music Technology