Music Education at the nexus of lifetime musicianship, creativity, and culturally sustaining pedagogy.
About Dr. Annie Savage
Dr. Annie Savage is the Assistant Professor of Music Education at the James Madison School of Music. She brings a unique convergence of conservatory training, innovative pedagogy, and diverse artistry to her teaching.
Outstanding Career Outcomes
JMU boasts a 100% job placement rate for music education graduates, ensuring you'll have strong career prospects immediately upon completing your degree.
As a Music Education major at JMU, students will receive:
Comprehensive Musical Training
JMU’s music education students have equal access to traditional ensembles and private lessons while simultaneously exploring innovative popular music pedagogy, blues and bluegrass ensembles, and community music school teaching opportunities, giving you versatility that most programs don't offer.
Immersion in Nontraditional String Styles
The program exposes you to diverse string techniques beyond classical training, including pop, hip hop, bluegrass, old-time, and digital music- making you a more well-rounded and marketable music educator.
Expert Mentorship in Contemporary Methods
Professor Savage brings decades of expertise in popular music pedagogy, helping you develop the reflective practice of creative learner-centered teaching that connect with today's students.
Collaborative Learning
You'll develop essential musical skills through jam sessions and informal music-making, teaching you how to facilitate similar experiences for your future students and building your improvisational abilities.
Access to Virginia's Rich Regional Music Scene
Virginia's vibrant bluegrass and old-time music festival scene provides unparalleled opportunities to immerse yourself in authentic American Roots musical traditions, network with professional musicians, and develop performance skills in these genres.
Current Educational Methodology Training
The program keeps pace with the latest developments in music education, ensuring you graduate with knowledge of contemporary teaching methods, technology integration, and student engagement strategies.
Stand Partners is the product of two veteran string educators and work besties, Professors Annie Savage and Laura Mulligan Thomas. Together, they discuss current issues and personalities in string education with humor and heart. You can find them at work and play at James Madison University.
