This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
MUSC 110. Music Notation Software. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Prerequisite: MHIS 145. Enrollment is restricted to VCU music majors and minors. This course focuses on principles and techniques of music notation using computer software.
MUSC 200. Introduction to Composition. 2 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 1 laboratory hour. 2 credits. Prerequisites: MHIS 146, MUSC 110 and APPM 174. Enrollment is restricted to VCU music majors and minors. This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the compositional process as well as the basics of instrumentation and orchestration. In collaboration with the instructor, students are guided through exercises and lessons designed to hone their compositional craft.
MUSC 210. Digital Music Production. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture and 1 laboratory hours. 3 credits. This course will cover contemporary music production techniques applied to music creation using digital audio workstations. Students will learn about virtual instruments, loops, recording and manipulating audio and MIDI, signal processing, plug-ins, and mixing in a DAW environment. It is highly recommended that students have a basic understanding of music principles and concepts similar to those presented in MHIS 115; however, MHIS 115 is not a prerequisite for this class.
MUSC 220. Orchestration. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MHIS 146. Enrollment is restricted to VCU music majors and minors or by permission of the instructor. This course focuses on the techniques of combining different instruments for effect and mood. Students will learn the characteristics of various instruments and apply that knowledge to create a full score orchestration.
MUSC 300. MIDI Orchestration. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MUSC 210 and MUSC 220. Enrollment is restricted to music majors and music minors or by permission of the instructor. This course focuses on advanced techniques in creating realistic orchestral mockups with high-quality industry-standard virtual instruments. Course work includes creating mockups of classical scores and modern film scores, as well as scores of the student’s own composition and/or choice. Particular emphasis is placed on technical considerations as they apply to MIDI programming, sample selection and mixing.
MUSC 310. Dramatic Scoring. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MUSC 300. Enrollment is restricted to students in a VCU music major program, music minor or the sound design minor. Students will analyze film scores to better understand their construction and application in movie scenes, and will apply that analysis in composing music in the style of scores for specific movie genres.
MUSC 340. Film and Media Scoring. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MUSC 310. Enrollment is restricted to students in a music major program, or music minor. Project-based course designed to provide students the opportunity to compose and realize a varied array of music for motion pictures including film, television and ads. Aesthetics and psychology of mood music, sound-film synchronization, timing techniques and scoring procedures will be covered, and practical methods of scoring will be demonstrated. Analysis and performance of student projects is included.
MUSC 406. Orchestration. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. No degree credit for graduate composition majors. Prerequisite: MHIS 245. Application of idiomatic scoring devices for orchestral instruments and voices in both large and small combinations.
MUSC 410. Directed Study in Media Scoring. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture hour and 2 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MUSC 340. Enrollment is restricted to music majors and minors. In this course, students will focus on developing and compiling their portfolios. They will be advised on the scoring process while collaborating with filmmakers and producers, creating music for media projects. Instructor’s feedback and peer critique will assist students to shape their demo reel.