The Bachelor of Arts in Music is designed for students who want a degree that combines a breadth of general studies with a major in music. Included are courses in basic theory, aural skills, applied performance, music history and foreign language, as well as music and open electives.

Student learning outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following.

Students will:

  • Demonstrate performance skills
  • Demonstrate musicianship
  • Acquire supporting competencies
  • Develop artistic/intellectual mission
 

Degree requirements for Music, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Course Title Hours
General education
Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser.30
Major requirements
• Major core requirements
APPL 311Applied Lessons (principal performing medium)2
APPL 312Applied Lessons (principal performing medium)2
APPL 313Applied Lessons (principal performing medium)2
APPL 314Applied Lessons (principal performing medium)2
APPM 199Recital/Convocation Attendance (four semesters)0
APPM 299Master Class (four semesters)0
APPM 492Senior Project: Portfolio Review1
MHIS 120Music in Culture2
MHIS 145Theory and Aural Skills I4
MHIS 146Theory and Aural Skills II4
MHIS 245Theory and Aural Skills III4
MHIS 321Classical Music Survey I2
MHIS 322Classical Music Survey II2
• Additional major requirements
Keyboard skills 10-2
Keyboard Skills I
Keyboard Skills II
Ensemble (audition may be required): Select four credits from the following.4
Orchestra
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
University Band
Commonwealth Singers
Choral Arts Society
Large Jazz Ensemble
Small Jazz Ensemble
Flute Choir
Guitar Ensemble
Piano Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Auxiliary
String Chamber Music
Brass Ensemble
Vocal Chamber Ensemble
Vox Concordia
• Major electives12
Select from any AMPT, APPL, APPM, ARTS, MHIS, MUED, or MUSC courses not otherwise required for the degree.
Ancillary requirements
HUMS 202Choices in a Consumer Society1
Foreign language through the 102 level (by course or placement)0-6
Open electives
Select any course.38-46
Total Hours120

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.

1

APPM 173 and 174 are required if piano is not the principal instrument, and these students will be required to take two additional music electives.

What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.

Freshman year
Fall semesterHours
APPL 311 Applied Lessons (principal instrument) 2
APPM 173
Keyboard Skills I
or Advanced Keyboard Skills I
1
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class (principal instrument) 0
APPM 3XX ensembles 1
MHIS 145 Theory and Aural Skills I 4
UNIV 111 Play VideoPlay course video for Focused Inquiry I Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 14
Spring semester
APPL 312 Applied Lessons (principal instrument) 2
APPM 174
Keyboard Skills II
or Advanced Keyboard Skills II
1
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class (principal instrument) 0
APPM 3XX ensembles 1
MHIS 146 Theory and Aural Skills II 4
UNIV 112 Play VideoPlay course video for Focused Inquiry II Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 14
Sophomore year
Fall semester
APPL 313 Applied Lessons (principal instrument) 2
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class (principal instrument) 0
APPM 3XX ensembles 1
MHIS 120 Music in Culture 2
MHIS 245 Theory and Aural Skills III 4
UNIV 200 Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 15
Spring semester
APPL 314 Applied Lessons (principal instrument) 2
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class (principal instrument) 0
APPM 3XX ensembles 1
General education course 3
Music elective 2
Open electives 8
 Term Hours: 16
Junior year
Fall semester
APPM 3XX ensembles 1
MHIS 321 Classical Music Survey I 2
Foreign language course (101 level) 3
General education course 3
General education course 3
Music elective 3
 Term Hours: 15
Spring semester
APPM 3XX ensembles 1
MHIS 322 Classical Music Survey II 2
Foreign language course (102 level) 3
General education course 3
Music elective 3
Open elective 4
 Term Hours: 16
Senior year
Fall semester
APPM 492 Senior Project: Portfolio Review 1
HUMS 202 Choices in a Consumer Society 1
Music elective 3
Open electives 10
 Term Hours: 15
Spring semester
Open electives 15
 Term Hours: 15
 Total Hours: 120

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.