This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. 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.
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
B.A. in Music core 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
Media scoring concentration-specific outcomes
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Students will demonstrate competence in composing effective music for varied media projects and their related aesthetics accordingly.
-
Students will demonstrate practices while collaborating with filmmakers and media content producers.
Degree requirements for Music, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in media scoring
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| APPL 311 | Applied Lessons (principal performing medium) | 2 |
| APPL 312 | Applied Lessons (principal performing medium) | 2 |
| APPL 313 | Applied Lessons (principal performing medium) | 2 |
| APPL 314 | Applied Lessons (principal performing medium) | 2 |
| APPM 199 | Recital/Convocation Attendance (four semesters) | 0 |
| APPM 299 | Master Class (four semesters) | 0 |
| APPM 492 | Senior Project: Portfolio Review | 1 |
| MHIS 120 | Music in Culture | 2 |
| MHIS 145 | Theory and Aural Skills I | 4 |
| MHIS 146 | Theory and Aural Skills II | 4 |
| MHIS 245 | Theory and Aural Skills III | 4 |
| MHIS 321 | Classical Music Survey I | 2 |
| MHIS 322 | Classical Music Survey II | 2 |
| • Additional major requirements | ||
| Keyboard skills 1 | 0-2 | |
| 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 | ||
| String Chamber Music | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Vocal Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Vox Concordia | ||
| • Concentration requirements | 24 | |
| Jazz Theory and Aural Skills | ||
| Jazz Arranging I | ||
| Digital Music Production | ||
| Orchestration | ||
| MIDI Orchestration | ||
| Dramatic Scoring | ||
| Film and Media Scoring | ||
| Directed Study in Media Scoring | ||
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| HUMS 202 | Choices in a Consumer Society | 1 |
| Foreign language through the 102 level (by course or placement) | 0-6 | |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course. | 26-32 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| APPL 311 | Applied Lessons (principal instrument) | 2 |
| APPM 173 | Keyboard Skills I | 1 |
| APPM 199 | Recital/Convocation Attendance | 0 |
| APPM 299 | Master Class (principal instrument) | 0 |
| APPM 3XX ensembles | 1 | |
| MHIS 120 | Music in Culture | 2 |
| MHIS 145 | Theory and Aural Skills I | 4 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| APPL 312 | Applied Lessons (principal instrument) | 2 |
| APPM 174 | 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 |
| MHIS 147 | Jazz Theory and Aural Skills | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 17 | |
| 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 245 | Theory and Aural Skills III | 4 |
| MUSC 210 | Digital Music Production | 3 |
| MUSC 220 | Orchestration | 3 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| APPL 314 | Applied Lessons (principal instrument) | 2 |
| APPM 199 | Recital/Convocation Attendance | 0 |
| APPM 299 | Master Class (principal instrument) | 0 |
| MHIS 311 | Jazz Arranging I | 3 |
| MUSC 300 | MIDI Orchestration | 3 |
| APPM 3XX ensembles | 1 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open electives | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| MHIS 321 | Classical Music Survey I | 2 |
| MUSC 310 | Dramatic Scoring | 3 |
| Foreign language course (101 level) | 3 | |
| General education course | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| MHIS 322 | Classical Music Survey II | 2 |
| MUSC 340 | Film and Media Scoring | 3 |
| Foreign language course (102 level) | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open elective | 4 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| HUMS 202 | Choices in a Consumer Society | 1 |
| MUSC 410 | Directed Study in Media Scoring | 3 |
| Open electives | 10 | |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| APPM 492 | Senior Project: Portfolio Review | 1 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open electives | 9 | |
| Term Hours: | 13 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.