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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 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 | ||
| Percussion Auxiliary | ||
| String Chamber Music | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Vocal Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Vox Concordia | ||
| • Major electives | 12 | |
Select from any AMPT, APPL, APPM, ARTS, MHIS, MUED, or MUSC courses not otherwise required for the degree. | ||
| 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. | 38-46 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
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 semester | Hours | |
| APPL 311 | Applied Lessons (principal instrument) | 2 |
| APPM 173 or APPM 373 | 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 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 or APPM 374 | 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 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.