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 Music with a music education/vocal-choral concentration incorporates requirements necessary to qualify for the commonwealth of Virginia’s Collegiate Professional Certificate to teach music in public schools. Reciprocity between Virginia and numerous other states makes it possible for those music education students who become certified to teach in Virginia to obtain certification in those other states. A prospective student intending to pursue the instrumental concentration endorsement must complete the degree with a primary instrument of wind band or orchestra tradition; for those seeking the vocal-choral concentration endorsement, this instrument must be voice. For a student who wishes to elect the guitar or piano as a primary instrument, please contact the music department for details.

Student learning outcomes

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

Students will:

  • Demonstrate professional music teaching competencies
  • Acquire professional procedures
  • Demonstrate professional performance skills
  • Develop comprehensive musicianship
  • Acquire supporting competencies
  • Develop artistic/intellectual mission
 

Special requirements

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for music education students to qualify for student teaching placement. Music education students who do not maintain  cumulative 3.0 GPA will not be allowed to continue in the music education track, but may continue in the Bachelor of Arts program or the Bachelor of Music performance track if they meet the minimum requirements that apply to those respective degree programs.

Degree requirements for Music, Bachelor of (B.M.) with a concentration in music education/vocal-choral

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
APPL 320Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument (four semesters)4
APPL 415Applied Lessons (principal performing medium)2
APPL 416Applied Lessons and Junior Recital (principal performing medium)2
APPM 199Recital/Convocation Attendance (four semesters)0
APPM 299Master Class (six semesters)0
APPM 381Conducting2
MHIS 120Music in Culture2
MHIS 145Theory and Aural Skills I4
MHIS 146Theory and Aural Skills II4
MHIS 245Theory and Aural Skills III4
MHIS 322Classical Music Survey II2
• Additional major requirements
APPM 161Lyric Diction I3
APPM 162Lyric Diction II3
APPM 173Keyboard Skills I1
APPM 174Keyboard Skills II1
APPM 273Keyboard Skills III1
APPM 377Vocal Chamber Ensemble1
MHIS 305Form and Analysis I2
MHIS 321Classical Music Survey I2
MUED 274Functional Keyboarding for the Music Classroom1
MUED 301Methods and Techniques: Guitar1
MUED 302Methods and Techniques: Voice1
MUED 303Methods and Techniques: Woodwinds1
MUED 304Methods and Techniques: Woodwinds1
MUED 305Methods and Techniques: Brass1
MUED 306Methods and Techniques: Strings1
MUED 307Methods and Techniques: Percussion1
MUED 380Introduction to Music Education2
MUED 381Methods and Practicum in Elementary Music Education3
MUED 382Secondary Methods, Materials and Instruction Techniques3
MUED 385Music Education Technology and Arranging2
MUED 386Organization and Administration of a Secondary School Music Program1
MUED 485Music Education Student Teaching I: Elementary6
MUED 486Music Education Student Teaching II: Secondary6
• Ensemble requirement (audition may be required): Select seven credits from the following:7
Commonwealth Singers
Choral Arts Society
Vox Concordia
Ancillary requirements
EDUS 301Human Development and Learning3
Open electives
Select any course.3
Total Hours122

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 122.

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 (voice) 2
APPM 161 Lyric Diction I 3
APPM 173 Keyboard Skills I 1
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class (voice) 0
APPM 3XX ensemble requirement 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: 17
Spring semester
APPL 312 Applied Lessons (voice) 2
APPM 162 Lyric Diction II 3
APPM 174 Keyboard Skills II 1
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class (principal instrument) 0
APPM 3XX ensemble requirement 1
MHIS 146 Theory and Aural Skills II 4
MUED 30X Methods and Techniques 1
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: 18
Sophomore year
Fall semester
APPL 313 Applied Lessons (principal instrument) 2
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 273 Keyboard Skills III 1
APPM 299 Master Class (voice) 0
APPM 3XX ensemble requirement 1
MHIS 120 Music in Culture 2
MHIS 245 Theory and Aural Skills III 4
MUED 303 Methods and Techniques: Woodwinds 1
MUED 30X Methods and Techniques 1
UNIV 200 Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
 Term Hours: 15
Spring semester
APPL 314 Applied Lessons (voice) 2
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument 1
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class (voice) 0
APPM 3XX ensemble requirement 1
EDUS 301 Human Development and Learning 3
MUED 304 Methods and Techniques: Woodwinds 1
General education course 3
Open elective 3
 Term Hours: 14
Junior year
Fall semester
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument 1
APPL 415 Applied Lessons (voice ) 2
APPM 299 Master Class (voice) 0
APPM 3XX ensemble requirement 1
MHIS 305 Form and Analysis I 2
MHIS 321 Classical Music Survey I 2
MUED 30X Methods and Techniques 1
MUED 380 Introduction to Music Education 2
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 14
Spring semester
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument 1
APPL 416 Applied Lessons and Junior Recital (voice) 2
APPM 299 Master Class (voice) 0
APPM 3XX ensemble requirement 1
APPM 381 Conducting 2
MHIS 322 Classical Music Survey II 2
MUED 30X Methods and Techniques 1
MUED 274 Functional Keyboarding for the Music Classroom 1
MUED 381 Methods and Practicum in Elementary Music Education 3
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 16
Senior year
Fall semester
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument 1
APPM 3XX Ensemble requirement 1
APPM 377 Vocal Chamber Ensemble 1
MUED 30X Methods and Techniques 1
MUED 382 Secondary Methods, Materials and Instruction Techniques 3
MUED 385 Music Education Technology and Arranging 2
MUED 386 Organization and Administration of a Secondary School Music Program 1
General education course 3
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 16
Spring semester
MUED 485 Music Education Student Teaching I: Elementary 6
MUED 486 Music Education Student Teaching II: Secondary 6
 Term Hours: 12
 Total Hours: 122

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 122.