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 is the initial professional degree in music. Its primary emphasis is on development of the skills, concepts and sensitivities essential to the professional life of the musician. At the center of the instructional program for this degree is the music core curriculum, comprising 27 credits of instruction in aspects of musicianship fundamental to all music degree programs. Included are courses in music theory, aural skills, music history and conducting.
Student learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following.
Students will:
- Demonstrate professional performance skills
- Demonstrate comprehensive musicianship
- Acquire supporting competencies
- Develop artistic/intellectual mission
Degree requirements for Music, Bachelor of (B.M.) with a concentration in performance/winds and percussion
| 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 |
| APPL 415 | Applied Lessons (principal performing medium) | 2 |
| APPL 416 | Applied Lessons and Junior Recital (principal performing medium) | 2 |
| APPM 199 | Recital/Convocation Attendance (four semesters) | 0 |
| APPM 299 | Master Class (eight semesters) | 0 |
| APPM 381 | Conducting | 2 |
| 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 322 | Classical Music Survey II | 2 |
| • Additional major requirements | ||
| APPL 320 | Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument (three semesters) | 3 |
| APPL 417 | Applied Lessons (principal performing medium) | 2 |
| APPL 418 | Applied Lessons and Senior Recital (principal performing medium) | 2 |
| APPM 173 | Keyboard Skills I | 1 |
| APPM 174 | Keyboard Skills II | 1 |
| APPM 273 | Keyboard Skills III | 1 |
| APPM 463 | Pedagogy | 2 |
| APPM 492 | Senior Project: Portfolio Review | 1 |
| MHIS 305 | Form and Analysis I | 2 |
| MHIS 321 | Classical Music Survey I | 2 |
| MHIS 380 | Survey of the Music Industry | 3 |
| Ensemble (audition may be required): Select eight credits from the following: | 8 | |
| Orchestra | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| University Band | ||
| Percussion Auxiliary | ||
| Ensemble elective (audition may be required): Select four credits from the ensemble requirements or from the following: | 4 | |
| Flute Choir | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| String Chamber Music | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| • Music electives: | 17 | |
Select from any AMPT, APPL, APPM, ARTS, MHIS, MUED, or MUSC courses not otherwise required for the degree. | ||
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course. | 11 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
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 | Keyboard Skills I | 1 |
| APPM 199 | Recital/Convocation Attendance | 0 |
| APPM 299 | Master Class (principal instrument) | 0 |
| APPM 3XX ensemble elective | 1 | |
| APPM 3XX ensemble requirement | 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: | 15 | |
| 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 ensemble elective | 1 | |
| APPM 3XX ensemble requirement | 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: | 15 | |
| 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 (principal instrument) | 0 |
| APPM 3XX ensemble requirement | 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: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| APPL 314 | Applied Lessons (principal instrument) | 2 |
| APPL 320 | Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument | 1 |
| APPM 199 | Recital/Convocation Attendance | 0 |
| APPM 299 | Master Class (principal instrument) | 0 |
| APPM 3XX ensemble elective | 1 | |
| APPM 3XX ensemble requirement | 1 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Music elective | 2 | |
| Open electives | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| APPL 415 | Applied Lessons (principal instrument) | 2 |
| APPL 320 | Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument | 1 |
| APPM 299 | Master Class (principal instrument) | 0 |
| APPM 381 | Conducting | 2 |
| APPM 3XX ensemble elective | 1 | |
| APPM 3XX ensemble requirement | 1 | |
| MHIS 305 | Form and Analysis I | 2 |
| MHIS 321 | Classical Music Survey I | 2 |
| Music elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| APPL 416 | Applied Lessons and Junior Recital (principal instrument) | 2 |
| APPL 320 | Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument | 1 |
| APPM 299 | Master Class (principal instrument) | 0 |
| APPM 3XX ensemble requirement | 1 | |
| APPM 463 | Pedagogy | 2 |
| MHIS 322 | Classical Music Survey II | 2 |
| Music electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| APPL 417 | Applied Lessons (principal instrument) | 2 |
| APPM 299 | Master Class (principal instrument) | 0 |
| APPM 3XX ensemble requirement | 1 | |
| MHIS 380 | Survey of the Music Industry | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Music elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| APPL 418 | Applied Lessons and Senior Recital (principal instrument) | 2 |
| APPM 299 | Master Class (principal instrument) | 0 |
| APPM 3XX ensemble requirement | 1 | |
| APPM 492 | Senior Project: Portfolio Review | 1 |
| Open electives | 8 | |
| Music elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.