This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 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:

Music core outcomes

  • Demonstrate professional performance skills
  • Demonstrate comprehensive musicianship
  • Acquire supporting competencies
  • Develop and articulate artistic/intellectual mission

Performance/jazz concentration-specific outcomes

  • Demonstrate exceptional improvisational skills, aural skills and jazz arranging capability
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of jazz repertoire and history
  • Demonstrate jazz ensemble and solo performance skills and procedures
 

Degree requirements for Music, Bachelor of (B.M.) with a concentration in performance/jazz studies

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: ____2
APPL 312Applied Lessons: ____2
APPL 313Applied Lessons: ____2
APPL 314Applied Lessons: ____2
APPL 415Applied Lessons: ____2
APPL 416Applied Lessons and Junior Recital: ____2
APPM 199Recital/Convocation Attendance (four 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
APPL 417Applied Lessons: ____2
APPL 418Applied Lessons and Senior Recital: ____2
APPM 173Keyboard Skills I1
APPM 174Keyboard Skills II1
APPM 251Jazz Improvisation I3
APPM 252Jazz Improvisation II3
APPM 272Jazz Piano for the Non-keyboard Player 11
APPM 399Jazz Master Class (eight semesters of master class)0
APPM 463Pedagogy2
APPM 492Senior Project: Portfolio Review1
MHIS 147Jazz Theory and Aural Skills3
MHIS 311Jazz Arranging I3
MHIS 312Jazz Arranging II3
MHIS 324Jazz History3
MHIS 380Survey of the Music Industry3
MUSC 210Digital Music Production3
Secondary applied lessons 2
APPL 320Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____6
Ensemble requirement:
Any jazz ensemble8
Ensemble elective (audition may be required)
Select from the list below.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
Brass Ensemble
Open electives
Select any course.8
Total Hours120
1

APPM 272 is required if the principal instrument is not piano, and these students will be required to take a total of six credits of open electives. Students who are not required to take APPM 272 will take seven credits of open electives.

2

Secondary lessons are completed through study of classical instruction of the student’s principal instrument. Jazz saxophone students may choose to take six semesters of classical saxophone or four semesters of classical saxophone, as well as two consecutive semesters of classical flute, clarinet, oboe or bassoon.

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.

Recommended course sequence/plan of study 

Freshman year
Fall semesterHours
APPL 311 Applied Lessons: ____ (principal instrument) 2
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____ 1
APPM 173 Keyboard Skills I 1
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 399 Jazz Master Class 0
MHIS 145 Theory and Aural Skills I 4
UNIV 111 Play VideoPlay course video for Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
Any jazz ensemble 1
Ensemble elective 1
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 16
Spring semester
APPL 312 Applied Lessons: ____ (principal instrument) 2
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____ 1
APPM 174 Keyboard Skills II 1
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 399 Jazz Master Class 0
MHIS 146 Theory and Aural Skills II 4
MHIS 147 Jazz Theory and Aural Skills 3
UNIV 200 Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
Any jazz ensemble 1
 Term Hours: 15
Sophomore year
Fall semester
APPL 313 Applied Lessons: ____ (principal instrument) 2
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____ 1
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 251 Jazz Improvisation I 3
APPM 272 Jazz Piano for the Non-keyboard Player 1 1
APPM 399 Jazz Master Class 0
MHIS 245 Theory and Aural Skills III 4
Any jazz ensemble 1
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 15
Spring semester
APPL 314 Applied Lessons: ____ (principal instrument) 2
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____ 1
APPM 252 Jazz Improvisation II 3
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 399 Jazz Master Class 0
Any jazz ensemble 1
Ensemble elective 1
General education course 3
Open elective 2
 Term Hours: 13
Junior year
Fall semester
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____ 1
APPL 415 Applied Lessons: ____ (principal instrument) 2
APPM 399 Jazz Master Class 0
MHIS 120 Music in Culture 2
MUSC 210 Digital Music Production 3
Any jazz ensemble 1
Ensemble elective 1
General education courses 6
 Term Hours: 16
Spring semester
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____ 1
APPL 416 Applied Lessons and Junior Recital: ____ (principal instrument) 2
APPM 381 Conducting 2
APPM 399 Jazz Master Class 0
APPM 463 Pedagogy 2
MHIS 311 Jazz Arranging I 3
MHIS 322 Classical Music Survey II 2
MHIS 324 Jazz History 3
Any jazz ensemble 1
 Term Hours: 16
Senior year
Fall semester
APPL 417 Applied Lessons: ____ (principal instrument) 2
APPM 399 Jazz Master Class 0
MHIS 312 Jazz Arranging II 3
MHIS 380 Survey of the Music Industry 3
Any jazz ensemble 1
General education course 3
Open elective 2
 Term Hours: 14
Spring semester
APPL 418 Applied Lessons and Senior Recital: ____ (principal instrument) 2
APPM 399 Jazz Master Class 0
APPM 492 Senior Project: Portfolio Review 1
Any jazz ensemble 1
Ensemble elective 1
General education courses 6
Open electives 4
 Term Hours: 15
 Total Hours: 120
1

APPM 272 is required if the principal instrument is not piano, and these students will be required to take a total of six credits of open electives. Students who are not required to take APPM 272 will take seven credits of open electives.

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