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/piano concentration-specific outcomes

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of piano repertoire, history and performance procedures
  • Demonstrate piano accompanying skills
 

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

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 415Applied Lessons: ____ (principal performing medium)2
APPL 416Applied Lessons and Junior Recital: ____2
APPM 199Recital/Convocation Attendance (four semesters)0
APPM 299Master Class: ____ (eight 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
• Additional major requirements
APPL 320Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____ (three semesters)3
APPL 417Applied Lessons: ____2
APPL 418Applied Lessons and Senior Recital: ____ (principal performing medium)2
APPM 362Accompanying: Piano2
APPM 367Piano Ensemble (two semesters)4
APPM 374Functional Piano Skills2
APPM 463Pedagogy (piano)2
APPM 492Senior Project: Portfolio Review1
MHIS 303Survey of Piano Music I2
MHIS 304Survey of Piano Music II2
MHIS 305Form and Analysis I2
MHIS 321Classical Music Survey I2
MHIS 322Classical Music Survey II2
Ensemble: Select two credits from the following.2
Commonwealth Singers
Choral Arts Society
Vox Concordia
• Music electives
Select from any AMPT, APPL, APPM, ARTS, MHIS or MUED courses not otherwise required for the degree.16
Open electives
Select any course.16
Total Hours120

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: ____ (piano) 2
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class: ____ (piano) 0
MHIS 145 Theory and Aural Skills I 4
UNIV 101
or UNIV 103
or UNIV 191
 Introduction to the University (recommended open elective)
or Education and Career Planning
or Student Success Special Topics
 1
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
APPM 3XX ensemble requirement 1
General education course 3
Music elective 1
 Term Hours: 15
Spring semester
APPL 312 Applied Lessons: ____ (piano) 2
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class: ____ (piano) 0
MHIS 146 Theory and Aural Skills II 4
UNIV 200 Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
APPM 3XX ensemble requirement 1
General education courses 6
 Term Hours: 16
Sophomore year
Fall semester
APPL 313 Applied Lessons: ____ (piano) 2
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class: ____ (piano) 0
APPM 374 Functional Piano Skills 2
MHIS 120 Music in Culture 2
MHIS 245 Theory and Aural Skills III 4
General education courses 6
 Term Hours: 16
Spring semester
APPL 314 Applied Lessons: ____ (piano) 2
APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance 0
APPM 299 Master Class: ____ (piano) 0
APPM 367 Piano Ensemble 2
General education course 3
Music elective 3
Open electives 6
 Term Hours: 16
Junior year
Fall semester
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____ 1
APPL 415 Applied Lessons: ____ (piano) 2
APPM 299 Master Class: ____ (piano) 0
APPM 362 Accompanying: Piano 2
APPM 381 Conducting 2
MHIS 303 Survey of Piano Music I (piano) 2
MHIS 305 Form and Analysis I 2
MHIS 321 Classical Music Survey I 2
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 16
Spring semester
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____ 1
APPL 416 Applied Lessons and Junior Recital: ____ (piano) 2
APPM 299 Master Class: ____ (piano) 0
APPM 367 Piano Ensemble 2
MHIS 304 Survey of Piano Music II 2
MHIS 322 Classical Music Survey II 2
Music electives 3
Open elective 3
 Term Hours: 15
Senior year
Fall semester
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument: ____ 1
APPL 417 Applied Lessons: ____ (piano) 2
APPM 299 Master Class: ____ (piano) 0
General education course 3
Music elective 4
Open elective 3
 Term Hours: 13
Spring semester
APPL 418 Applied Lessons and Senior Recital: ____ (piano) 2
APPM 299 Master Class: ____ (piano) 0
APPM 463 Pedagogy 2
APPM 492 Senior Project: Portfolio Review 1
Music electives 5
Open elective 3
 Term Hours: 13
 Total Hours: 120

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