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/strings

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 (principal performing medium)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
MHIS 322Classical Music Survey II2
• Additional major requirements
APPL 320Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument (three semesters)3
APPL 417Applied Lessons (principal performing medium)2
APPL 418Applied Lessons and Senior Recital (principal performing medium)2
APPM 173Keyboard Skills I1
APPM 174Keyboard Skills II1
APPM 273Keyboard Skills III1
APPM 355Orchestra (eight semesters)8
APPM 463Pedagogy2
APPM 492Senior Project: Portfolio Review1
MHIS 305Form and Analysis I2
MHIS 321Classical Music Survey I2
MHIS 380Survey of the Music Industry3
Ensemble elective (audition may be required): Select four credits from the following:4
Piano Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
String Chamber Music
• Music electives14
Select from any AMPT. APPL, APPM, ARTS, MHIS, MUED, or MUSC courses not otherwise required for the degree.
Open electives
Select any course.14
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.

Freshman year
Fall semesterHours
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 355 Orchestra 1
APPM 3XX ensemble elective 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: 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 355 Orchestra 1
APPM 3XX ensemble elective 1
MHIS 146 Theory and Aural Skills II 4
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: 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 355 Orchestra 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 355 Orchestra 1
APPM 3XX ensemble elective 1
General education course 3
General elective course 3
Music elective 2
Open elective 2
 Term Hours: 15
Junior year
Fall semester
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument 1
APPL 415 Applied Lessons (principal instrument) 2
APPM 299 Master Class (principal instrument) 0
APPM 355 Orchestra 1
APPM 381 Conducting 2
APPM 3XX ensemble elective 1
MHIS 305 Form and Analysis I 2
MHIS 321 Classical Music Survey I 2
Open elective 3
 Term Hours: 14
Spring semester
APPL 320 Applied Lessons Secondary Instrument 1
APPL 416 Applied Lessons and Junior Recital (principal instrument) 2
APPM 299 Master Class (principal instrument) 0
APPM 355 Orchestra 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 355 Orchestra 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 355 Orchestra 1
APPM 492 Senior Project: Portfolio Review 1
Open electives 9
Music elective 3
 Term Hours: 16
 Total Hours: 120

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