Special requirementsStudents in the Bachelor of Arts program must earn Level IV on a single instrument to fulfill their graduation requirements. |
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music is designed for students who want a degree that combines a breadth of general studies with a major in music. Included are courses in basic theory, aural skills, applied performance, music history and foreign language, as well as restricted music electives, free electives and a minor in an area other than music.
Degree requirements for Music, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Learning outcomesUpon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: Students will
|
| General Education requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| University Core Education Curriculum (minimum 21 credits) | |
| UNIV 111 Focused Inquiry I | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Focused Inquiry II | 3 |
| UNIV 200 Writing and Rhetoric | 3 |
| Approved humanities/fine arts | 3 |
| Approved natural/physical sciences | 3-4 |
| Approved quantitative literacy | 3-4 |
| Approved social/behavioral sciences | 3-4 |
| Additional School of the Arts requirements (27-35 credits) | |
|---|---|
| Foreign language through the 102 level (by course or placement) | 0-8 |
| General education courses from the College of Humanities and Sciences | 9 |
| Minor selected from one of the established programs or a planned coherent series of studies approved by a music department advisory committee | 18 |
| Major requirements (58 credits) | |
| APPL 311-314 Applied Lessons (principal performing medium) | 8 |
| APPM 173-174 or 273-274 Keyboard Skills | 2 |
| APPM 199 Recital/Convocation Attendance (four semesters) | 0 |
| APPM 299 Master Class (four semesters) | 0 |
| APPM 381 Conducting | 2 |
| APPM 492 Senior Project: Portfolio Review (capstone) | 1 |
| MHIS 120 Introduction to World Musical Styles | 3 |
| MHIS 145-146, 245-246 Theory and Aural Skills I-IV | 16 |
| MHIS 321, 322 Music History I, II | 6 |
| Ensemble requirement (audition may be required) | 6 |
| Select from the following options: | |
| APPM 355 Orchestra | |
| APPM 356 Symphonic Winds | |
| APPM 357 University Band | |
| APPM 358 Commonwealth Singers | |
| APPM 359 Choral Arts Society | |
| APPM 360 Jazz Orchestra | |
| APPM 361 Small Jazz Ensemble | |
| APPM 363 Flute Choir | |
| APPM 364 Guitar Ensemble | |
| APPM 367 Piano Ensemble | |
| APPM 368 Woodwind Ensemble | |
| APPM 369 Percussion Ensemble | |
| APPM 371 String Chamber Music | |
| APPM 372 Brass Ensemble | |
| APPM 377 Vocal Chamber Ensemble | |
| APPM 378 Women’s Chorus | |
| Music electives | 14 |
| Select from APPL 310 Applied Lessons (limit two semesters), APPM 365 or 366 Aural Skills V or VI, and any MHIS or MUSC 300- and 400-level courses not otherwise required in the curriculum. | |
| Open electives (6 - 14 credits) | 6-14 |
| Total minimum requirements | 120 |
Click here to download a sample outline. ![[PDF]](http://www.pubapps.vcu.edu/Bulletins/images/pdficon_small.gif){kind=small}
Emphasis within B.A. in Music
The B.A. in Music degree offers students the flexibility to create an emphasis in a specific area of music, such as performance, music history and literature, music business, or theory and composition. Such an emphasis may be created through elective choice, selecting among applied performance credits and restricted music electives, possibly in combination with the chosen minor field of study. For further information, students should consult the Department of Music Undergraduate Student Handbook and their music adviser.
Applied music achievement levels
Eight achievement levels have been established for applied instrumental and vocal study. These levels are explicit in terms of expected repertoire, musicianship/style, technique and sight-reading. While freshmen normally earn Level I at their first semester juries, transfer students may be awarded a higher level based on their entrance auditions. B.A. students must earn Level IV on a single instrument to fulfill their graduation requirements.