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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2018-2019

Music

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):
Music Education, instrumental; Music Education, vocal-choral
Program description

Music education is at the core of what it means to educate a child. The goal of Music Education in the PK-12 setting is to develop the musicality of each child: the ability of each child to perceive, process and manipulate music on a personal level. Sequential reasoning skills, temporal/spatial differentiation, and creative problem-solving applications, as well as aesthetic and trans-cultural awareness and positive socialization development are among some of the results which make an appropriate Music Education an essential, fundamental element of the education of every child. Music Education students at VCU are part of an exciting and innovative program designed to guide that musical growth in children.

As students in the Department of Music of the internationally recognized School of the Arts, Music Education majors thrive in an atmosphere of creativity, exceptional musical achievement, and hands-on Music Education methodology and directed field-experiences. Music Education majors at VCU are challenged to demonstrate both excellence through their own personal musicianship as well as superior skills as a preprofessional Music Educator: understanding how music is learned in order to understand how to teach. The VCU Music Education faculty is committed to providing a model of individualized, focused attention to each Music Education major resulting in lasting, positive relationships which continue as each student moves into this stimulating and vital profession.

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Music with a concentration in music education is a rigorous program that prepares graduates to pursue professions in education and related fields. The VCU Music program incorporates requirements necessary to qualify for the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Collegiate Professional Certificate to teach music in public schools. Reciprocity between Virginia and numerous other states makes it possible for those music education students who become certified to teach in Virginia to obtain certification in those other states.

Change of major requirements

Audition required. Student must submit application to VCUarts Admissions.

http://arts.vcu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/current-vcu-student/


Bachelor-level job titles
  • Music Director
  • Music Program Coordinator
  • Music Teacher (*K-12 requires more training)
  • Music Therapist
  • Showroom Coordinator
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 131
Science required
  • Core only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.8

Contact information

Department name:
Department of Music
Building/room location:
W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, Room 134
Phone:
(804) 828-1166
Email:
music@vcu.edu
http://arts.vcu.edu/music/
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Attend Music Education Advising Forum and read the Undergraduate Advising Handbook. Review options for achieving Candidacy.
  • Take Praxis Core Academic Skills exam if needed. Submit test scores to the Music Education Office.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Initiate peer support study groups to help each other with Theory and Aural Skills, Keyboards Skills, and Applied Lessons.
  • Register to vote and vote in Virginia.
  • Audition for ensembles and attend VCU Music concerts and events.
  • Register for practice room access and discuss practice strategies with your faculty.
  • Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
  • Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations. 
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Schedule an appointment and meet with Director of Music Education.
  • Explore The Vault to learn about employers/ job titles related to your field.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic advisor.
  • Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
  • Use Lynda.com to enhance skills in digital literacy, marketing and project management.
  • Visit The Well, The Money Spot, and use tools like What Does it Cost to Be You to learn and practice independent living skills.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss courses and progression towards candidacy for music education.
  • Submit your secondary instrument request and begin secondary lessons in spring semester.
  • Go to your professors’ “Office Hours” to discuss research interests and strategies for success.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Expand your knowledge of non-European musical cultures and practices in MHIS 120 Introduction to World Musical Styles.
  • Consider summer Study Abroad opportunities such as International Chamber Music: Colombia.
  • Apply for a Dean’s International Study Grant.
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Create a draft of your resume and come to Career Services to have it reviewed.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year to explore your interests.
  • Develop pedagogical and teaching strategies competencies in Methods & Techniques courses.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Engage with guest artists.
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in your field.
  • Plan for transportation needs for practicum. Placements will be in Richmond Metro Area: Chesterfield, City of Richmond, Hanover, and Henrico. Students must provide their own transportation to field placement.  

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enter Candidacy and begin the Music Education Core Sequence with MUED 380 Introduction to Music Education in the fall semester, MUED 381 in the spring. Complete junior recital in spring semester.   
  • Take and pass VCLA and Praxis II (code 5113) prior to Summer following 3rd year.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Seek volunteer opportunities to teach/assist with a local K-12 Music program (elementary, middle, high) teaching private lessons, helping with sectionals, assisting with Marching Band/Show Choir.
  • Volunteer to assist with District and All-Virginia auditions and events.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings such as school board, city council, or state legislative sessions.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Develop a research project and apply for a Music Department grant and/or an Undergraduate Research Grant.
  • Begin Practicum: a directed field experience guided by mentors in public-school music programs assigned by the Music Ed Faculty.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Talk to your academic advisor, faculty, and/or career services about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation.
  • Update your “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic advisor

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Apply for Student Teaching in August.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Apply to graduate in eServices during your final semester.
  • Complete all music major coursework prior to beginning Student Teaching in the spring semester.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Attend a Music Education Conference such as VMEA, ACDA, ASTA, Mid-West Clinic; initiate mentorship opportunities for first and second year Music Ed majors.
  • Volunteer to assist in faculty-led workshops or guest artist events.    
  • Serve in a leadership role in a student or community organization. 
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Discuss strategies for working with differently-abled students with Music Education faculty.
  • Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.  
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete Practicum and Music Education Technology and Arranging in fall semester. Instrumental majors also complete Marching Band Techniques.
  • In spring semester, complete Student Teaching: a semester-long, full-time teaching experience in a public-school music program.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Research employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Complete remaining requirements for licensure.
  • Review job application materials and conduct mock interviews with Music Education faculty and Career Services.  
  • Update your LinkedIn profile with Career Services. 
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2018-2019

Music

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):
Music Education, instrumental; Music Education, vocal-choral
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Attend Music Education Advising Forum and read the Undergraduate Advising Handbook. Review options for achieving Candidacy.
  • Take Praxis Core Academic Skills exam if needed. Submit test scores to the Music Education Office.
  • Initiate peer support study groups to help each other with Theory and Aural Skills, Keyboards Skills, and Applied Lessons.
  • Register to vote and vote in Virginia.
  • Audition for ensembles and attend VCU Music concerts and events.
  • Register for practice room access and discuss practice strategies with your faculty.
  • Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
  • Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations. 
  • Schedule an appointment and meet with Director of Music Education.
  • Explore The Vault to learn about employers/ job titles related to your field.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic advisor.
  • Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
  • Use Lynda.com to enhance skills in digital literacy, marketing and project management.
  • Visit The Well, The Money Spot, and use tools like What Does it Cost to Be You to learn and practice independent living skills.
Experience Year 2
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss courses and progression towards candidacy for music education.
  • Submit your secondary instrument request and begin secondary lessons in spring semester.
  • Go to your professors’ “Office Hours” to discuss research interests and strategies for success.
  • Expand your knowledge of non-European musical cultures and practices in MHIS 120 Introduction to World Musical Styles.
  • Consider summer Study Abroad opportunities such as International Chamber Music: Colombia.
  • Apply for a Dean’s International Study Grant.
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Create a draft of your resume and come to Career Services to have it reviewed.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year to explore your interests.
  • Develop pedagogical and teaching strategies competencies in Methods & Techniques courses.
  • Engage with guest artists.
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in your field.
  • Plan for transportation needs for practicum. Placements will be in Richmond Metro Area: Chesterfield, City of Richmond, Hanover, and Henrico. Students must provide their own transportation to field placement.  
Year 3
  • Enter Candidacy and begin the Music Education Core Sequence with MUED 380 Introduction to Music Education in the fall semester, MUED 381 in the spring. Complete junior recital in spring semester.   
  • Take and pass VCLA and Praxis II (code 5113) prior to Summer following 3rd year.
  • Seek volunteer opportunities to teach/assist with a local K-12 Music program (elementary, middle, high) teaching private lessons, helping with sectionals, assisting with Marching Band/Show Choir.
  • Volunteer to assist with District and All-Virginia auditions and events.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings such as school board, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Develop a research project and apply for a Music Department grant and/or an Undergraduate Research Grant.
  • Begin Practicum: a directed field experience guided by mentors in public-school music programs assigned by the Music Ed Faculty.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Talk to your academic advisor, faculty, and/or career services about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation.
  • Update your “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic advisor
Excel Year 4
  • Apply for Student Teaching in August.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Apply to graduate in eServices during your final semester.
  • Complete all music major coursework prior to beginning Student Teaching in the spring semester.
  • Attend a Music Education Conference such as VMEA, ACDA, ASTA, Mid-West Clinic; initiate mentorship opportunities for first and second year Music Ed majors.
  • Volunteer to assist in faculty-led workshops or guest artist events.    
  • Serve in a leadership role in a student or community organization. 
  • Discuss strategies for working with differently-abled students with Music Education faculty.
  • Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.  
  • Complete Practicum and Music Education Technology and Arranging in fall semester. Instrumental majors also complete Marching Band Techniques.
  • In spring semester, complete Student Teaching: a semester-long, full-time teaching experience in a public-school music program.
  • Research employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Complete remaining requirements for licensure.
  • Review job application materials and conduct mock interviews with Music Education faculty and Career Services.  
  • Update your LinkedIn profile with Career Services.