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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2018-2019

Music

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):
Performance (Instrumental Concentrations - Guitar, Jazz Studies, Piano, Strings, Winds and Percussion)
Program description

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.

Career opportunities

Students in the Bachelor of Music with a concentration in performance program pursue studies as instrumental soloists, opera singers, jazz musicians, chamber musicians and more. The performance program prepares students for wide variety of professional and entrepreneurial careers in music as well as post-graduate study in an area of chosen specialization. VCU Music has great opportunities for you whether you want to hone your skills on a specific instrument, learn the best techniques for teaching tomorrow’s musicians, collaborate with other great chamber or jazz musicians or make music a foundation for other career goals.

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
  • Accompanist
  • Composer
  • Music Coordinator
  • Music Director
  • Music Supervisor
  • Musician/Performer
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)
  • 2.0

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.
  • Register for practice room access and discuss effective practice strategies with your faculty. 
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. 
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” and The Vault to learn about employers and job titles in your field.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
  • Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services. 
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic advisor.
  • 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.
  • Tour the library and meet with your librarian to enhance research skills and access resources.  

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
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.
  • Seek out volunteer and work study opportunities.
  • Apply for scholarships to participate in summer music festivals or other summer opportunities.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Engage with guest artists, shadow someone in your field and conduct informational interviews.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
  • Consider who could serve as professional and academic references for letters of recommendation.
  • Develop professional performance skills through lessons, theory and aural skills, and ensembles.
  • Meet with a Money Coach to make a business plan for freelance work at The Money Spot.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Build your performance portfolio through recitals and participation in ensembles.
  • Meet with your advisor to discuss upper-level courses to develop musicianship, understand historical context, and enhance skill set. 
  • Complete junior recital in spring semester.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Consider taking a service-learning course such as Music and Social Justice. 
  • Volunteer to assist with VCU Music events. Seek opportunities to perform and connect with professional musicians and VCU alumni.
  • Attend civic meetings: school board, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Attend OMSA events.
  • Practice and improve your language skills. Voice students must complete 8 credits of Italian, German, or French at the 101-102 level.   
  • Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office. 
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Develop a research project and apply for a Music Department grant and/or an Undergraduate Research Grant.
  • Discuss research interests with faculty and consider developing an independent study proposal.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • 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.
  • Revisit gap analysis and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services. Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings.
  • Create a professional website and use social media to connect with audiences and other musicians.
  • Update your “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic advisor

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • 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 senior recital in spring semester.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Meet and perform with internationally recognized artists through VCU Music concerts and masterclasses.
  • Serve in a leadership role in a student or community organization. 
  • Attend professional organization conferences such as MTNA, ACDA, NATS, ASTA, or JEN and participate in mentorship programs.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Analyze music in different cultural contexts through courses such as Music History I & II, Jazz History, and Music of the African Continent and Diaspora.
  • 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
  • Learn about copyright, business organization, music production, management, recording, freelancing, and grants in MHIS 380: Survey of the Music Industry.
  • Develop connections with musicians, businesses, and organizations in your field.
  • Apply for an internship through the Music Department and a VCUarts internship grant.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Review job application materials and conduct mock interviews with Career Services.
  • Complete capstone experience integrating resume preparation and professional development within the field of music in APPM 492: Senior Project: Portfolio Review.
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):
Performance (Instrumental Concentrations - Guitar, Jazz Studies, Piano, Strings, Winds and Percussion) | Performance - Voice Concentration
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.
  • Register for practice room access and discuss effective practice strategies with your faculty. 
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. 
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” and The Vault to learn about employers and job titles in your field.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
  • Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services. 
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic advisor.
  • 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.
  • Tour the library and meet with your librarian to enhance research skills and access resources.  
Experience Year 2
  • 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.
  • Seek out volunteer and work study opportunities.
  • Apply for scholarships to participate in summer music festivals or other summer opportunities.
  • Engage with guest artists, shadow someone in your field and conduct informational interviews.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
  • Consider who could serve as professional and academic references for letters of recommendation.
  • Develop professional performance skills through lessons, theory and aural skills, and ensembles.
  • Meet with a Money Coach to make a business plan for freelance work at The Money Spot.
Year 3
  • Build your performance portfolio through recitals and participation in ensembles.
  • Meet with your advisor to discuss upper-level courses to develop musicianship, understand historical context, and enhance skill set. 
  • Complete junior recital in spring semester.
  • Consider taking a service-learning course such as Music and Social Justice. 
  • Volunteer to assist with VCU Music events. Seek opportunities to perform and connect with professional musicians and VCU alumni.
  • Attend civic meetings: school board, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend OMSA events.
  • Practice and improve your language skills. Voice students must complete 8 credits of Italian, German, or French at the 101-102 level.   
  • Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office. 
  • Develop a research project and apply for a Music Department grant and/or an Undergraduate Research Grant.
  • Discuss research interests with faculty and consider developing an independent study proposal.
  • 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.
  • Revisit gap analysis and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services. Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings.
  • Create a professional website and use social media to connect with audiences and other musicians.
  • Update your “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic advisor
Excel Year 4
  • 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 senior recital in spring semester.
  • Meet and perform with internationally recognized artists through VCU Music concerts and masterclasses.
  • Serve in a leadership role in a student or community organization. 
  • Attend professional organization conferences such as MTNA, ACDA, NATS, ASTA, or JEN and participate in mentorship programs.
  • Analyze music in different cultural contexts through courses such as Music History I & II, Jazz History, and Music of the African Continent and Diaspora.
  • 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. 
  • Learn about copyright, business organization, music production, management, recording, freelancing, and grants in MHIS 380: Survey of the Music Industry.
  • Develop connections with musicians, businesses, and organizations in your field.
  • Apply for an internship through the Music Department and a VCUarts internship grant.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Review job application materials and conduct mock interviews with Career Services.
  • Complete capstone experience integrating resume preparation and professional development within the field of music in APPM 492: Senior Project: Portfolio Review.