Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2019-2020

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
  • Arts Program Coordinator
  • Music Program Coordinator
  • Showroom Coordinator
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Composer
  • Music Director
  • Music Therapist
  • Secondary School Teacher
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
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
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 to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
  • Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.  
  • Attend Music Education Advising Forum.
  • Take Praxis Core Academic Skills exam if needed. Submit test scores to the Music Education Office.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Submit your secondary instrument request and begin secondary lessons in spring semester.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
  • Expand your knowledge of non-European musical cultures and practices in MHIS 120 Introduction to World Musical Styles.
  • Apply for a Dean’s International Study Grant.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Develop pedagogical and teaching strategies competencies in Methods & Techniques courses.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Plan transportation for practicum (must provide your own) to placements in Chesterfield, Richmond, Hanover, or Henrico.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Enter Candidacy. Begin Music Ed Core Sequence with MUED 380 (fall) and MUED 381 (spring).
  • Take and pass VCLA and Praxis II (code 5113) prior to Summer following 3rd year.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Create a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
  • Seek volunteer opportunities to assist with a local K-12 Music program teaching lessons, helping with sectionals, assisting with Marching Band/Show Choir.
  • Volunteer to assist with District and All-Virginia auditions and events.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
  • Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
  • Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Complete junior recital in spring semester.   
  • 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
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.

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. 
  • Complete Practicum and Music Education Technology and Arranging in fall semester. Instrumental majors also complete Marching Band Techniques.
  • Apply for Student Teaching in August.
  • Complete all music major coursework prior to beginning Student Teaching in the spring semester.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
  • 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
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Student Teach in the Spring: a semester-long, full-time teaching experience in a public-school music program.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office. 
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
  • Review job application materials and conduct mock interviews with Music Education faculty and Career Services.  
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2019-2020

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 to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
  • Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.  
  • Attend Music Education Advising Forum.
  • Take Praxis Core Academic Skills exam if needed. Submit test scores to the Music Education Office.
Experience Year 2
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Submit your secondary instrument request and begin secondary lessons in spring semester.
  • Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
  • Expand your knowledge of non-European musical cultures and practices in MHIS 120 Introduction to World Musical Styles.
  • Apply for a Dean’s International Study Grant.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Develop pedagogical and teaching strategies competencies in Methods & Techniques courses.
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Plan transportation for practicum (must provide your own) to placements in Chesterfield, Richmond, Hanover, or Henrico.
Year 3
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Enter Candidacy. Begin Music Ed Core Sequence with MUED 380 (fall) and MUED 381 (spring).
  • Take and pass VCLA and Praxis II (code 5113) prior to Summer following 3rd year.
  • Create a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
  • Seek volunteer opportunities to assist with a local K-12 Music program teaching lessons, helping with sectionals, assisting with Marching Band/Show Choir.
  • Volunteer to assist with District and All-Virginia auditions and events.
  • Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
  • Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
  • Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Complete junior recital in spring semester.   
  • Begin Practicum: a directed field experience guided by mentors in public-school music programs assigned by the Music Ed Faculty.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Excel Year 4
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. 
  • Complete Practicum and Music Education Technology and Arranging in fall semester. Instrumental majors also complete Marching Band Techniques.
  • Apply for Student Teaching in August.
  • Complete all music major coursework prior to beginning Student Teaching in the spring semester.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
  • 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.  
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Student Teach in the Spring: a semester-long, full-time teaching experience in a public-school music program.
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office. 
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
  • Review job application materials and conduct mock interviews with Music Education faculty and Career Services.