Music

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Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2021-2022

School of the Arts

Program description

The Bachelor of Arts 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 music and open electives. This degree is designed for students who want to build a strong foundation of musical knowledge and skill while also having the flexibility to create their own unique curricular path. This program is ideal for students who want to major in music, but are also interested in minoring or double majoring in other programs.

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Arts in Music prepares students for a wide variety of professional and entrepreneurial careers in music or interdisciplinary fields as well as post-graduate study in an area of chosen specialization. VCU Music graduates utilize their skills and musical knowledge in various fields including music publishing, music criticism, arts administration, performance, teaching, songwriting, film scoring, arranging, conducting, music therapy, concert management and promotion, audio consulting, and media production.

Change of major requirements

An audition and application are prerequisites to the change of major process. Prospective students are required to schedule an audition here and submit their application here.

Typical application deadlines are November 1 (for spring applicants) and April 1 (for fall applicants).

Bachelor-level job titles

Community Music Director
Market Research Analyst in Music Industry
Music Editor
Music Journalist
Music Producer
Music Program Coordinator
Musician
Private Lessons Instructor
Recording Artist
Showroom Coordinator
Venue Event Coordinator

Graduate and professional level job titles

Composer
Conductor/Music Director
Music Teacher
Music Therapist

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Music

Plan of study in Bulletin

Music

Requirements

Highest level of math required

Quantitative Foundations requirement only

Science required

Natural Sciences requirement only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

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

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
Register for practice room access and discuss effective practice strategies with faculty.
Talk with your advisor about potential minors, certificates, or double majors that you can pursue to supplement your degree like psychology, business, nonprofit management, disability studies, or entrepreneurship.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
Attend VCU Music concerts, events, and special guest master classes.
Join a student group such as Kappa Kappa Psi at VCU, the VCU Peppas, or ACDA@VCU.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
Explore funding for international opportunities.
If you want to study abroad, talk to your advisor about what semester will be best and how to adjust your curriculum to make that happen.
Connect with international artists and programs in VCU Music master classes led by guest artists and faculty performers.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Meet with your career advisor to explore your strengths and skill areas outside of music to inform your decision about what minor, certificate, or double major to add to your degree.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
Talk to your professors about your research interests and consider planning a future independent study in one of your interest areas.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
Get involved with a local program such as SPARC: Live Art, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra Project, the Vocal Arts Project, or one of VCU’s pre-college programs.
Seek out volunteer and work-study opportunities related to music.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
Apply for the VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant.
Expand your knowledge of non-European musical cultures and practices in MHIS 120 Music in Culture.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
Apply for scholarships to participate in summer music festivals or other summer opportunities.
Look for collaborative opportunities with your fellow undergrads like composing for a cinema major’s short film or working with an engineering student on a music-related project.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
Develop professional performance skills through lessons, theory and aural skills, and ensembles.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Complete a foreign language through the 102-level.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Design a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, 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.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Support other VCU musicians by volunteering at VCU recitals, concerts, and events.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
As one of your music electives, consider participating in an ensemble outside of your primary area like an African drumming ensemble.
Use VCU Libraries' World Music databases to find music from around the world to inform your professional practice.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
Update your ePortfolio.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Ask your professors for advice on choosing a graduate program and start scheduling visits to conservatories on your shortlist.
Develop a research project and apply for an Undergraduate Research and Innovation Grant.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Create a professional website or social media channel to showcase your performances or compositions and connect with other musicians.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
Complete your capstone experience in APPM 492 where you will prepare your resume, website, and repertoire list.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Find ways to bridge multidisciplinary interests or research through community-based projects.
Meet and perform with internationally recognized artists through VCU Music concerts and master classes.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
Analyze music in different cultural contexts through courses such as Jazz History, History of Hip-Hop, or American Folk Music.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
Learn about relevant topics such as copyright, business organization, music production, management, recording, freelancing, grants, and music careers in MHIS 380 Survey of the Music Industry.
Seek out opportunities to teach private lessons on your instrument or play in pit orchestras, recording ensembles, etc. to build your skills and resume.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out 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 by Career Services.
Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Apply for an internship through the Music Department.
Develop connections with musicians, businesses, and organizations in your field.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2021-2022

Music

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):

No 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 to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner. Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. Register for practice room access and discuss effective practice strategies with faculty. Talk with your advisor about potential minors, certificates, or double majors that you can pursue to supplement your degree like psychology, business, nonprofit management, disability studies, or entrepreneurship.	Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council. Consider applying to the Honors College. Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community. Attend VCU Music concerts, events, and special guest master classes. Join a student group such as Kappa Kappa Psi at VCU, the VCU Peppas, or ACDA@VCU.	Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU. Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa. Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate. Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101. Explore funding for international opportunities. If you want to study abroad, talk to your advisor about what semester will be best and how to adjust your curriculum to make that happen. Connect with international artists and programs in VCU Music master classes led by guest artists and faculty performers.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities. Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Meet with your career advisor to explore your strengths and skill areas outside of music to inform your decision about what minor, certificate, or double major to add to your degree.	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities. Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Experience	Year 2	Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center. Talk to your professors about your research interests and consider planning a future independent study in one of your interest areas.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere. If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association. Get involved with a local program such as SPARC: Live Art, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra Project, the Vocal Arts Project, or one of VCU’s pre-college programs. Seek out volunteer and work-study opportunities related to music.	Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization. Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty. Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Apply for the VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant. Expand your knowledge of non-European musical cultures and practices in MHIS 120 Music in Culture.	Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work. Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job. Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio. Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value. Apply for scholarships to participate in summer music festivals or other summer opportunities. Look for collaborative opportunities with your fellow undergrads like composing for a cinema major’s short film or working with an engineering student on a music-related project.	Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building. Develop professional performance skills through lessons, theory and aural skills, and ensembles.
Experience	Year 3	See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Complete a foreign language through the 102-level.	Design a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, 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. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Support other VCU musicians by volunteering at VCU recitals, concerts, and events.	Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals. Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume. As one of your music electives, consider participating in an ensemble outside of your primary area like an African drumming ensemble. Use VCU Libraries' World Music databases to find music from around the world to inform your professional practice.	Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor. Update your ePortfolio. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Ask your professors for advice on choosing a graduate program and start scheduling visits to conservatories on your shortlist. Develop a research project and apply for an Undergraduate Research and Innovation Grant.	Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Create a professional website or social media channel to showcase your performances or compositions and connect with other musicians.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. Complete your capstone experience in APPM 492 where you will prepare your resume, website, and repertoire list.	Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization. Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Find ways to bridge multidisciplinary interests or research through community-based projects. Meet and perform with internationally recognized artists through VCU Music concerts and master classes.	Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations. Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation. Analyze music in different cultural contexts through courses such as Jazz History, History of Hip-Hop, or American Folk Music.	Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools. Learn about relevant topics such as copyright, business organization, music production, management, recording, freelancing, grants, and music careers in MHIS 380 Survey of the Music Industry. Seek out opportunities to teach private lessons on your instrument or play in pit orchestras, recording ensembles, etc. to build your skills and resume.	Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out 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 by Career Services. Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Apply for an internship through the Music Department. Develop connections with musicians, businesses, and organizations in your field.