Music

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2021-2022

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 pre-professional 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 major resulting in lasting, positive relationships that endure 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

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

Choral or Instrumental Conductor
K-12 Music Educator
Music Program Coordinator
Private Music Teacher

Graduate and professional level job titles

Composer
Music Director
Music Supervisor
Music Therapist

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Music, concentration in music education/instrumental

Music, concentration in music education/vocal-choral

Plan of study in Bulletin

Music, concentration in music education/instrumental

Music, concentration in music education/vocal-choral

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)

3.0+ cumulative GPA through end of sophomore year

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.
Attend the Music Education Advising Forum to learn about your major and curriculum.
Take Praxis Core Academic Skills exam if needed. Submit test scores to the Music Education Office.

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.
Initiate peer support study groups to help each other in Theory and Aural Skills, Keyboard Skills, and ensembles.
Join ACDA@VCU or Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity.

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.
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.
Talk with your advisor about whether you have room to add supplemental courses to your degree like the Certificate in Disability Studies.

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.
Interview a K-12 music educator to learn more about the career field.

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.
Focus on achieving and maintaining a 3.0+ cumulative GPA in preparation for entering the music education cohort in your third year.
Submit your secondary instrument request and begin secondary lessons in spring semester.

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.
Volunteer to assist with All-District and All-Virginia auditions and events.

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 Introduction to World Musical Styles.

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.
Develop pedagogical strategies and competencies in your Methods and Techniques courses.

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.
Connect with two professional mentors (one at VCU and one in K-12 music education) who can provide recommendations for your application to join the MUED cohort.
Fill out the application for music teacher candidacy to begin taking the MUED core sequence in the fall of your 3rd year.

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 your junior recital in your spring semester.
Study and prepare to take the VCLA and Praxis II: Music Content Knowledge (code 5113) exams in spring and summer before your 4th year.

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.
Initiate mentorship opportunities for first- and second-year Music Education students.

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.
Search the VCU Library collection of music scores for music composed by diverse artists and program those pieces in your junior recital.
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.
Begin Music Education’s core sequence including your practicum: three semesters of directed field experience guided by mentors in public school music programs and assigned by the MUED faculty.
Seek volunteer opportunities to assist with a local K-12 music program by teaching lessons, helping with sectionals, or assisting with marching band or show choir.

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.
Talk with your advisor and professors about the pros and cons of immediately pursuing graduate study or going right into the music education field.

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 all music coursework prior to beginning Music Education Student Teaching I and II in the spring semester.

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.
Attend the VMEA Conference and network with other music educators.
Participate in the NAfME Collegiate Advocacy Summit.

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.
Learn about best practices for culturally responsive teaching and incorporate those into your practicum and student teaching experiences.

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.
Student teach in your spring semester: a semester-long, full-time teaching experience in a public-school music program.

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.
Prior to beginning Music Education Student Teaching I and II, meet with your advisor to discuss your strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth.
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

2021-2022

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 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. Attend the Music Education Advising Forum to learn about your major and curriculum. Take Praxis Core Academic Skills exam if needed. Submit test scores to the Music Education Office.	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. Initiate peer support study groups to help each other in Theory and Aural Skills, Keyboard Skills, and ensembles. Join ACDA@VCU or Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity.	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. 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. Talk with your advisor about whether you have room to add supplemental courses to your degree like the Certificate in Disability Studies.	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. Interview a K-12 music educator to learn more about the career field.
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. Focus on achieving and maintaining a 3.0+ cumulative GPA in preparation for entering the music education cohort in your third year. Submit your secondary instrument request and begin secondary lessons in spring semester.	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. Volunteer to assist with All-District and All-Virginia auditions and events.	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 Introduction to World Musical Styles.	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. Develop pedagogical strategies and competencies in your Methods and Techniques courses.	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. Connect with two professional mentors (one at VCU and one in K-12 music education) who can provide recommendations for your application to join the MUED cohort. Fill out the application for music teacher candidacy to begin taking the MUED core sequence in the fall of your 3rd year.
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 your junior recital in your spring semester. Study and prepare to take the VCLA and Praxis II: Music Content Knowledge (code 5113) exams in spring and summer before your 4th year.	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. Initiate mentorship opportunities for first- and second-year Music Education students.	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. Search the VCU Library collection of music scores for music composed by diverse artists and program those pieces in your junior recital. 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. Begin Music Education’s core sequence including your practicum: three semesters of directed field experience guided by mentors in public school music programs and assigned by the MUED faculty. Seek volunteer opportunities to assist with a local K-12 music program by teaching lessons, helping with sectionals, or assisting with marching band or show choir.	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. Talk with your advisor and professors about the pros and cons of immediately pursuing graduate study or going right into the music education field.
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 all music coursework prior to beginning Music Education Student Teaching I and II in the spring semester.	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. Attend the VMEA Conference and network with other music educators. Participate in the NAfME Collegiate Advocacy Summit.	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. Learn about best practices for culturally responsive teaching and incorporate those into your practicum and student teaching experiences.	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. Student teach in your spring semester: a semester-long, full-time teaching experience in a public-school music program.	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. Prior to beginning Music Education Student Teaching I and II, meet with your advisor to discuss your strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth. Review job application materials and conduct mock interviews with Music Education faculty and Career Services.