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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2023-2024

Music

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):
Music Education/Instrumental, Music Education/Vocal-Choral, Performance/Guitar, Performance/Jazz Studies, Performance/Piano, Performance/Strings, Performance/Voice, Performance/Winds and Percussion
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.


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 that are fundamental to all music degree programs. Included are courses in music theory, aural skills, music history, and conducting.


Students in the instrumental performance concentrations spend eight semesters studying privately on their instrument with our esteemed faculty, and participate in a variety of large and small ensemble experiences throughout their time at VCU. The degree culminates in an hour-long capstone senior recital to showcase students’ musicianship and skill. The vocal performance concentration affords eight semesters of studying classical vocal technique in a weekly private lesson with our esteemed voice faculty, and participate in large and small choral ensembles who perform a wide variety of diverse and challenging choral repertoire. The degree culminates in an hour-long senior recital to showcase students’ musicianship and skill.


Students in the music education/instrumental and the music education/vocal-choral concentrations thrive in an atmosphere of creativity, exceptional musical achievement, and hands-on music education methodology and directed field experiences. Music education students 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 are 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 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.


Students in the Bachelor of Music with a concentration in performance pursue studies as instrumental soloists, opera singers, jazz musicians, chamber musicians and more. The performance program prepares students for a wide variety of professional and entrepreneurial careers in music as well as postgraduate 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.


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
  • 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
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • Quantitative Foundations requirement only
Science required
  • Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
  • Yes
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.0
Transfer Maps

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
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
  • Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
  • 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
  • Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • 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.
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
  • 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

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • 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
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • 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.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • 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
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • 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.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • 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
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • 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.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center 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
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • Complete a foreign language through the 102-level.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • 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
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • 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.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Create a professional website or social media channel to showcase your performances or compositions and connect with other musicians.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Complete your capstone experience in APPM 492 where you will prepare your resume, website, and repertoire list.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • 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.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
  • 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.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • 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
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • 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.
  • 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
Major map compass icon
2023-2024

Music

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):
Music Education/Instrumental, Music Education/Vocal-Choral, Performance/Guitar, Performance/Jazz Studies, Performance/Piano, Performance/Strings, Performance/Voice, Performance/Winds and Percussion
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
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
  • Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
  • 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.
  • Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • 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.
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
  • 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.
Experience Year 2
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Talk to your professors about your research interests and consider planning a future independent study in one of your interest areas.
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • 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.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • 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.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • 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.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • 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.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • 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.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center 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
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • Complete a foreign language through the 102-level.
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • 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.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • 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.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Create a professional website or social media channel to showcase your performances or compositions and connect with other musicians.
Excel Year 4
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Complete your capstone experience in APPM 492 where you will prepare your resume, website, and repertoire list.
  • 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.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
  • 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.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Analyze music in different cultural contexts through courses such as Jazz History, History of Hip-Hop, or American Folk Music.
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • 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.
  • Apply for an internship through the Music Department.
  • Develop connections with musicians, businesses, and organizations in your field.