Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Music, Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts
Virginia Commonwealth University

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.

Outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: Demonstrate performance skills Demonstrate musicianship Acquire supporting competencies Develop artistic/intellectual mission


Program Overview & Guidance
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Program Web Page
Click here for details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree This degree has many pathways for performing musicians, arrangers, and working in the music entertaining field. Many performance opportunities in the region can start while in the third year with internships and gigs possible before graduating.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Auditioning for the program will place you into the appropriate music classes. The pathway to complete the degree will begin with your placement in an applied lesson on an instrument or voice. This will determine the steps to complete upper level requirements.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Virginia Commonwealth University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree Music majors can focus on performance or study a variety of interests in music. Bachelor of Arts music majors can double major, add a minor, or pursue an interests in the local studios.
Program Successes & Highlights Successful alums are professional studio musicians, work for orchestras, or develop their own musical groups to tour.
Program Credit Requirements
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
  • Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
  • View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
Expand or Shrink Accordion

There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived.

Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. Students attending Brightpoint Community College are encouraged to complete the Associate of Fine Arts in Music. Students attending Tidewater Community College are encouraged to complete the Associate of Fine Arts in Music.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. Students attending Brightpoint Community College are encouraged to complete the Associate of Fine Arts in Music. Students attending Tidewater Community College are encouraged to complete the Associate of Fine Arts in Music.
Credit for Prior Learning VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Virginia Commonwealth University
College Level Information
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
1902
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
VCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their pre...see moreVCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their previous institution. Some degree programs like Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Engineering have more competitive GPA requirements. Admission to programs in VCU Arts is also based on an evaluation of additional application materials and may be more competitive. Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 earned semester (36 quarter) hours will also be reviewed based on their high school GPA.
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C..
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
Expand or Shrink Accordion
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Averett UniversityBachelor of Arts in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Fine Arts Degree in MusicAssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Art2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeMusic, A.F.A.AssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Fine Arts - MusicAssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Fine ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Music, Major in MusicBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityMusic, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityMusic, BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityMusic Composition-BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityMusic-BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityMusic Education-BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityMusic Performance-BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversitySound Recording Technology-BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeMusic Major - BA (Music Performance Track)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Music Jazz StudiesBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Music PerformanceBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic Performance (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic Instrumental Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic Voice Performance (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic Vocal Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeMusic with Education Minor for VA Teaching Licensure in Instrumental Music (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeMusic with Education Minor for VA Teaching Licensure in Vocal/Choral Music (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeMusic (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
Expand or Shrink Accordion
O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1121.00Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-2041.00Music Directors and ComposersConduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-2042.00Musicians and SingersPlay one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
Cost To Complete
Expand or Shrink Accordion

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Virginia Commonwealth University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $6,600 Per Semester $52,800 $0 $52,800 Every credit above 14 credits in a semester is charged at half price ($230 per credit for credits 15 and above; credits 1 -14 are charged the full rate)
Fees
University Fee $1,341 Per Semester $10,728 0 $10,728
Technology Fee $158 Per Semester $1,264 0 $1,264
Library Fee $44 Per Semester $352 0 $352
Student Activity Fee $45 Per Semester $360 0 $360 MCV Campus students pay a flat rate of $18
Academic Support Services Fee $50 Per Semester $400 0 $400
Health Fee $123 Per Semester $984 0 $984
Program Fee $45 Per Semester $360 0 $360
Transition Fee $150 Per Semester $1,200 0 $1,200 New undergraduate transfer students will be charged the Student Transition Fee in their first semester to cover Orientation. The Transition Fee for new First-Year Students is $225 and will be assessed in the first semester.
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Potential Additional Fees
    • Additional fees may include on-campus housing, meal plan, parking, technology, and program- and course-specific fees.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.