Inside Music
VCU School of the Arts

Inside Music is part of a series relating majors at VCU to occupational fields. The information in this pamphlet can help you in planning your education and career.

Music includes the study of theory, composition, history and literature, teaching and performance. Students at VCU may choose the professionally oriented Bachelor of Music degree or the liberal-arts-oriented Bachelor of Arts in Music. The Bachelor of Music degree offers a choice of concentrations: performance, jazz studies performance, composition or music education. The Bachelor of Arts in Music requires a second concentration in another discipline.

Through the general requirements for music majors, students typically gain the following skills:

• written communication skills.
• oral communication skills.
• basic knowledge of history and social sciences.
• solid foundation in the performance of their discipline.
• creative problem solving as related to the specific discipline.

Some skills typically developed by students in this major include the following:

• knowledge of music theory and history.
• strong technical skills in the concentration area.
• aural and conducting skills.
• use of music technology.
• training in both classical music and jazz.

Some representative courses students in music take include the following:

• Jazz Improvisation
• Class Composition
• Computers in Music
• Conducting
• Counterpoint
• Jazz Arranging
• Jazz Improvisation
• Keyboard Skills
• Large Ensembles (Orchestra, Band, Choir, Jazz Orchestra)
• Opera Theatre
• Orchestration
• Pedagogy
• Private lessons in a particular instrument
• Process of Music Education
• Senior Recital

To become more marketable:

• Participate in, and take on leadership activities in, extracurricular activities and departmental performances.
• Take electives relating to your career goals or minor in a supporting field.
• Get a part-time job related to your concentration.

Typical areas of employment entered include the following:

• Arranger
• Church Musician/Music Director
• Conductor
• Musical Instrument Sales Representative
• Music Composer
• Music Critic
• Music Management
• Music Teacher
• Performer

Graduate study may or may not be required, depending upon the specific career goals. Generally, the level of ability is more important than advanced degrees for performers. However, some performers pursue graduate degrees in order to enhance their skills. Further education is necessary for those who wish to teach at the college level.

Further information is available at the Career Center (Student Commons, first floor) or through the department:

Virginia Commonwealth University
School of the Arts
Department of Music
Performing Arts Center, 922 Park Ave., Room 132
PO Box 842004
Richmond VA 23284-2004

804-828-1166
E-mail: music@vcu.edu

This brochure is published by the VCU Career Development Council in cooperation with academic departments.

Back to main page.