Music Programs and Curriculum

Virginia State University
Department of Music, Art & Design
Areas of Specialization in Music

A placement examination in music theory, piano and all performance mediums (vocal or instrumental), will be given to all entering students in order to determine their level of ability. In the event that a student lacks sufficient background in one of the above areas, the student may be admitted on a probationary basis; however, it is expected that the student will make sufficient progress within a year’s time, which will allow him/her to become a regular student and be admitted to the regular program, in good standing.

Twelve semester hours of applied music are required of all Music Education Majors. Beginning with the second semester of matriculation each student is required to perform at least once each semester on Student Seminar Recitals. A proficiency examination is required of all students in music theory, music history, piano and their applied area at the end of their sophomore year. All students are required to give a full senior recital. A jury examination is required six weeks prior to the recital.

An audition is required in the selected medium prior to admission to the program.

A placement examination in music theory, piano and all performance mediums ( vocal or instrumental), will be given to all entering students in order to determine their level of ability. In the event that a student lacks sufficient background in one of the above areas, the student may be admitted on a probationary basis; however, it is expected that the student will make sufficient progress within a year's time, which will allow him/her to become a regular student and be admitted to the regular program, in good standing.

Twenty-one semester hours of applied music are required of all Performance Majors in their major applied area and three additional hours for the senior recital. Beginning with the second semester of matriculation each student is required to perform at least twice each semester on Student Seminar Recitals. A proficiency examination is required of all students in music theory, music history, piano and their applied area at the end of their sophomore year.

Proficiency requirements for graduation include, along with the core curriculum, the development of advanced performance skills which meet professional musical standards ( e.g. the ability to execute music from memory, an outstanding sense of musicianship, and a substantial knowledge of the repertoire of his/her instrument. A proficiency examination is required of all students in music theory, music history, and their applied area at the end of their sophomore year. A basic proficiency in piano must be demonstrated by all performance majors other than piano majors.

All performance majors are required to give a full recital at the end of their junior and senior years as partial fulfillment for the performance degree. A jury examination is required six weeks prior to each recital.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree allows students to elect a solid liberal arts baccalaureate degree with music as the chosen major. This degree is recommended for students whose background in music prior to entering Virginia State University has not prepared them for the rigors of a Bachelor of Music in Performance and who have no desire to teach public school music.

The degree also allow students with extensive music background who have an interest in graduate study in music in an academic area (theory, history) or in composition to pursue these interest within the framework of a Bachelor of Arts curriculum here at Virginia State University.

In addition, the degree allow freshmen who are listed a "undecided" to elect music as a major after beginning general studies and complete their degree in a 4 ½ - 5 year time frame. The degree also provides an additional choice for those students who, after entering a Bachelor of Music program at Virginia State University, decide at some point in their degree program that they still wish to major in music, but no longer wish to pursue either the Bachelor of Music in either Performance or in Music Education.