www.music.vt.edu
John S. Husser, Jr., Head
Professors: A. H. Bachelder; C. V. Burnsed; K. A. Holliday; J. R. Sochinski; D. R. Widder
Associate Professors: R. C. Cole; W. J. Crone; W. E. Easter; S. C. Fields; J. M. Floyd; W. J. Glazebrook; M. L. Hallauer; J. R. Howell; J. S. Husser; D. C. Jacobsen; P. L. Simpson
Assistant Professors: N. B. McDuffie; P. F. Casey; T. Cowden
Instructors: M. E. Dunston; D. M. McKee; G. R. McNeill; J. L. Shew
Career Advisor: 231-5685
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Overview
- The Virginia Tech Department of Music provides high-quality training to a select number of music majors, as well as ensembles and courses for large numbers of non-music majors. Instruction takes place in a handsome new facility which has superb rehearsal rooms, well-designed practice rooms and music teaching studios, a beautiful acoustically engineered Recital Salon, and laboratories with state-of-the-art electronic equipment for music study, recording, and digital music.
- The curriculum offers an excellent liberal arts education with a low professor/student ratio combined with the library, computer facilities, and cultural interaction which only a major comprehensive university can provide. Learning is enhanced by the use of music technology across the curriculum and innovative programs such as laboratory ensembles and extensive teaching experiences in the music education program. Together with traditional degree programs in Performance, Music Education, and Theory/Composition, students may design a degree plan combining music with virtually all other majors offered by the university.
- Virginia Tech faculty artists and scholars have performed and lectured at conventions, in music festivals, and on concert series throughout the United States and in Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America. Each year, internationally known guest artists join forces with our faculty to perform world calibre performances on campus.
- Prospective music majors must successfully complete an audition/interview. Contact the chairperson of the Scholarship and Audition Committee, the Department of Music, 241 Squires Student Center, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0240 to receive information concerning auditions and scholarship opportunities. Scholarship support is available. Please also refer to the School of the Arts general information section for details.
- The major in music, leading to a B.A., emphasizes four areas of music: music education; performance; theory/composition and designed option. This designed option area is provided as a means for a student to tailor music and non-music courses into a curriculum that best meets the interests of the student. In addition to fulfilling the core curricula requirements of the university and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, the music major must pursue a concentration in one of the above areas of emphasis.
- There are five primary options available to music majors. These are:
- 78-Credit Music Education Option (see website for details)
- 78-Credit Performance Option
- 78-Credit Composition Option
- 50-Credit Designed Option – Liberal Arts
- 78-Credit Designed Option – Professional
- There are pre-approved curricula in both of the designed options in the area of music technology. Pre-approved curricula also are available in the 50-credit Designed Option in performance and composition.
- In addition, all music majors must meet a minimum level of piano proficiency no later than two semesters prior to graduation. Music majors are expected to participate in an ensemble or as an accompanist every semester of residence and attend a minimum number of concerts and recitals. Additional curriculum and policy information is available in the Handbook for Music Majors available on the department website.
- The minor in music consists of 18 semester hours selected from performance, history/literature, and theory/composition. Interested students should contact Dr. John M. Floyd, Virginia Tech, Department of Music, 247 Squires Student Center, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0240 or at (540) 231-5604 for the exact requirements.
- The department follows the university core except in Area 4 - Scientific Reasoning and Discovery, of which two credits of laboratory science are not required. Both the Music Department and the university foreign language requirement are the same.
Satisfactory Progress
- University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the University Core (see "Academics"), toward the Liberal Arts and Human Sciences College Core, and toward the degree in music.
- Satisfactory progress toward the B.A. in Music requires that:
- Upon having attempted 72 semester credits (including
transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing, credit by
examination, freshman rule), students must have completed:
| MUS 2025, 2026: Theory/Harmony | 6 |
| MUS 2045, 2046: Harmony/sightsinging Lab | 2 |
| MUS 3135, 3136: History and Analysis of Musical Styles | 6 |
| MUS 3145, 3146: Styles Lab | 2 |
MUS 3314: Instrumental Ensemble Music
or MUS 3414: Choral Ensemble Music | 2 |
| MUS 2514: Individual Applied Voice |
2
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| Credits | (20) |
- Upon having attempted 96 semester credits, students must have an
in-major grade point average of 2.0 or above.
Undergraduate Courses (MUS)
1005-1006: THEORY/FUNDAMENTALS
Development of understanding the basic components of the
composition of music through reading and writing the
symbolic notation as it appears on the page, and realizing
the experimental and expressive content of music
performance through singing, ear training, and practice at
a keyboard instrument.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
1104: MUSIC APPRECIATION
Introduction to fundamental aspects of Western Art Music
of major periods to give the student a basic understanding
of the breadth and nature of this art form.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
2025-2026: THEORY/HARMONY
Study of structure, relationship, and function of chords
through harmonization of bass and melody lines and through
written analysis. Majors and minors only.
Pre: 1006.
Co: 2035, 2045 for 2025; 2036, 2046 for 2026.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
2035-2036: HARMONY LABORATORY
Aural study of rhythm, melody, and harmony, in conjunction
with written and analytic studies in 2025-2026. Majors and
minors only.
Co: 2025, 2045 for 2035; 2026, 2046 for 2036.
(3L,1C)
2045-2046: SIGHTSINGING LABORATORY
Study and practice of techniques involved in the sight
reading and sightsinging of printed music. Majors and
minors only.
Co: 2025, 2035 for 2045; 2026, 2036 for 2046.
(3L,1C)
I,II.
2054: INTERMEDIATE MIDI APPLICATIONS
Application of intermediate MIDI techniques, MIDI hardware
and MIDI software for music synthesis, transcription and
performance. Fundamental musical acoustics and synthesizer
programming. Fundamental digital sound processing and
analog recording techniques. Prepares student to utilize
music technologies effectively in teaching, performance
and creative work.
Pre: 2025.
(3H,3C)
II.
2055-2056: AUDIO TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSIC
Develops basic understanding of audio technology
for musical applications, focusing on today's digital
audio recording and editing technologies including
microphone use, live recording, and studio session
recording. Develops critical listening skills through
lab experimentation and recording. Pre: 2054 and
permission of instructor required.
2055: I, 2056: II
Pre: 2054.
(3H,3C)
2115,2116: SURVEY OF MUSIC
Music and composers of all historical periods will be heard
and studied to acquaint the students with the music of
Western Civilization. The emphasis will be on listening
rather than on reading, writing, and performing music
skills.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
2214: CLASS APPLIED PIANO
Group piano lessons for beginners or for students at an
early stage of keyboard development. May be repeated for
1 credit. Consent required.
(3L,1C)
I,II.
2224: CLASS APPLIED VOICE
Group voice lessons for beginners or for students at an
early stage of vocal development. May be repeated for 1
credit. Consent required.
(3L,1C)
I,II.
2234: CLASS APPLIED STRINGS
Group string lessons for beginners or for students at an
early stage of string development. May be repeated for
1 credit. Consent required.
(3L,1C)
I.
2244: CLASS APPLIED WOODWINDS
Group woodwind lessons for beginners or for students at
an early stage of woodwind development. May be repeated
for 1 credit. Consent required.
(3L,1C)
II.
2254: CLASS APPLIED BRASS
Group brass lessons for beginners or for students at an
early stage of brass development. May be repeated for 1
credit. Consent required.
(3L,1C)
II.
2264: CLASS APPLIED PERCUSSION
Group percussion lessons for beginners or for students
at an early stage of development. May be repeated for 1
credit. Consent required.
(3L,1C)
I.
2514: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED VOICE
Individual instruction in voice. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2515-2516: VOCAL DICTION
An introduction to principles of vocal diction for singing
using the International Phonetic Alphabet and standard
foreign-language pronunciation techniques. Two semesters.
Fall semester: Italian, Latin, and English. Spring
semester: French and German. One credit hour.
Pre: 2514 or 4514.
(1L,1C)
I,II.
2524: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED KEYBOARD
Individual instruction in keyboard. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2534: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED VIOLIN
Individual instruction in violin. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2544: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED VIOLA
Individual instruction in viola. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2554: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED CELLO
Individual instruction in cello. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2564: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED BASS
Individual instruction in bass. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2574: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED FLUTE
Individual instruction in flute. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2584: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED OBOE
Individual instruction in oboe. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2594: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED CLARINET
Individual instruction in clarinet. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2614: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED SAXOPHONE
Individual instruction in saxophone. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2624: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED BASSOON
Individual instruction in bassoon. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2634: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED HORN
Individual instruction in horn. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2644: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED TRUMPET
Individual instruction in trumpet. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2654: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED TROMBONE
Individual instruction in trombone. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2664: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED BARITONE
Individual instruction in baritone. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2674: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED TUBA
Individual instruction in tuba. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2684: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED PERCUSSION
Individual instruction in percussion. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2714: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED HISTORICAL WIND INSTRUMENTS
Individual instruction in historical wind instruments.
May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2724: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED HISTORICAL STRING INSTRUMENTS
Individual instruction in historical string instruments.
May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2734: INDIVIDUAL APPLIED COMPOSITION
Individual instruction in composition. May be repeated.
Consent and audition required.
Variable credit course.
I,II,III.
2815-2816: JAZZ IMPROVISATION
Fundamental principles of jazz improvisation. Topics include interval relationships, chord identification, modes and modality, blues and ii-V-I chord progressions. Pre: Permission of instructor required. 2815: I, 2816: II (2H,2C)
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3024: COUNTERPOINT
Study of the development and aesthetics of contrapuntal
techniques throughout the common practice period.
Pre: 2026.
(3H,3C)
I.
3034: FORM AND ANALYSIS
Analysis of musical form by study of musical scores and
aural development. Simple and large instrumental and vocal
forms. Extensive listening.
Pre: 2025, 2026.
(3H,3C)
I.
3035-3036: ADVANCED EAR TRAINING & KEYBOARD HARMONY
Concentrated and integrated training in sight-singing,
melodic, rhythmic and harmonic dictation, and related
keyboard skills.
Pre: 2036, 2046.
(3L,1C)
I,II.
3044: ORCHESTRATION & ANALYSIS
An introduction to the craft of scoring and arranging of
music for full orchestra. Analysis of scores, small
projects and a full orchestration project.
Pre: 3034.
(3H,3C)
II.
3054: INTRODUCTION TO VOCAL/CHORAL ARRANGING
Techniques of arranging music for vocal/choral ensembles.
Emphasis on transcription from recordings to develop
rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation skills.
Discussion, transcription, listening, small writing
exercises, final project.
Pre: 3035, 3036.
(3H,3C)
I.
3055-3056: MUSIC AND MEDIA PRODUCTION
Develops advanced knowledge of music production through
practical application of music recording and production
technologies, including advanced microphone techniques,
critical listening, and critical artistic evaluation skills.
Individual and group production projects. Hands-on
experience with a variety of expressive media technologies
including CD and DVD production in a collaborative, inter-
disciplinary team approach.
Pre: 2056 and continuation examination.
3055: I, 3056: II
Pre: 2056.
(3H,3C)
3114: SYMPHONIC LITERATURE
Study of representative works of symphonic music from the
eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries, with
corollary readings in the history of musical ideas.
(3H,3C)
II.
3115,3116: MUSIC IN AMERICA
An introduction to the history and stylistic evolution
of American music from the seventeenth century to the
present.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
3124: 20TH CENTURY MUSIC LITERATURE
An introduction to music in Europe and America since 1945;
supplementary study in the aesthetics of contemporary music.
(3H,3C)
I.
3134: VOCAL MUSIC LITERATURE
Covers vocal music of Europe and America, especially music
composed the eighteenth century. Examines differences in
style and forms of choral and solo-vocal expression
characteristic of the Baroque, Classic, Romantic, and
Modern eras. Discusses issues of vocal performance
practice. Ability to read music required.
(3H,3C)
I.
3135-3136: HISTORY AND ANALYSIS OF MUSICAL STYLES
The history of Western music from 1100 to the present as an
evolution of musical styles. Extensive analysis of the
music, stylistic attributes, normative forms, and
representative literature of each period. Historical and
philosophical background of each period. The study of
analytical techniques to improve comprehension and
performance.
Pre: 2026 for 3135; 2026, 3135 for 3136.
Co: 3145 for 3135; 3146 for 3136.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
3144: EARLY MUSIC LITERATURE
Covers vocal and instrumental music from the Middle Ages to
the eighteenth century. Examines differences in style and
forms of expression characteristic especially of Medieval,
Renaissance, and early Baroque music. Discusses issues of
performance practice. Ability to read music required.
(3H,3C)
II.
3145-3146: MUSICAL STYLES LITERACY LABORATORY
Aural study of Western music from 1100 to the present as an
evolution of musical styles. Extensive listening to the
music of each stylistic period. Supervised as well as
self-paced study using HyperMedia technology. Automated
examinations.
Co: 3135, 3136.
(1L,1C)
I,II.
3204: MUSIC FOR CLASSROOM TEACHERS
Foundations and principles of music education for classroom
teachers. Music methods and materials from early
childhood to the middle school.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
3225-3226: CONDUCTING
An introduction to the practice and theory of ensemble
conducting and leadership. 3225: Basic conducting skills,
and choral conducting. 3226: Intermediate conducting
skills, and instrumental conducting. Consent required.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
3314: INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE MUSIC
Instruction and participation in the various instrumental
musical performance ensembles under direction of members
of the music faculty. 3314 and/or 3414 may be repeated for
a combined maximum of 8 hours. Consent and audition
required.
(3H,1C)
I,II.
3414: CHORAL ENSEMBLE MUSIC
Instruction and participation in the various choral
ensembles under the direction of the music faculty. 3314
and/or 3414 may be repeated for a combined maximum of 8
hours. Consent and audition required.
(3H,1C)
I,II.
3815-3816: ADVANCED JAZZ IMPROVISATION
Advanced principles of jazz improvisation. Topics include transcribing and transcription techniques, advanced ear training, study of various improvisational styles, memorization of standard forms and the aural recognition of both major and minor modes. 3815: I, 3816: II Pre: 2816. (2H,2C)
4014: JAZZ ARRANGING
Introduction to contemporary popular harmonic practice
and the craft of scoring and arranging music for modern
jazz ensembles. Consent required.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
4015-4016: JAZZ IMPROVISATION
Fundamental principles of jazz improvisation. Topics
include: blues, ii-V-I, bebop, and modal chord
progressions, chord and scale symbology. Supplementary
work in solo transcription: extensive listening.
Consent required.
(2L,1C)
I,II.
4054: MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN MUSIC
Theory and practice of digital control and synthesis of
music. MIDI data structures and programming from high-level
languages. Comprehensive sequencing and transcription
techniques. Musical acoustics; analog and digital hardware
programming. Digital sound processing and recording.
Contemporary music production techniques; industry
applications. History and aesthetics of electronic music.
Literary in traditional music notation. Working
knowledge of any high-level programming language such as
C, PASCAL, or FORTRAN required.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
4055-4056: MUSIC TECHNOLOGY SENIOR SEMINAR
Weekly seminars in music technology with group discussion
of progress in current student projects, the current state
of artistic and business practices in the recording
industry, and guest lecturers drawn from the professional
world.
4055: I, 4056: II
Pre: 3056.
(1H,1C)
4124: SPECIAL TOPICS IN MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE
Specific, in depth study of one of several topics in music history and or literature. Pre: 2116. (3H,3C) I,II.
4514: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED VOICE
Individual instruction in voice at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2514.
I,II,III.
4524: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED KEYBOARD
Individual instruction in keyboard at an advanced level.
May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2524.
I,II,III.
4534: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED VIOLIN
Individual instruction in violin at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2534.
I,II,III.
4544: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED VIOLA
Individual instruction in viola at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2544.
I,II,III.
4554: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED CELLO
Individual instruction in cello at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2554.
I,II,III.
4564: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED BASS
Individual instruction in bass at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2564.
I,II,III.
4574: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED FLUTE
Individual instruction in flute at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2574.
I,II,III.
4584: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED OBOE
Individual instruction in oboe at an advanced level.
May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2584.
I,II,III.
4594: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED CLARINET
Individual instruction in clarinet at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2594.
I,II,III.
4614: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED SAXOPHONE
Individual instruction in saxophone at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2614.
I,II,III.
4624: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED BASSOON
Individual instruction in bassoon at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2624.
I,II,III.
4634: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED HORN
Individual instruction in horn at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2634.
I,II,III.
4644: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED TRUMPET
Individual instruction in trumpet at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2644.
I,II,III.
4654: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED TROMBONE
Individual instruction in trombone at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2654.
I,II,III.
4664: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED BARITONE
Individual instruction in baritone at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2664.
I,II,III.
4674: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED TUBA
Individual instruction in tuba at an advanced level.
Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation
exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2674.
I,II,III.
4684: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED PERCUSSION
Individual instruction in percussion at an advanced
level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance
continuation exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2684.
I,II,III.
4714: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED HISTORICAL WIND INSTRUMENTS
Individual instruction in historical wind instruments at
an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated.
Performance continuation exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2714.
I,II,III.
4724: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED HISTORICAL STRING INSTRUMENTS
Individual instruction in historical string instruments
at an advanced level. May be repeated. Performance
continuation exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2724.
I,II,III.
4734: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED COMPOSITION
Individual instruction in composition at an advanced
level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance
continuation exam required.
Variable credit course.
Pre: 2734.
I,II,III.
4744: ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL APPLIED CONDUCTING
Individual instruction in conducting at an advanced level. May be repeated. Consent required. Variable credit course. Pre: 3225, 3226. I,II,III.
4815-4816: JAZZ ARRANGING
Contemporary harmonic practice and the craft of scoring and
arranging music for modern jazz ensembles.
Pre: 2026 and permission of instructor required.
4815: I, 4816: II
Pre: 2026.
(3H,3C)
4824: JUNIOR RECITAL
Preparation for a public half recital featuring performances
of works by established or student composers, or
lecture-demonstrations devoted to major works by established
composers. Consent required.
(1H,1C)
I,II.
4834: SENIOR RECITAL
Preparation of a public full recital featuring performances
of works by established or student composers, or
lecture-demonstrations devoted to major works by established
composers. Consent required.
(1H,1C)
I,II.
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
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