College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Music (School of Performing Arts)

www.performingarts.vt.edu

Tracy Cowden, Chair
Professors: C. V. Burnsed; K. A. Holliday; J. R. Sochinski; W. J. Crone
Associate Professors: I.I. Bukvic; R. C. Cole; T. Cowden; W. E. Easter; W. J. Glazebrook; D. C. Jacobsen; E. Lyon; A. Weinstein
Assistant Professors: D. Bigler; J. Crafton; L. Heuermann; P. Middleton; C. Nichols;
P. Paglialonga; A. Putnam; A. Stevens; B. Thorsett; J. Walker;  A. Wyatt
Instructors: E. Crone; M. E. Dunston; R.J. Masters; D. M. McKee; G. R. McNeill
Career Advisor: 231-5685

 Music performers

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, Technology and 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 Music Scholarship and Audition Committee, School of Performing Arts, 195 Alumni Mall (0141), Henderson Hall, Room 247, 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; technology and composition as well as a 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 Curriculum for Liberal Education and the  core curriculum requirements of 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 eight primary options available to music majors. These are:

  • 84-Credit Music Education Option (see website for details)
  • 51-Credit Performance – Liberal Arts Option
  • 78-Credit Performance – Professional Vocal Option 
  • 78-Credit Performance – Professional Instrumental Option
  • 78-Credit Composition – Professional Option
  • 52-Credit Music Technology – Liberal Arts Option
  • 78-Credit Music Technology – Professional Option
  • 77-Credit Designed Option – Professional

    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.

    There are three options available as a minor in music, including a general option, a music technology option and a jazz option.  The minor in music consists of 18 semester hours selected from performance, history/literature, and theory/composition. Interested students should contact Tammy Henderson, Virginia Tech, 251E Henderson Hall, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0240 or at tammyh@vt.edu for the exact requirements.

    The department follows the Curriculum for Liberal Education except in Area 4 - Scientific Reasoning and Discovery, of which two credits of laboratory science are not required. Both the Department of Music and the university foreign language requirement are the same, except for vocal performance majors.

Satisfactory Progress

    University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the Curriculum for Liberal Education (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:

  1. Upon having attempted 72 semester credits (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing, credit by examination, freshman rule), students must have completed:
    2. MUS 2025, 2026: Theory/Harmony6
    MUS 2045, 2046: Sightsinging Laboratory2
    MUS 3135, 3136: History and Analysis of Musical Styles6
    MUS 3145, 3146: Styles Lab2
    MUS 3314: Instrumental Ensemble Music
    or MUS 3414: Choral Ensemble Music    		2
    MUS 2514: Individual Applied Voice
    2
    Credits(20)
  2. 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: 2045, 2035 for 2025; 2046, 2036 for 2026. (3H,3C) I,II.

2045-2046: SIGHTSINGING LABORATORY
Study and practice of techniques involved in the sight reading and sight-singing of printed music.  Majors and minors only. Co: 2035, 2025 for 2045; 2036, 2026 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)

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. I. 
(3L,1C)

2274: MUSIC EDUCATION LAB ENSEMBLE
Music education laboratory ensemble. Performance techniques, teaching methods, management procedures, materials and literature for school music ensembles.  May be repeated for credit. (1L,1C)

2284: PIANO ACCOMPANYING
Pianists will examine and practice the skills necessary for successful piano accompanying.  The course will include sonata, concerto, vocal and choral literature.  Pianists will be required to collaborate with vocal and instrumental students.  Pre:  consent required. (3H,3C)

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.

2604 (TA 2604): INTRODUCTION TO ARTS MARKETING
An introduction to the theories and practice of marketing and building community engagement as applied to arts activities and professional not-for-profit arts organizations, through a survey of standard marketing approaches, examination of current practices in the field and direct hands-on experience. (3H,3C)

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.

2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section. 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. I. Pre: 2026. (3H,3C)

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. I. Pre: 3035, 3036. (3H,3C)

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)

3065-3066: COMPUTER MUSIC AND MULTIMEDIA DESIGN
A two-semester study of interactive multimedia composition and performance software as a foundation for creative work and research endeavors.  Also provides an in-depth study of digital sound synthesis, algorithmic creation of multimedia content, and the design of audio-visual interactive systems using latest technologies.  Must meet pre-requisite or have permission of the instructor Pre: 2054 for 3065; 2054, 3065 for 3066. (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. Consent required.  II. (3H,3C)

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. Consent required. II. (3H,3C)

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. I. (3H,3C)

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: 3136, 3135 for 3145. (1L,1C) I,II.

3154: PIANO LITERATURE
Study of representative works of keyboard repertoire from the 17th century to the works of contemporary composers.  Extensive stylistic analysis and discussion of performance practice.  Pre:  consent required.
(3H,3C)

3214: TEACHING MUSIC IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Methods of teaching elementary school music.  Emphasis on Kodaly, Orff, and traditional music textbook series approaches to teaching music in elementary schools. Pre:  Instructor permission and successful completion of sophomore music continuation exam. Co: 4964. (3H,3C)

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.

3234: PIANO PEDAGOGY
Examination of principles and practice of piano pedagogy. Covers teaching methods, materials and literature for the independent studio teacher.  Pre:  consent required. (3H,3C)

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
Topics will include in-depth analysis of the great improvisers in multiple genres with a focus on developing professional-level skills.
Pre: 2816 for 3815; 3815 for 3816. (2H,2C)

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: 3136. (3H,3C) I,II.

4204: REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS
Techniques and materials for rehearsing secondary school music performance ensembles.  Pre:  Instructor permission and successful completion of the sophomore music continuation exam. (3H,3C)

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 INSTUMENTS
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.

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.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section. Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Honors section. Variable credit course.



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