Bachelor of Arts Music (BA)
Dr. Bianca Hall, Program Advisor for Music History and Music Theory
Professor John Toomey, Program Advisor for Jazz Studies
Requirements
Lower-Division General Education
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Written Communication | 6 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Language and Culture | 0-6 | |
| Information Literacy and Research | 3 | |
| Human Behavior | 3 | |
| Human Creativity | 3 | |
| Interpreting the Past | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | |
| The Nature of Science | 8 | |
| Impact of Technology | 3 | |
Written Communication: Grade of C required in both courses and in ENGL 110C before declaring major
Language and Culture: Proficiency in French or German through the 202 level preferred; proficiency is not met by completion of an associate degree.
Human Creativity: Cannot be met by MUSC 126A or MUSC 264A
Impact of Technology requirement is satisfied in the major with MUSC 335T
Upper-Division General Education
- Option A. Approved Minor, 12-24 hours; also second degree or second major.
- Option B. Interdisciplinary Minor, 12 hours specified by the department, 3 of which may be in the major area of study.
- Option C. An approved certification program such as teaching licensure
- Option D. Two Upper-Division Courses from outside the College of Arts and Letters or from the Social Science Component within the College of Arts and Letters that are not required by the major (6 hours).
Requirements for Graduation
Requirements for graduation include the following:
- Minimum of 120 credit hours.
- Minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours of upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University.
- Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken.
- Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward the major.
- Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward a minor.
- Completion of ENGL 110C, ENGL 211C or ENGL 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better. The W course must be taken at Old Dominion University.
- Completion of Senior Assessment.
Music Major
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| Complete lower-division requirements | 38-44 | |
| Complete upper-division requirements (minimum of 6 credit hours) | 6 | |
| Complete foreign language coursework through the 202 level | 0-6 | |
| Departmental Requirements | ||
| MUSC 221 | Music Theory (I) * | 3 |
| MUSC 222 | Music Theory (II) * | 3 |
| MUSC 223 | Ear Training, Sight Singing and Dictation * | 1 |
| MUSC 224 | Ear Training, Sight Singing and Dictation * | 1 |
| MUSC 261 | Music Literature Survey (I) ** | 1 |
| MUSC 262 | Music Literature Survey (II) ** | 1 |
| MUSC 309 | Principles of Conducting | 1 |
| MUSC 321 | Advanced Theory (I) * | 2 |
| MUSC 322 | Advanced Theory (I) ** | 2 |
| MUSC 323 | Advanced Ear Training, Sight Singing and Dictation * | 1 |
| MUSC 324 | Advanced Ear Training, Sight Singing and Dictation ** | 1 |
| MUSC 335T | Music Technology Survey (meets impact of technology requirement) | 3 |
| MUSC 361 | History of Music ** | 3 |
| MUSC 362W | History of Music * | 3 |
| Ensemble *** | 2 | |
| Applied Music (student must perform on an SPH in the final semester of applied) | 4 | |
| Music Elective | 1 | |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Recital Attendance Credit required | ||
| Music | ||
| Select one of the following: | 18 | |
Upper-Level Music Courses | ||
Music History Area | ||
Music Theory Area | ||
Jazz Area | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 96-108 | |
- *
Students must earn a grade of C or better in these courses to advance to the next level.
- **
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in these courses.
- ***
Students are required to earn credits through participating in ensembles appropriate to their specialties. Instrumental and voice and keyboard majors will be required to participate in two ensembles, large or small. Additional credits for participation in ensembles can be used as elective credit.
Large ensembles include: symphony band, wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, concert choir and guitar ensemble.
Small ensembles include: Madrigal Singers, Collegium Musicum, opera workshop, brass choir, clarinet choir, flute choir, jazz choir, jazz orchestra, and brass, woodwind, percussion, guitar, string, or piano ensembles. Small ensemble offerings are updated on occasion; check the class schedule for the latest ensemble availability.
Upper-Level Music Courses
Students in the BA in music program may choose from the following upper-level (300-400) music courses (18 hours required) or may choose one of the following areas: music history, music theory, or jazz.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 336 | Electronic Music | 3 |
| MUSC 337 | Jazz Improvisation I | 2 |
| MUSC 338 | Jazz Improvisation II | 2 |
| MUSC 410 | Psychology of Music | 3 |
| MUSC 413 | Advanced Choral Conducting | 2 |
| MUSC 414 | Advanced Instrumental Conducting | 2 |
| MUSC 421 | Counterpoint | 2 |
| MUSC 422 | Form and Analysis | 2 |
| MUSC 424 | Orchestration | 2 |
| MUSC 460 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| MUSC 466 | Modern Music | 3 |
| MUSC 491 | Music in the Baroque Era | 3 |
| MUSC 492 | Music in the Classical Era | 3 |
| MUSC 494 | Music in the Romantic Era | 3 |
| Recital Attendance Credit required ** | ||
- **
PLEASE NOTE: All Bachelor of Arts in Music majors are required to enroll in and pass MUSC 311+, the zero credit Recital Attendance class, for a total of six semesters in order to be eligible for graduation. Refer to the MUSC 311+ syllabus and the Music Student Handbook for complete information.
Music History Area
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 460 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| MUSC 466 | Modern Music | 3 |
| MUSC 491 | Music in the Baroque Era | 3 |
| MUSC 492 | Music in the Classical Era | 3 |
| MUSC 494 | Music in the Romantic Era | 3 |
| Music Elective (upper level) * | 3 | |
| Recital Attendance Credit required ** | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
- *
Students may choose an ensemble or applied music as an elective in the emphasis areas.
- **
PLEASE NOTE: All Bachelor of Arts in Music majors are required to enroll in and pass MUSC 311+, the zero credit Recital Attendance class, for a total of six semesters in order to be eligible for graduation. Refer to the MUSC 311+ syllabus and the Music Student Handbook for complete information.
Music Theory Area
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 335T | Music Technology Survey | 3 |
| MUSC 337 | Jazz Improvisation I | 2 |
| MUSC 421 | Counterpoint | 2 |
| MUSC 422 | Form and Analysis | 2 |
| MUSC 424 | Orchestration | 2 |
| MUSC 466 | Modern Music | 3 |
| Music Elective (upper level) * | 4 | |
| Recital Attendance Credit required ** | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
- *
Students may choose an ensemble or applied music as an elective in the emphasis areas.
- **
PLEASE NOTE: All Bachelor of Arts in Music majors are required to enroll in and pass MUSC 311+, the zero credit Recital Attendance class, for a total of six semesters in order to be eligible for graduation. Refer to the MUSC 311+ syllabus and the Music Student Handbook for complete information.
Jazz Area
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 335T | Music Technology Survey | 3 |
| MUSC 336 | Electronic Music | 3 |
| MUSC 337 | Jazz Improvisation I | 2 |
| MUSC 338 | Jazz Improvisation II | 2 |
| Select two of the following: | 2 | |
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Jazz Orchestra | ||
| Jazz Choir | ||
| MUSC 460 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| Music Elective (upper level) * | 3 | |
| Recital Attendance Credit required ** | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
- *
Students may choose an ensemble or applied music as an elective in the emphasis areas.
- **
PLEASE NOTE: All Bachelor of Arts in Music majors are required to enroll in and pass MUSC 311+, the zero credit Recital Attendance class, for a total of six semesters in order to be eligible for graduation. Refer to the MUSC 311+ syllabus and the Music Student Handbook for complete information.
300-level French or German courses are recommended to fulfill remaining credit hour requirements.
Elective Credit
Additional elective credit will be needed to meet the minimum requirement of 120 credit hours in the Bachelor of Arts, Music major. Each student must have a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate.
Additional Requirements and Information
Ensemble Options for Bachelor of Music and Music BA Majors
Each degree program has specific ensemble requirements, which are listed under the course requirements above.
For the purposes of fulfilling large ensemble requirements, students may use only symphony band, wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, guitar ensemble, or concert choir.
For the purposes of fulfilling small ensemble requirements, students may use Madrigal Singers, Collegium Musicum, Opera Workshop, Brass Choir, Clarinet Choir, Flute Choir, Jazz Choir, Jazz Orchestra, and Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Guitar, String, or Piano ensembles. Small ensemble offerings are updated on occasion; check the class schedule for the latest ensemble availability.
Numerous other ensembles are offered for credit, including tuba-euphonium ensemble, Athletic Bands, Jazz Combo, Woodwind Quintet, Brass Quintet, String Quartet, Saxophone Quartet, Barbershop Quartet, Beauty Shop Quartet, and other vocal chamber ensembles.
These ensembles are arranged when instrumentation allows, and each group is coached by a faculty member. Students should be aware of the necessity for ensemble diversity, and are encouraged to participate in as many different ensembles as their schedules and advisors will allow.
Applied Lesson Continuance Policy
If a student fails two semesters of applied lessons, he or she will be required to re-audition for applied lesson placement and may be advised to choose another degree program that does not require applied lessons. If a student has five or more unexcused absences in one semester, he or she will fail applied music for that semester. An audition is required to re-enter applied music after an absence of two consecutive semesters or more.
Jury Examinations
Applied music students taking hour lessons at the MUSA 142 level or higher must play a jury examination each semester. Failure to perform a required jury will result in a final applied grade of F. The jury grade counts as 50% of the final applied grade. The remaining 50% is based on progress in lessons and is determined by the student's teacher. Students auditing Applied Music take juries in the first semester in which they are enrolled for credit. Audit status is normally allowed for one semester only and is granted on the auditioning committee's recommendation that the student will likely be ready for credit study after one semester of audit study. A student with audit status will audition for credit study during the jury examination period at the close of the audit semester.
Accompanying
All keyboard students are expected to accompany at least once a semester on a General Student Recital, Performance Session, or Applied Music Jury Examination after they have attained the Applied Music numbering of 241 and above or 251 and above, and after they have studied keyboard at Old Dominion University for a minimum of one semester.
Degree Program Guide
The Degree Program Guide is a suggested curriculum to complete this degree program in four years. It is just one of several plans that will work and is presented only as broad guidance to students. Each student is strongly encouraged to develop a customized plan in consultation with their academic advisor. Additional information can also be found in Degree Works.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 110C | English Composition (Grade of C or better required) | 3 |
| Mathematical Skills | 3 | |
| FR 101F or GER 101F | 3 | |
| Applied Music | 1 | |
| MUSC 221 | Music Theory (Grade of C or better required) | 3 |
| MUSC 223 | Ear Training, Sight Singing and Dictation (Grade of C or better required) | 1 |
| MUSC 261 | Music Literature Survey (Grade of C- or better required) | 1 |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Literature | 3 | |
| Human Creativity (May not use MUSC 264A or MUSC 126A) | 3 | |
| FR 102F or GER 102F | 3 | |
| Applied Music | 1 | |
| MUSC 222 | Music Theory (Grade of C or better required) | 3 |
| MUSC 224 | Ear Training, Sight Singing and Dictation (Grade of C or better required) | 1 |
| MUSC 262 | Music Literature Survey (Grade of C- or better required) | 1 |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENGL 211C or ENGL 231C |
Writing, Rhetoric, and Research (Grade of C or better required) or Writing, Rhetoric, and Research: Special Topics |
3 |
| Nature of Science I | 4 | |
| Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | |
| FR 201 or GER 201 | 3 | |
| Applied Music | 1 | |
| MUSC 321 | Advanced Theory (Grade of C or better required) | 2 |
| MUSC 323 | Advanced Ear Training, Sight Singing and Dictation (Grade of C or better required) | 1 |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Information Literacy and Research | 3 | |
| Nature of Science II | 4 | |
| Human Behavior | 3 | |
| FR 202 or GER 202 | 3 | |
| Applied Music | 1 | |
| MUSC 322 | Advanced Theory (Grade of C- or better required) | 2 |
| MUSC 324 | Advanced Ear Training, Sight Singing and Dictation (Grade of C- or better required) | 1 |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Interpreting the Past | 3 | |
| MUSC 361 | History of Music (Grade of C- or better required) | 3 |
| Emphasis Area course | 3 | |
| Emphasis Area course | 3 | |
| Upper-Division General Education course or Minor | 3 | |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| MUSC 309 | Principles of Conducting | 1 |
| MUSC 335T | Music Technology Survey ((Satisfies Impact of Technology)) | 3 |
| MUSC 362W | History of Music (Grade of C or better required) | 3 |
| Emphasis Area course | 3 | |
| Upper-Division General Education course or Minor* | 3 | |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Emphasis Area course | 3 | |
| Emphasis Area course | 3 | |
| Ensemble | 1 | |
| Minor or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| Music elective | 1 | |
| Emphasis Area course | 3 | |
| Ensemble | 1 | |
| Elective courses | 4 | |
| Minor or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
BA or BS to MBA (Master of Business Administration) Linked Program
The linked BA/MBA or BS/MBA program is an early entry to the MBA program of study. The early-entry program is designed for well qualified non-business undergraduate ODU students to start their MBA program prior to completing their undergraduate degree. Well qualified non-business undergraduate students may take MBA-level courses as early as three semesters prior to graduation and count up to 12 graduate credits toward their undergraduate degree. Students participating in the early-entry program must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree). Early-entry program students should carefully consider their undergraduate degree program requirements when planning their course of study. Students in the early-entry program work in close consultation with the MBA Program Office and should refer to information in the Strome College of Business section in the graduate catalog to develop an individualized plan of study based on the required coursework.
BA or BS to MPA (Master of Public Administration) Linked Program
The linked BA/MPA or BS/MPA program provides qualified Old Dominion University undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn a master's degree in public administration while taking credits in the MPA program as an undergraduate student. The program is designed for highly motivated students with the desire to immediately continue their education after the bachelor's degree. The program is especially relevant to individuals seeking to work (or currently working) in the public or non-profit sectors, but is suitable for students from any undergraduate major. Graduate courses may be taken during the fall and spring semester of the student's senior undergraduate year. Up to 12 graduate credits can count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree and can meet upper-level General Education requirements. After receiving the undergraduate degree, a student will continue with the MPA program, taking MPA courses until completing the required 39 credit hours. Students in the linked program must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree).
Requirements for admission to the graduate program can be found in the School of Public Service section of the Graduate Catalog. For additional information, please contact the School of Public Service in the Strome College of Business.