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Overview

The University of Virginia Department of Music offers a wide variety of opportunities to all university students interested in studying music and sound. Students can explore jazz, African genres, European art musics, computer music, hip-hop or other popular musics, and a range of other world and folk musics. As the diversity of our courses and performance groups continues to grow, the Department of Music remains one of the leading music departments in the nation. Whether by becoming a part of a performance group, learning about music in an academic setting, or combining these, students can immerse themselves in musical life. Classes are available for students with all levels of experience, so everyone from beginners to skilled professionals has a chance to broaden their knowledge and understanding of music.

This program approaches the study of music as one of the liberal arts. This means that students develop their understanding of music through critical and comparative studies (which includes cultural studies, aesthetics, musicology, and ethnomusicology), theory and analysis, composition, and development of skills in musicianship and performance in a range of possible genres and styles.

In order to fulfill the requirements for a major in music, a student must complete at least 31 credits of course work. No course receiving a grade lower than C- will count toward major requirements. Note that a student may not use the same course to satisfy more than one requirement. For example, a student may use MUSI 4710 Instrumental Conducting to satisfy either an elective requirement or the performance requirement, but not both.

Students may pursue a Performance Concentration as well as a Distinguished Major. Please visit those pages for more information on the requirements and application process. 

It is possible to complete the music major in two years. However, we recommend that students interested in music study begin taking major-level courses during their first two years. MUSI 3050 and MUSI 3310 are appropriate first choices because they introduce concepts and skills that are helpful in other major-level courses. Other 3000-level MUSI courses are also good choices for first- and second-year students who have musical experience.

Students planning careers in music should try to complete at least 12 credits of advanced departmental course work beyond the minimum major requirements, choosing these courses in careful consultation with the major advisor. In addition, advanced performing students should perform a full recital or comparable performance in their genre in their fourth year.

We strongly encourage students who may major in music and who have had instrumental or vocal training to continue their performance studies through MUPF offerings and to participate in curricular performing groups, MUEN and MUBD. However, no more than sixteen credits of performance may be counted toward the 120 credits required for graduation from the College.

Music Major Checklist

Declaring a Major

Students must meet with the Director of Undergraduate Programs (DUP) to discuss declaring a major. The DUP for Music is Prof. Fred Maus (musicdup@virginia.edu). The DUP will assign a faculty advisor, although you may request a specific faculty member if you have talked to them in advance. Prospective majors will need to contact the advisor and fill out a Declaration of Major Form, which you can pick up in 101 Monroe Hall. The student will give the signed form to the Academic Program Coordinator, Tina Knight.

Course Requirements - 31 credits

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found at http://records.ureg.virginia.edu/index.php.