Bachelor of Music at University of Virginia

    Bachelor of Music at University of Virginia

    Bachelor of Music at University of Virginia

    University of Virginia offers the Bachelor of Music as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Charlottesville , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for music and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 22, 2027.

    About Bachelor of Music

    Requirements for Major


    This program offers the study of music as an area in the humanities. Students develop their understanding of music through critical and comparative studies; theory and analysis; composition; and development of skills in musicianship and performance.

    To fulfill the requirements for a major in music, a student must complete at least 31 credits of academic course work. No course receiving a grade lower than C- will count toward major requirements. 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.

    Though students can complete the music major in their final two years of college, it is good to begin taking major-level courses earlier. Most 3000-level MUSI courses have minimal prerequisites and thus are suitable as introductory major-level courses.

    Students planning careers in music should work closely with their major advisor in choosing appropriate courses for their professional goals. Professional preparation typically requires at least 12 credits of advanced departmental course work beyond the minimum major requirements.

    Eligible students may apply for a Performance Concentration for their third and fourth years. Successful applicants must already be taking, or be eligible to take, lessons at the 3000 level, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. In addition to the 31 credits required for the BA in Music, the Performance Concentration consists of an additional 21 performance credits.

    The Distinguished Major Project in Music allows outstanding music majors to work on large-scale projects during their last two semesters at the University, such as a recital, a thesis, a composition or some combination of these. Students take three credits of independent study each semester (these do not count towards the 31-credit Major). Students completing projects may receive the B.A. with Distinction, High Distinction, or Highest Distinction in Music, provided the cumulative university GPA at graduation is 3.4 or above.

    Students in the College of Arts and Sciences, whether music majors or not, may apply up to 16 performance credits in music, of which 8 credits must be drawn from 3000-level courses and above, toward the 120 credits required for graduation from the College. In addition, students completing Distinguished Major Projects in Music may earn an additional 4 performance credits, potentially counting 20 credits toward graduation.

    I. Introductory Course


    Introduction to major-level study - 3 credits.

    Disciplines

    College of Arts & Sciences

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Music at University of Virginia

    Entry Requirements

    Typically, the most important factor in the admission evaluation process is demonstrated academic achievement in a challenging secondary school program. Outstanding grades, good performance in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate or honors courses, and superior standardized test scores are valued in the process. The admission committee looks for applicants who have completed the most rigorous academic courses available in their secondary schools and recommends that prospective students should exceed minimum high school graduation requirements. We require an official transcript. The secondary program should include no fewer than 16 academic courses and must include the following courses:

    • English 4 units
    • Mathematics 4 units
    • Foreign Language 2 units
    • Science (from among biology, chemistry, and physics) 2 units (*)
    • Social Studies 1 unit

    (*) If applying to the School of Engineering and Applied Science, three units, including chemistry and physics, are strongly recommended. Also, foreign language is recommended, but not required for admission to the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

    Because full-time students at the University take five academic courses each term, the committee recommends that students take no fewer than four, and preferably five, academic courses (English, math, social science, science, and foreign language) each year in grades nine through twelve. The committee examines the extracurricular activities, special talents and interests, background, and the applicant’s ability to write effectively. Two letters of recommendation, from the secondary school counselor and one academic teacher of the student’s choice, are required.

    University of Virginia uses the Common Application. All applications must be submitted by the application deadline with a non-refundable application fee of $70. Candidates seeking an application fee waiver can receive one by answering the related questions on the Common Application.

    First-year students can apply to University of Virginia through Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision. Early Decision is a binding program with an October 15th deadline and a mid-December notification. Students who choose the Early Decision process must withdraw all other applications if admitted and submit their enrollment deposit by January 1st. Applying Early Action to UVA is a non-binding, nonrestrictive admission plan. Students who apply Early Action may also apply to other institutions. Early Decision and Early Action students be admitted, denied admission, or deferred until the Regular Decision process. The Regular Decision deadline is January 1st and the admission committee will notify applicants of their decision by April 1. During Regular Decision, the admission committee may offer admission, deny admission or offer a spot on the waiting list. Those students who are admitted under Early Action or Regular Decision will have until May 1 to make their deposit and reserve a seat in the first-year class.

    The committee requires SAT I or ACT scores from first-year applicants. Students in countries that do not offer these tests may request a waiver by emailing [email protected]. Results of these tests should be self-reported on the Common Application. If the student is admitted and chooses to enroll, official scores reports must be submitted to verify the self-reported scores. The last recommended test dates are one month prior to the chosen application deadline. Scores received after the deadline may be uploaded through the student portal. Applicants should consult the testing agency websites for the appropriate registration deadlines, which generally precede the test dates by several weeks.

    Decisions are posted in the student’s portal. Those applicants who are offered admission are mailed a paper copy of the admission letter. Upon accepted their offer of admission, students will pay a $400 tuition deposit to guarantee space in the entering class. This deposit is not refundable.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 7
    • TOEFLMin 90

    Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Music at University of Virginia

    Application Fee 70

    How to Apply for Bachelor of Music at University of Virginia

    You can create a Common App account even if you don’t plan on applying for another few months or another few years. You can answer questions in the Common App tab and build a college list at any time.

    • Create your account and choose your student type
      • If you haven’t yet attended college, select “first-year student”
      • If you have college credits from dual enrollment high school courses, you should still select “first-year student” 
      • If you have already attended 1 or more colleges after graduating high school, select “transfer student”. We also have a separate transfer student guide to help you out. 
    • Create new login credentials. Colleges may need to get in touch with you during the application process, so be mindful of which email address you choose. Sometimes your high school address may filter out these emails, so consider using a personal email address. When choosing an email address, be sure to use one that:
      • You check regularly
      • Does not use inappropriate language 
      • You will have access to after you graduate from high school 
    • Complete your registration information
      • We will need some basic information about you like your name, home address, phone number, and date of birth.
      • Be sure to use your legal name as it appears on official school documents and standardized tests. This will make sure colleges can match documents to the correct person.
      • At the end, you will adjust your communication preferences and accept the Common App privacy policy.
    • Select "create account" and you’re done!
    Bachelor of Music at University of Virginia
    University of Virginia
    University of Virginia
    United States of America

    United States of America, Charlottesville

    WhatsApp student consultation with YouApply