About the Program
VCU students with prior instrumental or vocal experience are admitted into the music minor after a successful audition. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is also required.
Auditions take place once or twice a semester at a designated time that you will receive once your application is submitted. Audition requirements can be found below.
To schedule your audition, fill out the University’s minor request form. This will trigger communications about the audition date and audition process.
The minor in music comprises:
- A minimum of 9 credits in music at the 300 or 400 level.
- A minimum of 2 semesters of APPL 200 (1 credit, half-hour applied individual lessons)
- A minimum of 2 semesters of APPM 300-level ensemble courses. Audition information and director contact info can be found here: https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/ensembles-auditions/
- The remaining 14 credits can be fulfilled with any music courses, including additional semesters of lessons and/or ensemble participation. Courses may be chosen from APPM, APPL, MHIS, MUED, MUSC, and certain CREA courses (some have auditions or prerequisites).
Please note that APPL 200-level lessons will be marked as full in the registration system – they are not full; students need to fill out the Performing Arts override form to get access.
Music Minor Audition Requirements
- One major 3 octave scale (2 octaves for basses is acceptable)
- One minor 3 octave scale (2 octaves for basses is acceptable)
- One solo (about 2 pages in length, demonstrating ability to play in positions)
- One major and one minor scale (all forms), played hands together in a two-octave range
- One substantial classical solo piece from the Baroque to the contemporary period that showcases technical ability as well as contrasting moods and characters
- One multiple-octave scale of the student’s choice
- One solo that demonstrates a variety of technical and musical skills
- One multiple-octave scale of the student’s choice
- One solo that demonstrates a variety of technical and musical skills
- Three rudiments (played slow–fast–slow)
- Two two-octave scales of your choice on marimba
- One snare drum solo or one keyboard solo
Two (2) solo guitar pieces
- Two major scales, two octaves
- One piece from the broader jazz canon (e.g., swing, bebop, bossa, Afro-Cuban, etc.)
- Two contrasting selections demonstrating vocal range, tone quality, flexibility, and expressive ability (Perform both songs from memory). Songs may come from the broader classical canon, Broadway canon, Great American Songbook, art songs, folk songs, and traditional songs. Songs cannot come from the contemporary or commercial music canon.
Note: A pianist will be provided during auditions.