Music B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree is designed for the student who wishes to study music in the liberal arts degree context.  This degree provides a versatile balance of skills which provides the foundation for an array of jobs: private music studio, composition, music industry, music journalism, community music, etc.  The Bachelor of Arts in Music is also well-suited for those students who wish to double major with music and another degree at Vanguard University. 

  1. Literacy: Demonstrate fluency in musicianship skills exhibiting an understanding of music theory, aural skills and sight-reading, knowledge of different musical styles, literature and historical eras, competency of basic music technology and proficiency in basic piano skills.  
  2. Performance: Demonstrate performance mastery of standard repertoire on a primary instrument, including knowledge in technique and historically appropriate performance style to the highest possible level based on individual talent level.
  3. Faith and Learning: Articulate and apply the synthesis of faith, music and worship in the music major journey and anticipated future professional and service activities.
  4. Diversity: Demonstrate awareness and understanding of diverse musical traditions and their historical, social and cultural significance.
Core Curriculum Requirements 150
Music Major Requirements56
General Electives14
Total Units120

Music Major Requirements

Musicianship Requirements
MUSC-128Harmony and Form I3
MUSC-129Musicianship I1
MUSC-133Harmony and Form II3
MUSC-134Musicianship II1
MUSC-225Music Form and Literature I3
MUSC-226Musicianship III1
MUSC-228Introduction to Music Technology1
MUSC-273Introduction to Conducting1
MUSC-325Music Hist/Literature I (before 1600)3
MUSC-326Music Hist/Lit II (1600-1900)3
MUSC-327Music History & Literature III2
MUSC-406CMusic and Worship3
Select one of the following courses according to your applied instrument: 2
Choral Conducting
Instrumental Conducting
Select one of the following courses according to your applied instrument: 2
Instrumental Pedagogy
Vocal Pedagogy
Select one of the following courses according to your applied instrument: 2
Instrumental Arranging
Choral Arranging
Performance Requirements
MUSC-105AClass Piano I1
MUSC-105BClass Piano II1
MUSC-145AClass Piano III1
MUSC-146Class Piano IV: Keyboard Improvisation1
Select the lower division ensemble according to your applied instrument: 4
String Orchestra
Concert Band
Concert Choir
Select the upper division ensemble according to your applied instrument:4
String Orchestra
Concert Band
Concert Choir
Applied Instruction:
Select six semesters according to your applied instrument:6
Beginning Guitar Class
Beginning Voice Class
Applied Instruction: Voice
and Applied Instruction: Voice
Applied Instruction: Piano
and Applied Instruction: Piano
Applied Instruction: Guitar
and Applied Instruction: Guitar
Applied Music: Organ
and Applied Instruction: Organ
Applied Instruction: Instrument
and Applied Instruction: Instrument
MUSI-200Recital Attendance (Co-requisite with Applied Instruction)0
Secondary Instrument:
Select two semesters according to your choice of secondary instrument:2
Basic Instruction: Voice
and Basic Instruction: Voice
Basic Instruction: Piano
and Basic Instruction: Piano
Basic Instruction: Guitar
and Basic Instruction: Guitar
Basic Music: Organ
and Basic Instruction: Organ
Basic Instruction: Instrument
and Basic Instruction: Instrument
Two semesters required of the following course:2
Internship
Select one of the following courses:3
Music and Business
Total Units56
1

Number of units required from the Core Curriculum not included in the major requirements below. 

Disclaimer: This sample Four Year Plan is provided as a guide for the recommended sequencing of courses. Vanguard University requires that students complete a minimum of 120 units of required course work as outlined on the Requirements tab in order to receive a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. It is the student's responsibility to confirm with the department the course rotation before enrolling in courses. If applicable, please note the footnotes at the bottom of the page for additional information related to courses listed in a particular year and term. Questions, contact the Department of Music.

Study Abroad Participation: Students interested in participating in the university's Study Abroad programs are encouraged to reach out to the Global Education and Outreach Office for more information and collaboration in their academic course planning. Students using Education and Training Benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs are encouraged to also reach out to the School Certifying Official for more information regarding how benefits can be applied.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1 Term 1Units
MUSC-101 Basic Musicianship I 2
SOC-PLCRSocial Science Core Curriculum Reqm't 3
MUSC-250 Concert Choir 1
MUSC-108 Beginning Guitar Class 1
MUSI-PL2X1Applied Lessons 200 Level 1
MUSI-200 Recital Attendance 0
CORE-100C Cornerstone 1
ENGL-120C Persuasive Writing 3
KINE-148C Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Lecture 3
THEO-101C Foundations of Christian Life 3
 Units18
Year 1 Term 2
MUSC-106 Basic Musicianship II 2
MUSC-250 Concert Choir 1
MUSI-PL2X1Applied Lessons 200 Level 1
MUSI-200 Recital Attendance 0
MATH-PLCRMath Core Requirement 3
HIST-PLHDHistory Core Requirement 3
OT-201C Old Testament Survey 3
NSCI-PLCRScience Lec/Lab Requirement 4
 Units17
Year 2 Term 1
MUSC-128 Harmony and Form I 3
COMM-201C Speech Composition and Presentation 3
MUSC-129 Musicianship I 1
MUSC-105A Class Piano I 1
MUSC-250 Concert Choir 1
MUSI-PL2X1Applied Lessons 200 Level 1
MUSI-200 Recital Attendance 0
MUSC-273 Introduction to Conducting 1
MUSC-311 Teaching Music/Multclt Setting 3
ENGL-220C Researched Writing 3
 Units17
Year 2 Term 2
MUSC-133 Harmony and Form II 3
SOC-PLCRSocial Science Core Curriculum Reqm't 3
MUSC-134 Musicianship II 1
MUSC-105B Class Piano II 1
MUSC-201 Introduction to Music Education 2
MUSC-250 Concert Choir 1
MUSC-374 Instrumental Conducting 2
MUSI-PL2X1Applied Lessons 200 Level 1
MUSI-200 Recital Attendance 0
NT-101C New Testament Survey 3
 Units17
Year 3 Term 1
MUSC-327 Music History & Literature III 2
MUSI-PL4X2Applied Instruction 400 1
MUSI-200 Recital Attendance 0
MUSC-373 Choral Conducting 2
MUSC-253 Music in Global Cultures 2
MUSC-225 Music Form and Literature I 3
MUSC-226 Musicianship III 1
MUSC-145A Class Piano III 1
MUSC-350 Concert Choir 1
MUSC-339 Secondary Vocal Music Methods and Literature 2
MUSC-312 Woodwind Techniques 1
MUSC-345 Chamber Music Consortium 1
 Units17
Year 3 Term 2
MUSC-326 Music Hist/Lit II (1600-1900) 3
MUSC-228 Introduction to Music Technology 1
THEO-300C Developing a Christian World View 3
MUSC-233 Music Form and Literature II 3
MUSC-234 Musicianship IV 1
MUSC-334 Percussion Techniques 1
MUSC-410 Choral Arranging 2
MUSC-146 Class Piano IV: Keyboard Improvisation 1
MUSC-350 Concert Choir 1
MUSI-PL4X2Applied Instruction 400 1
MUSI-200 Recital Attendance 0
 Units17
Year 4 Term 1
MUSC-325 Music Hist/Literature I (before 1600) 3
MUSC-333 String Techniques 1
MUSC-270 Introduction to Jazz Improvisation 2
MUSC-336 Music Form and Literature III 3
MUSC-338 Secondary Instrumental Music Methods And Literature 2
MUSC-403 Instrumental Arranging 2
MUSC-350 Concert Choir 1
MUSC-345 Chamber Music Consortium 1
MUSI-PL4X2Applied Instruction 400 1
MUSI-200 Recital Attendance 0
 Units16
Year 4 Term 2
MUSC-337A Music for Elementary Schools (Majors) 3
MUSC-313 Brass Techniques 1
MUSC-491C Recital and Research 2
MUSC-350 Concert Choir 1
MUSI-PL4X2Applied Instruction 400 1
MUSI-200 Recital Attendance 0
CHIS-400C Christian Heritage 3
ENGL-230C Literature and the Human Experience 3
HIST-PLHDHistory Core Requirement 3
 Units17
 Total Units136