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, and includes optional concentrations in Commercial Music Artistry, Commercial Studio Production, and Ministry Leadership.

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 with no added concentration 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 1,244
Music Major Requirements56
General Electives20
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 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

Optional Concentrations: 

Ministry Leadership
MUSC-206Introduction to Live Audio1
MUSC-343Songwriting I (I)2
BINT-270Interpreting the Bible3
PLST-312Intro/Pastoral Care2
PLST-314Intro/Preaching & Teaching2
PLST-420Disciplines/Spiritual Life3
PLST-430Management/Christian Organztns3
Total Units16
Commercial Music Artistry
MUSC-206Introduction to Live Audio1
MUSC-343Songwriting I (I)2
MUSC-371Songwriting II2
MUSC-354Studio Tech and Production I2
MUSC-359Lyrics and Poetry2
MUSC-204History of American Popular Music3
Applied Instruction (Additional)2
MUSC-465Senior Presentation1
Total Units15
Commercial Studio Production
MUSC-206Introduction to Live Audio1
MUSC-343Songwriting I (I)2
MUSC-371Songwriting II2
MUSC-364Digital Music Sequencing3
MUSC-354Studio Tech and Production I2
MUSC-454Studio Tech and Production II3
MUSC-204History of American Popular Music3
Total Units16
1

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

2

Music B.A. students fulfill the Fine Arts/Philosophy Core Curriculum requirement by completing the Music History sequence (MUSC-325 Music Hist/Literature I (before 1600), MUSC-326 Music Hist/Lit II (1600-1900), MUSC-327 Music History & Literature III).