F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music Undergraduate Academic Programs
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Bachelor of Music
We offer four areas of study under the Bachelor of Music. See the tabs below for more information.
Music Education
Students completing the Bachelor of Music, with a Major in PreK-12 Music Education degree will be recommended for the appropriate license to teach music in the public schools. The majors are available in vocal or instrumental music for grades PreK-12. Music Education graduates that complete the approved teacher education program (including the Teacher Candidate Internship) are eligible for teaching licensure from the Virginia Department of Education, which is reciprocal in multiple states. Nearly 100% of ODU Music Education graduates seeking employment earn employment in their field.
The ODU Bachelor of Music, Music Education degree program provides comprehensive preparation for the pre-service music educator. Multiple observation, practicum and internship field experiences allow the student to build upon the superb pedagogical, applied and ensemble performance foundation required throughout the curriculum.
Contact Dr. Douglas Owens, Instrumental Music Education Undergraduate Program Advisor, or Dr. Taryn Raschdorf, Vocal Music Education Undergraduate Program Advisor for additional information.
Performance
The ODU Bachelor of Music in Performance degree prepares students for the high level of musicianship and professionalism expected in multiple genres of music. The emphasis is on developing individual musicianship through applied music lessons and participation in a variety of ensembles along with a foundation in music theory and history.
Contact Dr. Mike Hall, Program Advisor, for additional information.
Vocal and Instrumental Areas Include:
Composition
The ODU Bachelor of Music in Composition program focuses on the development of analysis, composition, and computer skills is based on a comprehensive study of the theoretical background of music from all periods and various cultures.
- Are you fascinated with how music makes a game or movie come alive?
- Do you have musical ideas but struggle to communicate them to others?
- Do you want to learn how to quickly get your musical ideas in a form that can be played by musicians?
Contact Dr. Andrey Kasparov, Program Advisor, for additional information.
Emphasis in Sound Recording Technology
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music with Emphasis in Sound Recording Technology degree will have hands-on experience with state-of-the-art existing and emerging technology, thorough grounding in the fundamentals of the theory, the practice, and the artistry involved in live sound, sound recording, and music production. Through field-specific coursework, students will gain an understanding of the inner workings of the field. The program's focus on the mastery of musical skills as well as the practical, technical, and business aspects will provide an excellent level of preparation to pursue a career in the field.
Bachelor of Music, with Emphasis in Sound Recording Technology (SRT) majors may audition for applied lessons in either the Jazz or Classical area. If admitted to the Jazz applied area, students may be initially assigned to applied lessons in the Classical area to address basic technique, followed by semesters with an emphasis in Jazz style and repertoire. The applied performance jury will focus on the appropriate areas of study in any specific semester, as determined by the instructor. Those auditioning for the Jazz area should prepare the audition as directed by BA Jazz Emphasis guidelines.
Contact Professor Alek Palmersmith, Program Advisor, for additional information.
Bachelor of Arts: Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music allows students to specialize in music within a broad liberal arts degree program. Students may select 18 credit hours of upper-level music courses or may choose an emphasis in either music history, music theory or jazz areas. Students planning on graduate study in music theory or history should consider this program.
Contact Dr. Bianca Hall, Program Advisor, for additional information. Contact Professor John Toomey for information about the Bachelor of Arts, Jazz Emphasis.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music allows students to specialize in music within a broad liberal arts degree program. In addition to the ODU general education and departmental requirements, the degree requires 18 credit hours of upper-level music courses (at the 300 or 400 level) of the student's choice.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music, Music History emphasis area includes the ODU general education requirements, the departmental requirements of the degree and history-specific courses such as Music in the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern eras and History of Jazz.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music, Music Theory emphasis area includes the ODU general education requirements, the departmental requirements of the degree and theory-specific courses such as Counterpoint, Form and Analysis and Orchestration.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music, Jazz emphasis area includes the ODU general education requirements, the departmental requirements of the degree and jazz-specific courses such as Jazz Improvisation I and II, History of Jazz, Jazz Combo, Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Choir.
Minors in Music
The Music Minor can be paired with practically any major in the university. The minor areas are designed for students who want to continue to develop musically throughout their college career. It is highly recommended that students begin the Music Minor in the freshman year. See the Music Minor program page for more information.
The Music Composition Minor focuses on the development of analysis, composition, and computer skills based on a comprehensive study of the theoretical background of music from all periods and various cultures.
The Music History Minor includes the departmental requirements of the degree and history-specific courses such as History of Music and History of Jazz.
In the Music Performance Minor, the emphasis is on developing individual musicianship through applied music lessons and participation in a variety of ensembles.
Vocal and Instrumental Areas Include:
