Academics

Degrees

Alderson-Broaddus College offers a vigorous music curriculum leading to either a Bachelor of Arts degree in one of three music majors, or an Associate of Arts degree.

Applied Music I Download Checksheet

The major in Applied Music requires the highest level of excellence on your instrument or voice, core music classes, three semesters of a foreign language, an oral comprehensive exam, and a solo senior recital (Level 10.) Your training emphasizes music performance as a career and prepares you for further performance study in graduate school.

Music Education I Download Checksheet I Education Department Student Handbook | Student Teacher Handbook

As a Music Education major, you will take core music classes and lessons on your chosen instrument or voice, and will demonstrate musical achievement in a senior recital (Level 7.) In addition, you will take a number of music methods and education courses to prepare you to teach in the public schools. You will begin observing in the public school classroom your first semester. After various requirements are met, usually by your junior year, you will be accepted into the Education Division of the college and will be allowed to continue in music education. Student teaching is done spring semester of the senior year. Upon certification, you will be qualified to teach vocal and instrumental music, Pre K-Adult. Certification in West Virginia automatically qualifies you for certification in 35 other states.

Musical Arts I Download Checksheet

The Musical Arts music degree is a unique degree designed for those who want to combine their music degree with another discipline. You will take core music classes, lessons on your primary instrument or voice, and complete the requirements for a senior recital (Level 7.) In addition, you will choose another major or a minor, in any department except music, and fulfill those requirements to complete your Musical Arts degree. Upon graduation, you may find primary employment as a musician (for example, as a private piano teacher in your home) or combine it with the training you received in your other major. Examples of this combined degree are Musical Arts/Religious Studies, Musical Arts/Business, Musical Arts/Computer Science, etc., the choice is up to you.

Associate of Arts I Download Checksheet

The Associate of Arts music degree is an alternative for those who desire strong basic music training but do not wish to pursue or do not need a four-year degree. You will take two years of core music classes, lessons on your primary instrument or voice, and reach the required exit level for the Associate’s degree (Level 4). A solo recital is not required. It is possible to switch to a four-year degree program if later you decide to pursue one of the Bachelor’s degrees instead. The Associate of Arts degree may be earned simultaneously with any other Bachelor’s degree offered at the college.

*Note:
Some music majors earn more than one music degree (e.g. Applied Music &Music
Education, Applied Music & Musical Arts, etc.) This choice will likely mean
additional semesters of study.