Distinguished Major applications are due in mid-February of a student's 3rd year. Specific application dates will be announced on this page and sent to all music majors in January before the due date.
The Distinguished Majors Program allows outstanding music majors to work on large-scale projects during their last two semesters at the University. The project may consist of a thesis, a composition, or the performance of a full recital; a project that combines these components is also possible.
Majors normally apply to the program during their sixth semester. After a preliminary discussion with the Director of Undergraduate Programs (DUP), a student arranges supervision by a main advisor and another committee member, and submits a proposal to the DUP. Each spring, the DUP announces detailed application procedures and a deadline.
Work on the Distinguished Majors project normally takes place through three credits of independent work in each of the last two semesters at the University. These credits do not count toward music major requirements. A student working on a thesis or composition normally takes the following course at 3 credits each:
- MUSI 4993 - Independent Study Credits: 1-3
A student preparing a recital normally takes honors-level private performance lessons at 2 credits each, such as the following courses:
- MUPF 4930 - Honors Performance Credits: 2
Students preparing a recital typically take an academic independent study, at one or more credits each, pertinent to the recital program:
- MUPF 4940 - Honors Performance Credits: 2
Projects are due, at the latest, by the last day of classes in the second semester of work; a student’s committee may set an earlier date of completion. The committee evaluates the completed project and submits a report to the full-time faculty. Students completing projects may receive the B.A. with Distinction, High Distinction, or Highest Distinction in Music, provided the cumulative GPA at graduation is 3.4 or above (a College of Arts & Sciences rule). Any level of distinction is an unusual honor, showing strong Department admiration for a student’s work. The Department awards Highest Distinction only rarely.
For more information, contact Tina Knight (trk4n@virginia.edu), Department of Music
112 Old Cabell Hall, P.O. Box 400176, Charlottesville, VA 22903-3269; (434) 924-3052; www.virginia.edu/music.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found at http://records.ureg.virginia.edu/index.php