The Department of Music faculty at Radford University recommends that prospective music majors obtain as much musical experience and training as possible prior to enrollment as a university music major.

The specific recommendations below will significantly help new music majors as they begin their first year of university-level
study and will significantly enhance their potential for success in pursuing a college degree with a major in music.

Performance

A minimum of three to four years of private lessons in an instrument
or one to two years of private lessons in voice.

Performance experiences in large and small ensembles
and/or solo recitals.

Participation in local, state, and/or regional music festivals
and summer music camps.

Basic Knowledge and Skills

Development of a basic knowledge in music theory, including
the reading and writing of music.

Ownership and use of a music dictionary, metronome and computer.

Acquisition of basic keyboard (piano) skills through private lessons.

Music Listening Experience

Frequent attendance at professional classical music concerts,
recitals and operatic performances.

Watching and/or listening to television and radio broadcasts of classical music
performances on a regular basis (e.g. Live from Lincoln Center on PBS,
Saturday afternoon broadcasts from The Metropolitan Opera on NPR).

Frequent listening to recordings of standard classical music literature (i.e. symphonies,
concertos, choral works, operas, chamber music, and solo works)
as performed by world class performing artists.

Consultation and Advice

Consultation(s) with college/university music faculty members
within specific area(s) of interest.

Consultation(s) with professional musicians, music educators and
currently enrolled college or university music majors.

Advice and Suggestions from the National Association of Schools of Music.