Radford University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Music curriculum balances practical and academic training to develop musicianship, technical skill and professional readiness. Core components typically include applied private lessons, large and small ensembles, and weekly juries or performance assessments. Academic modules commonly cover music theory and harmony, aural skills/ear training, music history and literature, counterpoint, arranging and composition, and score reading.

Students also study conducting, pedagogy and rehearsal technique, and may take courses in music technology, recording, notation software and music business. The degree usually culminates in a senior recital or capstone performance project, supported by lessons in career preparation, audition techniques and portfolio development. Elective options allow specialisation in areas such as jazz, vocal studies, orchestral instruments, keyboard, composition or musical theatre.

Practical learning is reinforced through frequent performance opportunities in campus ensembles (choirs, wind ensembles, orchestra, jazz ensembles and chamber groups), studio classes, and collaborations with the theatre department and community partners.

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent with satisfactory academic standing. Candidates must pass an audition demonstrating performance ability on their primary instrument or voice; auditions may include prepared pieces, sight-reading, and technical exercises appropriate to the instrument. Some applicants are assessed on basic music theory and aural skills.

Additional application materials commonly requested include official transcripts, a short personal statement outlining musical goals, and letters of recommendation—preferably at least one from a music teacher or private instructor. Prospective music education candidates should be prepared to meet teacher preparation prerequisites and any state certification requirements later in the programme.

Transfer applicants are considered with evaluation of previous collegiate coursework and applied credits; placement auditions determine appropriate lesson and ensemble levels. International applicants should provide evidence of adequate English proficiency where required.

Career prospects

Graduates of a Bachelor of Music have a range of career pathways. Many move into professional performance as soloists, ensemble members, orchestral or chamber players, choral singers, or musical theatre performers. A common route is music teaching at private studios, community programmes or pursuing certification for K–12 public school teaching.

Other career options include arts administration and management, music production and audio engineering, arranging and composition, music technology roles, and community or church music leadership. The degree also prepares students for postgraduate study—master's degrees in performance, conducting, composition, music education or musicology.

Why study at Radford University

Radford offers a supportive, student-centred environment with small class sizes and regular one-to-one applied instruction that helps students progress quickly as performers. The university’s visual and performing arts programmes promote interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing music students to work closely with theatre, dance and media arts colleagues on productions and concerts.

Students benefit from frequent public performance opportunities on campus and in the surrounding regional arts community, as well as faculty mentorship and preparing for auditions and graduate study. The programme emphasises practical career readiness—ensemble experience, pedagogy training and applied technology—that equips graduates for a variety of professional roles in the music field.