LISTEN!

Many entering music majors are not familiar with much of the classical repertoire for both large or small ensembles. The following lists are intended to serve as good starting points for expanding knowledge of the classical literature. These pieces are not all "masterworks", but each of them has proven to have immediate appeal for the general listener. Hopefully, some of the works will be so enjoyable that you will want to seek other works by that composer or in that same style!

One great place to get started is online at the Classical Music Library. There are thousands of recordings that can be accessed for free by VCU students and faculty with a valid ID. Click here to go to www.library.vcu.edu, click on the C in the menu that you find on the lower right of the screen, then scroll down until you find the Classical Music Library.

I strongly recommend going to the library and checking out a score to follow. The practice of score reading is not only fun, but also a great developmental activity. Hearing and reading correctly (and musically) played notation will reap many dividends for you as a musician.