You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language. Some schools require you to audition before you can enter their music programs. If you apply to a program while applying to a school, you usually have to send in a tape of your playing. If you apply to a program after you've started college, you usually audition live.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Band
• Orchestra
• Instrumental Ensembles
• Individual Technique, Instrumental Music
• Chorus
• Vocal Ensembles
• Individual Technique, Vocal Music
• Music Theory
• Music History and Appreciation