Letters of Recommendation have long been part of the academic process, and I am glad to oblige those of you for whom I can be an appropriate reference. Before you ask for one or more letters of recommendation from Professor Warfield, however, please read the following web page.

Before You Ask

• A letter of recommendation is a courtesy that I am willing to extend to select students and other individuals who have earned that privilege. It is not a right to which you are entitled, and I will refuse to write letters when it is not appropriate for me to do so. (Read on for the specifics.)
• You should not ask for recommendation if any of the following apply:
  • I do not know you, i.e., you have not been in any of my classes,
  • you have only been in large "gen ed" classes (did you take mostly scantron tests?) where I probably did not know your name,
  • you are a music major and have taken less than two courses with me,
  • you are a music major and earned grades lower than "B" in any courses with me,
  • you are on any sort of academic probation.
• On the other hand, do consider asking me for a recommendation if any of the following apply:
  • you have taken at least two courses with me,
  • you have taken at least one small upper-division course with me,
  • you have completed a directed experience, honors thesis, graduate thesis or other one-on-one project with me,
  • your grades in my undergraduate courses were exceptional, i.e., all (or mostly) above a "B" average (and you earned no "C" grades from me),
  • you are a graduate student who took at least two courses with me, and your grades average above "B+".
• Do think about why you want my letter of recommendation. How do I know you, and what could I say that might help your application for admission to a graduate program, fellowship, or employment opportunity?
• Be aware that I cannot (and will not) write letters in support of applications to fields outside my own competencies, i.e, I will not write about your abilities as a performer or potential to do a job when I have little or no direct experience with your skills (or lack thereof).
• Be aware that I cannot (and will not) write letters to compensate for shortcomings in your education or other lack of experience required for the applications you are making.

Requesting A Letter of Recommendation

• Whatever you need, do ask for it well in advance of any deadlines. Writing a good letter takes time and cannot be done overnight. Make sure you allow plenty of time for me to prepare the best letter that I can. (see below for specifics.)
• If you are uncertain of what you need or want, talk to me even earlier to discuss your interests, goals, and plans. I am glad to advise you as much as I can, so that you will know what I can and cannot do to help you.
• If you are applying to a range of degree programs and/or jobs in different fields, e.g., you wish to apply to study performance at one place, to work on an academic degree in music history at another, and for a job still elsewhere, make that clear to me before you ask for letters of recommendation. Each type of application will probably require a different letter, and I may prefer to write for only some of your applications.
• When you are ready to request a letter, have all your information sorted out in advance. To whom should the letter be addressed, what kind of application (specific degree and/or field of specialization) is it, and how will the letter be submitted (web site, email attachment or US Post)?
• If you have a resume or other summary of your education and experience, give me a copy. (If not, consider preparing one.) It will remind me of your accomplishments and enable me to write the strongest letter that I can.
• If you are making multiple applications, make sure that you have the correct information for each application. Give me the information at one time for as many applications as possible, so that I may process your requests most efficiently. Be especially clear with deadlines and how strictly they must be met.
• If an institution requires that its own paper forms be used, it is your obligation to get copies to me well in advance. You should also supply pre-addressed envelopes, with sufficient postage.

Follow-Up

• Remember that all Letters of Recommendation will be written in the order of the requests that I receive and agree to fulfill. Your request never goes ahead of earlier requests made by others, no matter what deadline your application has.
• Feel free to check with me once to see that I have received from you all the information I need to write and submit my letters. If I need additional information, I will contact you. Do not send me "gentle reminders" or emails asking if your letters have been sent.
• It may take at least one month (or more) for your first requested letter (or group of requests) to be written and sent. Additional requests probably can be done in less time (but don't abuse the privilege with frequent "additional" requests).
• Realize that most graduate schools have deadlines in December through early January, and my obligations to test and grade at the end of the fall semester may make it difficult to write letters without sufficient lead time.
• I will advise you (generally via email) when I have completed and submitted or sent your letters. If you have not heard from me more than a month after your last contact, you may then check with me on the status of your letters.
• Let me know immediately when your plans change. This is especially important when you decide not to complete an application or an institution no longer requires my letter.