Music, B.A.

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Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 124

Minimum cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.3

Minimum number of credits to complete the major: 52

School: School of Arts and Sciences

Department: Visual and Performing Arts

Learn more about the program

The B.A. in Music unlocks your creative potential, while providing you with a comprehensive music education. The degree reflects current trends in music production and engineering. You will be introduced to and gain knowledge of music production software and equipment, music composition programs, music theory and history, and more.

In the Music major, you’ll learn to:

Analyze and interpret music from around the world in a variety of genres, styles and traditions
Develop your theoretical understanding of music composition
Create your own original compositions
Become proficient in musical performance in at least one vocal or instrumental area
Perform publicly at Merrimack, either in an ensemble or in a solo performance
Sharpen your critical writing skills about musical history, genres, styles and audiences

Transfer Students to the Music Major

For students transferring into the program, the transfer of music courses and level of placement in the Music major will be determined by the Music Faculty.

Major Requirements

The B.A. in Music is open to all Merrimack students and there are no prerequisites to apply. Auditions are not required and you do not have to be able to read music to declare the major.

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Music consists of 13 courses (52 credits), as specified below. These include nine core classes, a required experiential learning course, two courses in performance, and an additional music elective course.

Core Courses

Complete the following nine required courses:

MUS 1310 - The Nature of Music: The Art of Listening Credits: 4 (Note: With director approval, you may replace The Nature of Music course with another music course or directed study.)
MUS 2301 - Music History I: Antiquity to the Baroque Credits: 4
MUS 2302 - Music History II: Classical to the 21st Century Credits: 4
MUS 2360 - Elementary Music Theory: Understanding Musical Notation Credits: 4 (Note: With director approval, you may test out of Elementary Music Theory course through passing an in-person written competency exam and take an additional 2000-level or above course from the options below.)
MUS 2380 - The Architecture of Music: From Phrase to Opera Credits: 4
MUS 3310 - Music Production Credits: 4
MUS 3330 - Music Composition Credits: 4
VPA 3960 - Inquiry, Research and Thesis Credits: 4 (Writing Intensive)
VPA 4960 - Senior Seminar with Thesis Credits: 4

Experiential Learning Course

Choose one course from the following. Note: The Experiential Learning requirement may be met through a Directed Study or through another Merrimack College internship with approval by the Music Program Director.

MUS 4910 - Music Internship Credits: 2 - 4 credits
MUS 4920 - Music Internship II Credits: 2-4
VPA 2590 - Arts Management Credits: 4

Performance Requirements

Complete eight credits from performance ensembles and/or lessons courses:

VP Ensembles: Athletics Bands, Jazz Ensembles, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Schola, Chamber Ensemble, and/or Marching Percussion (1 credit per ensemble per semester)
Group Lessons (2 credits per semester)
Individual Lessons (1 credit per semester)

Additional Elective

Choose one course from the following:

MUS 1320 - History of Rock & Roll Credits: 4
MUS 1321 - The History of Jazz Credits: 4
MUS 1330 - Survey of American Music Credits: 4
MUS 1340 - The Concept Album Credits: 4
MUS 3100 - Music and Spirituality Credits: 4
MUS 3171 - Music and Politics Credits: 4
MUS 3320 - Songwriting Credits: 4
THR 2550 - American Musical Theater Credits: 4 (Note: This is a Writing Intensive course.)
MUS 4900 - Directed Study in Music Credits: 4 (Note: This course may be substituted for an elective course with director approval.)