Nov 02, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

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:  56

 

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 14 courses, 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 ten required courses:

Experiential Learning Course


Choose one course from the following. 

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)

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