Major in Music
Merrimack College’s Bachelor of Arts in Music unlocks your creative potential while providing you with a comprehensive music education.
The music 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.
What You’ll Learn
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Analyze and interpret music from around the world in a variety of genres, styles and traditions
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Develop your theoretical understanding of music composition
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Create your own original compositions
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Become proficient in musical performance in at least one vocal or instrumental area
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Perform publicly at Merrimack, either in an ensemble or in a solo performance
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Sharpen your critical writing skills about musical history, genres, styles and audiences
Music Major: Why Merrimack College?
Merrimack’s music major provides:
Freedom to Explore the Arts.
As an interdisciplinary program, you will have the freedom to explore music from multiple perspectives by combining it with another artistic discipline or another discipline you are interested in. There are no boundaries. We want students who can envision something new.
Access to a Vibrant Visual and Performing Arts Community.
Music and The Arts play a significant role on the Merrimack campus. We offer a wide array of student organizations, including music, studio art, graphic design, art history, dance, film and theater. You’ll get hands-on experience working and performing in the Rogers Center for the Arts, one of the premier visual and performing arts venues north of Boston. We offer a visual and performing arts living-learning community.
A Large Number of Performance Opportunities.
We offer concert and pep bands, concert choir, jazz ensemble, three student-run a cappella groups, marching band, liturgical music ensemble, a musical theater group and more.
Individualized Attention.
Merrimack College’s visual and performing arts department is a supportive, tight-knit community. Faculty are here to provide mentorship and networking opportunities.
Flexibility.
Our bachelor’s degree in music curriculum offers multiple pathways to completion. We offer the freedom to choose the order of many of your courses to best accommodate your needs. Our flexibility also means it is easier for you to declare a double major in business, science or any other department on campus.
Hands-On Learning
Internship opportunities are a central hallmark of the music major at Merrimack. You will participate in an internship in an arts or business/management field where you’ll develop your entrepreneurial thinking skills and experience the practical application of your learning.
To set you up for success, you’ll work with the O’Brien Center for Career Development. By working one-on-one and in groups, you will create a dynamic resume and LinkedIn profile, take internship boot camps, get your professional headshot done and become more comfortable with networking.
“I know firsthand that the faculty and staff in the visual and performing arts department truly care about the success of their students. Here we say ‘Make it your Merrimack’ - I was able to do just that with the help of devoted Merrimack faculty.”
― Paige Sorensen ’19, Contract Music Major
Video: Paige Talks About Her Music Major at 2019 Commencement
Our Approach to Reading Music
While the ability to read music will be developed in our elementary music theory class, music majors are not required to be able to read music. We recognize that there are many forms of musical expression from around the world not typically written in Western music notation. Music notation is useful but we also understand the importance of developing other areas of thoughtful analysis and learning in music.
Career Options
There are a number of music major jobs available to you upon graduation. Possible music careers may include:
- recording engineer in sound studios or performance venues
- artist-in-residence or performer
- music ministry
- sound designer
- music composer for the film and video game industries
- music educator
- arts business or arts management within the music industry
You will also be well-prepared to enter a music-related graduate program at the master’s and doctoral levels to pursue music therapy, musicology, music librarianship or other programs.
Transfer Students
For students transferring into the program, the transfer of music courses and level of placement in the music program will be determined by the music faculty. To ask questions about the process, please contact Laura Moore Pruett, Director of the Music program, by email: pruettl@merrimack.edu
Courses You’ll Take
More Information
Laura Moore Pruett
Associate Professor and Music Program Director
978-837-3438 | email