Merrimack Introduces New Music Major in the Visual and Performing Arts Department

Merrimack is expanding its visual and performing arts academic offerings with the introduction of a new music major.

Merrimack College students interested in pursuing advanced music-related study or a career in the music industry can now declare a music major. The new major, launched this semester, provides interested students with a comprehensive music education.

“The major is an overview of the ways one can engage with music,” said Laura Moore Pruett, associate professor and music program director. “This includes making, composing and producing music, as well as studying music on the theoretical and cultural level.”

Students who major in music will study popular and classical music from around the world and develop their theoretical understanding of music composition. They will learn current trends in music production and engineering and become proficient in at least one vocal or instrumental area.

The bachelor of music is open to all Merrimack students and there are no prerequisites to apply. Auditions and the ability to read music are not required to declare the music major.

“We welcome all students who are passionate about music,” Moore Pruett said. “Our one requirement for new music majors is that music is something they love.”

There is a strong interdisciplinary component to the music major that benefits from Merrimack’s vibrant visual and performing arts community. Students get hands-on learning opportunities at the Rogers Center for the Arts and may participate in the College’s large number of student organizations involving music, studio art, graphic design, art history, dance, film and theater.

“We really want students to think about music in context with other subjects,” Moore Pruett said.

In addition to vast performance opportunities on campus, music majors will have the chance to sharpen their entrepreneurial thinking skills during their required experiential internship in an arts or business/management field.

The department had a contract major who graduated last spring as Merrimack’s first music major. With the music major’s official launch this semester, four undergraduate students have already declared music as part of their double major.

Learn More About the Music Major

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Related News

Allyson Lewis

VPA Alumni Spotlight: Allyson Lewis

In this spotlight, VPA highlights Merrimack alumna and current VPA Administrative Assistant Allyson Lewis. A Tewksbury native, Ally graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Theatre Arts.
Students performing onstage at Rogers Center for the Arts

VPA Announces Its Spring 2023 Calendar of Events

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts presents its spring 2023 exhibitions, senior capstones, and performance lineup. Enjoy unique exhibits in the McCoy Gallery, as well as performances in the Rogers Center.
People standing and observing art at the McCoy Gallery.

The Space Between Things Exhibition Premieres at the McCoy Art Gallery

On September 15, the McCoy Art Gallery will kick off the 2023-2024 season with its inaugural show: The Space Between Things. Featuring brand new artwork by three Boston-area artists, the show is curated by Jonathan Latiano, Director of the Art and Art History program at Merrimack College.
Academics
Admission
Student Life
About