Bachelor of Arts in Music

Explore and create the art of sound in the context of a broad liberal arts curriculum. The versatile B.A. in music degree gives you freedom to build your own balance between music and the liberal arts. You’ll study music history, theory and composition, refine your musicianship on your principal instrument, and have the opportunity to engage in a variety of performing ensembles at Gordon College. The B.A. in music is an excellent option if you plan to double major in preparation for a wide range of careers and graduate programs.

Why study music at Gordon?

Explore the role of faith in the arts as you hone your musical craft in the context of a broad liberal arts education. You’ll compose in our Music Innovation Lab, study one-on-one with acclaimed faculty, and perform with a stunning floor-to-ceiling window view of Coy Pond in our state-of-the-art Phillips Recital Hall, designed by the architect behind the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Seiji Ozawa Hall. Plus, Gordon’s location offers the best of both worlds—a quiet environment conducive to focused study as well as quick access to incredible concerts on campus and in the nearby music and arts hub of Boston.

• Music in Worship Concentration ➔
• Composition Concentration ➔

What careers can I pursue with a music major?

The depth and breadth of your education in music and the liberal arts will prepare you to think critically, communicate effectively and contribute whole-heartedly while sharing your God-given talent—valuable skills for any career, including:

• Worship ministry
• Arts management and operations
• Teaching
• Composing and arranging
• Music therapy
• Audio production
• Band or chorus leadership

Learn more about jobs and internships ➔

Experiential learning in music

Studying music makes you a celebrated part of the fabric that weaves the culture of the performing arts at Gordon. Music students consistently discover incredible opportunities outside the classroom:

• Join a performing ensemble, which include multiple choirs, instrumental ensembles, chamber groups, student composition showcases and more.
• Benefit from professional concerts, recitals and master classes with internationally acclaimed musicians through our professional artist series.
• Collaborate on entrepreneurial projects to explore how the creative process can generate new approaches to important civic issues.
• Serve in leadership roles in the Music Student Council or the Massachusetts Music Educators Association annual state-wide conference.
• Compete in a Concerto Competition to become a featured soloist with the Gordon Symphony Orchestra.

Departmental Honors

Dive into a focused area of music outside of your major curriculum through Departmental Honors. Working under the guidance of an accomplished faculty advisor, you’ll engage with new material as you pursue your own original ideas for a thesis in the form of a research paper, composition or lecture recital.

*Auditions are required to qualify for any music scholarship, and students must be accepted through the Gordon College Admissions process before auditioning. Music scholarships are included in a student’s financial aid package if the student enrolls at Gordon, and awards are renewable for all four years if requirements are met.