Overview
Gordon College’s music degree gives students a broad foundation in music within a Christian liberal arts education. Through the Bachelor of Arts in music, you can study music deeply while also exploring other academic interests, adding a second major, pursuing a minor, or participating in a study abroad.
As a music major, you’ll study music history, theory, and composition; grow in musicianship on your primary instrument; and participate in a variety of performing ensembles. You’ll also prepare for a wide range of careers and graduate programs by developing creative, analytical, collaborative, and communication skills.
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in music can choose from two concentrations:
- Music composition: Develop your original creative voice while strengthening your musical skills within a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum.
- Music in worship: Pair your passion for worship and service with strong musicianship and practical preparation for worship leadership.
Why earn a music degree at Gordon College?
At Gordon College, you’ll develop as a musician in a close, supportive community where faculty know your goals and help you grow. You’ll be challenged in the classroom, practice room, and onstage as you strengthen your artistry, musicianship, and confidence.
Your experience may include weekly musicianship classes, performing ensembles, recitals in Phillips Recital Hall, and access to Boston’s concert halls and musical culture. Beginning in fall 2028, the new Adams Center for Music will expand opportunities for performance and collaboration through a 500-seat hall designed for experiences ranging from chamber music to large choral and orchestral works. Located on the North Shore of Boston, Gordon gives music students opportunities to study in a personal campus environment while staying connected to one of the country’s great music cities.
Gordon graduates have pursued careers in music education, performance, worship ministry, arts administration, music therapy, audio production, and other creative fields.
How can Christian values shape the study of music?
Music gives students a way to create, communicate, worship, and connect with others. At Gordon College, students are encouraged to develop their artistic gifts with humility, discipline, and purpose.
In a Christian learning environment, you’ll consider how music can serve communities, open meaningful conversations, support healing, and point people toward beauty and truth. Whether you pursue performance, composition, worship leadership, teaching, or another path, you’ll be challenged to use your gifts with excellence and care.
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts, Minor |
|---|---|
| Program Level | Undergraduate |
| School | Adams School of Music and the Arts |
| Program Format | In-Person |
Learn more
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Courses
Music Degree Courses and Concentrations
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Degree Options
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Concentrations
Customize your degree with a concentration that aligns with your career interests and professional goals.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is integral to the music curriculum at Gordon:
- Sing in a choir or perform with the orchestra, symphonic band or jazz ensemble
- Perform weekly in musicianship class
- Absorb world-class performances in the Faculty Artist Series or Alton C. Bynum Recital Series
- Tour with our ensembles
Apply & Audition
The first step to joining the music program is to apply to Gordon. Once you have been accepted submit your audition application and choose an audition date. Auditions are for the music major, music minor or ensemble participation scholarships.
Faculty
Faculty
Nationally recognized, personally focused
Gordon College music faculty are accomplished musicians, Christian mentors, and dedicated teachers who invest personally in their students.
Through private lessons, ensembles, coursework, advising, and performance preparation, faculty help you strengthen your musicianship and grow with purpose. In the Adams School of Music and the Arts, you’ll be challenged to develop your gifts with skill, discipline, and confidence.
Careers
Life after Gordon
What can you do with a music degree?
A music degree from Gordon College prepares students for creative, professional, ministry, and graduate study opportunities. Through music coursework and the broader liberal arts curriculum, you’ll develop skills in performance, collaboration, creativity, communication, critical thinking, and leadership.
Graduates may pursue paths such as:
- Performance
- Music education
- Worship ministry
- Arts management and operations
- Composing and arranging
- Music therapy
- Audio production
- Graduate study in music or related fields

"The training and guidance I received at Gordon was incomparable. I feel able to approach rehearsals for various shows fully equipped with the tools to sing/learn multiple vocal parts and maintain vocal health despite the demands of the show. In addition, the faith-based, well-rounded coursework...gave me the unique opportunity to grow in my relationship with God while developing my musical craft."
Michael Gaudio '16
Nominated for a Long Island Regional Theatre Broadway World Award for Best Actor in a Musical
