Music Major (BA)

Music (General), Music Major (Composition Emphasis), Music Major (Performance Emphasis)

Academics / Departments & Programs / Music / Majors & Programs Music Major (BA)

Degree Overview

Through rigorous study and high-level performance opportunities across many genres and styles, your skills will be refined and your mind sharpened. You'll graduate as a versatile musician, ready for a lifetime of musical excellence. You'll be well-prepared to share beauty and engage God’s world through music.

In essence, Calvin's music program will bring out the best in you.

Graduate with broad musical skills, confidence in your abilities, and expertise in your specific interests. Calvin has the kinds of wide-ranging opportunities that big schools have—all within a community that will know you and encourage you to excel. your

While you’re mastering your craft, you’re also being equipped for the future. Calvin graduates go on to pursue advanced music degrees and perform as professional musicians. They also work in many fields, like computer programming, communication, law, and medicine.

That’s because at Calvin, you’ll learn how to combine creativity and precision—in classrooms, in worship, in live performances. You’ll be ready to lead, whether at the conductor’s podium or in a totally different field.

Program Distinctives

Vibrant community - Delve into an inclusive and passionate artistic community. From music festivals to student ensembles to worship services, you’ll create and perform alongside people who love music as much as you do.
Real-world preparation - When you graduate with a music degree from Calvin, you’ll have a resumé packed with ensembles, recitals, and theater productions—a varied list of practical experiences that employers are looking for.
Academic flexibility - Pursue a flexible major that complements any other field. Our music major is designed specifically to let you double major in music and another discipline.
Financial support - Draw on a vast range of music scholarships. You’ll find scholarships and financial aid for music students of all types.

Degree Information

Music (General)
  • Overview

    Students interested in pursuing a BA degree do not need to complete any requirements prior to admission; however, all students must complete a Music Theory Assessment. Approval to be a music major is then granted upon completion of the following (typically by the end of the first year of study): 

    • Overall minimum GPA of 2.5 
    • Minimum grade of C in Music Theory I: Fundamentals in a Global Context (MUSC 100) 
    • Minimum grade of C in two semesters of Private Lessons for Credit (MUSC 260) 

    Upon meeting these requirements, students pursuing the Music Major may officially declare their major via submitted form to the Center for Student Success.  

  • Courses
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Music Major (Composition Emphasis)
  • Overview

    Students interested in pursuing a BA degree do not need to complete any requirements prior to admission; however, all students must complete a Music Theory Assessment. Approval to be a music major is then granted upon completion of the following (typically by the end of the first year of study): 

    • Overall minimum GPA of 2.5 
    • Minimum grade of C in Music Theory I: Fundamentals in a Global Context (MUSC 100) 
    • Minimum grade of C in two semesters of Private Lessons for Credit (MUSC 260) 

    Upon meeting these requirements, students pursuing the Music Major—Composition Emphasis may officially declare their major via submitted form to the Center for Student Success.  

  • Courses
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Music Major (Performance Emphasis)
  • Overview

    Students interested in pursuing a BA degree do not need to complete any requirements prior to admission; however, all students must complete a Music Theory Assessment. Approval to be a music major is then granted upon completion of the following (typically by the end of the first year of study): 

    • Overall minimum GPA of 2.5 
    • Minimum grade of C in Music Theory I: Fundamentals in a Global Context (MUSC 100) 
    • Minimum grade of C in two semesters of Private Lessons for Credit (MUSC 260)

    Students pursuing the Music Major—Performance Emphasis must also earn a minimum of an A- in the designated Approval Jury (typically held in the spring semester of the second year of study). Upon meeting all these requirements, students may officially declare their major via submitted form to the Center for Student Success.  

  • Courses
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Scholarships for musicians of all types

As a music major, you can draw on a vast range of financial aid. Learn more »

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