BA Music at Harvard University

Programme overview

The concentration in Music equips students with a critical and practical understanding of music by exploring a wide variety of musical styles, genres, and traditions. Department of Music courses offer a solid foundation in music theory, analysis, composition, and criticism, and provide an opportunity to develop acute listening skills through various cultural and historical contexts. The concentration in Music is centered on an academic focus that supports the intellectual development of musicians while also offering creative programs in music performance, composition, and improvisation.

Faculty: Harvard College: Arts and Humanities | Department: Music | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

What you will study

The concentration in Music encourages students to explore a wide variety of musical styles, genres, and traditions. Academic courses offer a solid foundation in music theory, musical analysis, cultural studies, and composition. Gateway courses include Fall 2024 Music 97: The Study of Music (sophomore tutorial; offered fall 2024 and spring 2025) Spring 2025 Music 1: Intro to Western Music, from Bach to Beyonce Music 2: Foundations of Tonal Music I Performance Ensembles MUS 10a Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra.

Official programme page

Application information

USD 62,226 a year (2026-27). Harvard College undergraduate tuition for 2026-27, one rate for all students; excludes fees ($6,216), housing, food and health insurance. Source

Entry term is fall. Applicants choose Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision; admitted students reply by May 1.

First-year applications through the Common Application: Restrictive Early Action closes November 1 with notification by mid-December; Regular Decision closes January 1 with notification by the end of March. The application fee is $95 (fee waiver available) and can be paid online via the Common Application. Harvard requires the SAT or ACT, with exceptions only where the tests are not accessible.

Apply through the official page: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply

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