BA in Music in Cambridge United States | Harvard University

People sometimes wonder about the role of a music department in a university setting. In essence, we develop musicians who think critically. This takes various forms based on individual passions. Some of our classes focus on linking musical analysis with performance, while others examine performance itself, global music traditions, or the relationship between compositional techniques and broader artistic and intellectual trends like sound studies, creative processes, or sociopolitical influences. The program provides significant adaptability, ensuring our curriculum reflects the wide-ranging interests of our student body. As part of a liberal arts framework rather than vocational training, our department doesn't maintain a large performance faculty. While we don't provide routine instrumental or vocal instruction, we do feature numerous performance-oriented classes each term. Additionally, Harvard collaborates with both the New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music on a selective dual degree program (AB/MM), giving students comprehensive liberal arts exposure alongside focused musical development.