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Can You Get into Harvard for Music?

Published in Music Education Harvard 3 mins read

Yes, you can pursue music studies that involve Harvard, primarily through specialized dual degree programs with renowned music institutions.

Harvard University offers a robust liberal arts education where music can be a significant area of study, including a concentration (major) in Music. However, for students seeking a professional performance or conservatory-style music education alongside a rigorous Harvard liberal arts degree, the primary pathway is through unique dual degree programs.

Dual Degree Programs for Music at Harvard

These highly selective programs are designed for individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent and intellectual prowess in both music and academics. They allow students to earn degrees from Harvard and a leading music institution concurrently, providing a comprehensive education that bridges professional music training with broad scholarly inquiry.

Harvard partners with two distinguished music schools for these integrated programs:

  • New England Conservatory of Music (NEC): This program enables students to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree from Harvard and a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) or Master of Music (M.M.) degree from NEC. Students benefit from NEC's intensive performance, composition, and scholarly training in classical, jazz, and contemporary improvisation, while simultaneously engaging with Harvard's diverse academic offerings.
  • Berklee College of Music: Students in this dual degree program can earn a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) from Harvard and a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) from Berklee. This pathway combines Harvard's liberal arts curriculum with Berklee's cutting-edge professional training in contemporary music performance, production, songwriting, and various other music industry fields.

Key Aspects of Dual Music Programs

These programs are highly competitive and require separate applications to both Harvard and the respective music institution. Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

  • Exceptional Musical Talent: Audition and portfolio submissions showcasing a high level of proficiency and potential in their chosen musical discipline.
  • Outstanding Academic Achievement: A strong academic record reflecting intellectual curiosity and a capacity for rigorous university-level study.

The structure of these programs typically involves an extended period of study, often five years, allowing students to fulfill the requirements of both demanding curricula.

Benefits of a Dual Degree in Music

Aspect Description
Holistic Education Combines the depth of professional music training with the breadth and critical thinking skills fostered by a liberal arts education.
Diverse Skill Set Graduates emerge with both advanced musical expertise and a strong foundation in a wide range of academic disciplines.
Expanded Opportunities Prepares students for a versatile array of career paths, whether in music performance, composition, academia, arts administration, or other fields.
Unique Resources Access to the faculty, facilities, and academic communities of two world-class institutions.

For those aspiring to a career in music while also valuing a comprehensive university education, these dual degree programs offer a distinct and enriching pathway into the world of music through Harvard.