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Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Music
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Music explores the theory, history, and expressive power of rhythm and melody. You will categorize musical instruments, study copyright in the digital era, and analyze live or recorded performances. Requirement 1 asks you to perform a song on an instrument or vocally for an audience, or participate in a musical ensemble for six months.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Music Theory, Notation & Rhythm
- Solo & Ensemble Performance
- Music History & World Genres
- Melodic Composition & Music Careers
4Printable Pages
6Requirements
2026Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Music Requirements
Every requirement for the Music merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1Perform a Song or Hymn
Sing or play a simple song or hymn chosen by your counselor, using good technique, phrasing, tone, rhythm, and dynamics. Read all the signs and terms of the score.
2The Five Instrument Groups
Name the five general groups of musical instruments. Create an illustration that shows how tones are generated and how instruments produce sound.
3Listening, Interviewing, or Performing
Do TWO of the following:
- a Attend a live performance, or listen to three hours of recordings from any two of the following musical styles: blues, jazz, classical, country, bluegrass, ethnic, gospel, musical theater, opera. Describe the sound of the music and the instruments used. Identify the composers or songwriters, the performers, and the titles of the pieces you heard. If it was a live performance, describe the setting and the reaction of the audience. Discuss your thoughts about the music.
- b Interview an adult member of your family about music. Find out what the most popular music was when he or she was your age. Find out what his or her favorite music is now, and listen to three of your relative's favorite tunes with him or her. How do those favorites sound to you? Had you ever heard any of them? Play three of your favorite songs for your relative, and explain why you like these songs. Ask what he or she thinks of your favorite music.
- c Serve for six months as a member of a school band, choir, or other organized musical group, or perform as a soloist in public six times.
- d List five people who are important in the history of American music and explain to your counselor why they continue to be influential. Include at least one composer, one performer, one innovator, and one person born more than 100 years ago.
4Option Selection
Do ONE of the following:
- a Teach three songs to a group of people. Lead them in singing the songs, using proper hand motions.
- b Compose and write the score for a piece of music of 12 measures or more, and play this music on an instrument.
- c Make a traditional instrument and learn to play it.
5Intellectual Property and Recorded Music
Define for your counselor intellectual property (IP). Explain how to properly obtain and share recorded music.
6Option Selection
Do ONE of the following:
- a Explore careers related to this merit badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include—with your parent or guardian's permission—an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
- b Explore how you could use knowledge and skills from this merit badge to pursue a hobby. Research any training needed, expenses, and organizations that promote or support it. Discuss with your counselor what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Music requirements in 2026. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/music/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
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