Music Merit Badge
Six requirements, with requirement 3 (two of four ways to explore music) drawn as a multiple-choice question, and requirements 4 (teach, compose or make an instrument) and 6 (career or hobby) drawn as questions. The six-month route in 3(c) carries a deadline notice.
7 steps (9 parts inside them). 9 parts depend on questions you have not answered yet. · Version 1, published 8 October 2026 · About Music Merit Badge
No questions answered
This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering the 3 questions at the address above takes out the parts that are not for you.
Which of this applies to you
You have not answered anything yet, so this is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering 3 short questions will take out the parts that are not for you.
Your progress
14 steps can be started now; 1 is waiting on something else.
Clear ticksYour ticks are kept in this browser, so they will still be here next time. They are in the address as well, so a link to this page carries them to another device.
The steps
Stage 1 of 7
1 step
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1. Sing or play a song or hymn your counselor chooses Requirement
A simple one, using good technique, phrasing, tone, rhythm and dynamics. Read all the signs and terms of the score.
Stage 2 of 7
1 step
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2. The five groups of instruments, and how they make sound Requirement
Name the five general groups. Create an illustration showing how tones are generated and how instruments produce sound.
Stage 3 of 7
1 step
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3. Explore music. Do TWO Requirement
The badge states the choice: two of four ways to hear, share, perform or study music.
4 parts
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3(c). Six months in a musical group, or six public solo performances Optional May not apply Often forgotten Six months as a member of a school band, choir or other organized musical group, or six public performances as a soloist. Neither can be hurried. Start early if you choose this route.
Stage 4 of 7
1 step
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4. Teach, compose or make. Do ONE Requirement
The badge states the choice: teach songs, compose a piece, or make an instrument.
3 parts, 1 ticked
Stage 5 of 7
1 step
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5. Intellectual property, and recorded music Requirement
Define intellectual property (IP) for your counselor. Explain how to properly obtain and share recorded music.
Stage 6 of 7
1 step
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6. A career or a hobby. Do ONE Requirement
The badge states the choice: research a career, or a hobby.
2 parts
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6(a). Research a career related to music Optional May not apply 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.
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Stage 7 of 7
1 step
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Counselor signs it off Milestone
The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.
Usually comes after 1. Sing or play a song or hymn your counselor chooses, 2. The five groups of instruments, and how they make sound and 4 others.
Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.
This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.