Special Notes:

In the beginning of 2010 the Music and Bugling Merit Badge Pamphlet covered the Requirements for each of the respective merit badges. During the summer of 2010, BSA released the Music Merit Badge Series Pamphlet hence confirming rumors of the discotinuation of the Bugling Merit Badge at the end of the 2010.  This "new" Music Merit Badge Pamphlet contained a single set of requirements for earning the Music Merit Badge which incorporated some elements of bugling for those wishing to still work on bugling to as a means to earn the Music Merit Badge.  Tremendous outcry from the Scouting community helped bring Bugling back from the verge of retirement. in January 2011, the Boy Scout Requirement, 2011 Edition was released and had an even more scaled down revamping of the Music Merit Badge requirements (removing bugling elements almost completely)  WIth so many recent variations and rewrites, it can be confusing which requirements are to be used, those Scouts starting the merit badge now should use the 2011 requirements shown below.  The Bugling Merit Badge requirements remain unchanged.

Requirements:

source: Boy Scout Requirements, 2011 Edition

1. 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.

2. Name the five general groups of musical instruments. Create an illustration that shows how tones are generated and how instruments produce sound.

3. Do TWO of the following:

   1. 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

   2. Interview your parents and grandparents about music. Find out what the most popular music was when they were your age. Find out what their favorite music is now, and listen to three of their favorite tunes with them. How do their favorites sound to you? Had you ever heard any of them? Play three of your favorite songs for them, and explain to them why you like these songs. Ask them what they think of your favorite music

   3. Serve for six months as a member of a school band, choir, or other local musical group, or perform as a soloist in public six times.

   4. 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.

4. Do ONE of the following:

   1. Teach three songs to a group of people. Lead them in singing the songs, using proper hand motions

   2. Compose and write the score for a piece of music of 12 measures or more.

   3. Make a traditional instrument and learn to play it

   4. Catalog your own or your family's collection of 12 or more compact discs, tapes, or records.  Show how to handle and store them.