<p>Normally, a BM program is the way to go if it helps you meet some pretty specific goals. If you want to maintain flexibility for the next few years, the BA may be more advantageous. If you get started down the BM path and then want to switch majors to something other than music, you may well find that you need to stay in school an extra year or so in order to get the degree in the new field. If you are pursuing a BA, you may not even have to declare a major until well into your second year because you will be taking a lot of distribution requirements (i.e. required courses beyond the major area common to any BA degree) for the first two or three semesters. </p>
<p>Another question that you should ask yourself is whether you need a degree in music at all to accomplish your goal. You may be able to do that with a private teacher while working on a degree in another specific area of interest. Or perhaps you would do well with a broad liberal arts curriculum as a way of having more to say with your music.</p>
<p>If you are serious about an auditioned BM program, you have a lot to do in the next few months beyond the normal drill of applications, transcripts and letters of recommendation. Much of that is explained in detail in the thread that violadad pointed out. Best of luck to you whichever way you decide to go.</p>