You need to look at the course catalog to understand how many credits each degree requires. On a semester system 4 years is 8 semesters at 15 credits = 120 credits with no overload. Many majors are around 50-55 credits plus 20-30 credits for general eds. So it’s easy to complete with time for a minor or double major (or study abroad). Lab sciences, engineering etc may be 60-65 which means a double major may be hard to fit in. However a BFA/BM may be 75-85, which is why many colleges say a double degree (80+50+20=150+ credits) will take 5 years. The question then becomes whether overloading is allowed and scheduling is feasible.
My D18 did about 155-160 credits (in addition to around 15 that were usable from APs) to complete her degrees in 4 years. That required taking some summer classes the first year then doing 22-23 credits per semester in years 2 and 3. It was a heavy load but she likes being busy. Fortunately some classes were available online asynchronously so they could be fitted around her dance schedule.
A liberal arts music major (BA) will involve, on average, 10 classes in music (out of 40 total) often with gen eds and some electives. So 1/4-1/3 classes in music. A BM will be 2/3-3/4 classes in music so, say, 30 classes out of 40. Conservatory days are structured differently from a BA degree day. Curious what you are looking at.
It would seem that a double degree (5 years) may be the best path but she will have to find a school wit
One thing you could consider is talking to your current teacher about maybe doing a few one off master classes with someone on piano faculty at some school. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a high end fancy music program, your closest university might be fine. Faculty roles are competitive everywhere, I was often surprised by bios of teachers teaching at offbeat schools. They might give some sense of what kind of programs might be a fit for your student and preparing for college auditions without giving up your current teacher.
Hi. I have a terminology question. A school like Vanderbilt has both a conservatory, a B.M. and a B.A. for music. May I assume that the B.M. in piano performance is the same as attending the conservatory? Lessons and classes are all in the same building. Thank you.