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<p>Hunt, that’s it in a nutshell. In general:</p>
<p>-the BA has less music specific required credits, and more liberal arts requirement, elective options.</p>
<p>-the BFA kicks the music up a notch, but in general, still less music specific requirements.</p>
<p>-the BM is very music heavy creditwise, and contains few required liberal arts or non music specific degree requirements. In general, between the three, the BM has less room (read as time) in the courseload to allow for electives, be they music or non music options. Think of it like a BS, where there is a high concentration of knowledge/theory/application type curriculum, less survey type coursework. For music, ensemble and methods courses can be likened to labs, practicums in the science and other disciplines.</p>
<p>The BFA is often conferred to dance, theater, musical theater graduates in lieu of a BA. </p>
<p>In general, the BFA & BMs will have increasing levels of theory, music history, discipline specific ipos, ensemble participation over a BA and may include a pretty fair number of 1 and 2 credit courses, often more time intensive than a 3 credit survey course. </p>
<p>Important to note that most BA programs are not audition based, don’t include a sophomore evaluation, annual jury/recital requirement, or other “artistic” requirement to continue in the program. BFA & BM programs will have this, and succesful completion is a requirement for continued degree pursuit. Also, they are audition (or submission) based, and the final artistic requirement is “stiffer” for BFA, BM than BA candidates.</p>
<p>The operative documents for comparison both within and between schools are the degree plans for each type.</p>
<p>Often buried deeply within the undergrad handbook (or school specific supplement) these will detail the specific core requirements and course options for type of degree. It’s important to study and understand these in deciding what the options and depth, as well as any sidebar or “*” noted requirements differences. </p>
<p>The general rule is that you will see a school offering either
BA/BM options, BA/BFA, or BFA/BM; it is rare to see BA/BFA/BM options offered as different degree paths in the same discipline, although that combo can be found in a number of programs across arts related disciplines.</p>