Music vs piano major

mamenyu
Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:55:19 +0000

The piano performance degree is a BMus, and would probably include studio classes, some music theory and history, and ensemble and collaborative performance. This is the type of program offered at conservatories (e.g., Juilliard, Peabody, Oberlin). The music degree is a B.A., like majoring in English – it is usually a generalist type of program, with music history, musicianship (ear training, harmony), music theory (at some, not all schools), ethnomusicology (at some, not all schools), and some performance. The former is probably better suited as preparation for a performance or teaching career; the latter is an academic degree – you could go on to graduate school in music history, theory, ethnomusicology, law school, etc.