Music vs piano major

violadad
Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:10:08 +0000

The BM is a “professional” type of degree, involving more hands on technical aspects/course work. In many ways, a BM is akin to a BS, where practical application of specific learned skills/techniques/theories are put into practice. In the case of performance, there are studio, orchestral excerpt, large and small ensembles, recital and solo requirements that form a large portion of the curriculum; for music ed, practicums, observation, seminars, case studies, and student teaching. Similar scenarios for music business, theory, history concentrations.

The music BA (or general music) is more liberal arts focused, usually will include less upper level theory and music history courses, and have less stringent studio and performance requirements. Lessons (voice or instrumental) are either half-time of BM candidates (1/2 hour versus an hour), at additional cost, with non performance faculty or grad students, or the student is left to find a private instructor off campus.

There are a few programs offering BA’s in performance, but not many.

This is a general overview. The specifics will vary by school.