What is the difference between a BM and a BA in Music?

A BM (Bachelor of Music) is a professional degree focused on performance (approx. 70% music credits). A BA (Bachelor of Arts) is a liberal arts degree with a broader focus, where music typically makes up 30-50% of the curriculum.

When should I start preparing for college music auditions?

Ideally, students should begin preparing 12–18 months in advance. This timeline allows for repertoire selection, mastering difficult passages, and filming high-quality pre-screening videos required by many top-tier programs.

What is a music pre-screening video?

A pre-screening video is a recorded audition used by competitive music schools to vet applicants before inviting them for an in-person audition. Quality audio and video are essential for making a strong first impression.

Can I double major as a music student?

Yes, it is possible but demanding. Students pursuing a BA in Music often find it easier to double major than those in a BM program. Success requires excellent time management and early planning with academic advisors.

What career options exist for music majors besides teaching?

Music majors have diverse career paths including music therapy, arts administration, sound engineering, music law, copyright management, and professional freelance performance.

Get into a Top Music School
Expert Guidance, Proven Results

Music school admissions is nothing like applying to a general college program. Prescreens, live auditions, program-specific repertoire requirements, competing for a handful of studio spots — the process is layered, high-stakes, and largely opaque to families navigating it for the first time.

We help talented musicians cut through the complexity: building the right school list, preparing a winning audition, and landing acceptance at programs that truly fit.

Our Services

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Private consultation

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Best-fit school lists

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Expert evaluation

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Online prep courses

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Coaching, tutoring, and private lessons

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Audition and interview practice

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Applications & essays editing

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Stage fright help

Explore Services

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Founder and Principal

Dr. David Lee Fish providing music college admissions help for student musicians and families

Meet Dr. David Lee Fish, professional musician, music professor, independent educational consultant, and the founder of College Music Major—the expert leader in music college admissions guidance. With his deep knowledge of top-ranked music schools, he helps students successfully conquer the complex and frustrating college admissions process for a music degree. Dr. Fish and the CMMaj team can help you, too!

Learn More About Dr. Fish

NEW! Music School Finder

Most college search tools treat music like any other major. Music School Finder filters 253 curated programs by instrument, genre, and audition competitiveness — the factors that actually determine fit.

Browse now and build a smarter list.

Go to Music School Finder

Record of Success

As an educational consultant, Dr. Fish has provided music college admissions help to many students to help them gain acceptance at some of the best music schools with a range of music degrees:

Music School Acceptance Rates

To a large extent, your future as a musician will hinge on the college, university, or conservatory you attend and the music degree you pursue. But, given their extremely low acceptance rates, securing spots at top-ranked music schools can be as difficult as getting into Harvard. You need to be confident about the process and audition well. That's where CMMaj comes in.

8%

Juilliard acceptance rate

20%

USC acceptance

45%

Berklee acceptance rate

Finding the Right School

There are nearly 4,000 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the United States, with almost half offering music degrees. How do you determine the best music schools to fit your educational goals and career aspirations?

Often, fewer than a dozen schools have everything you want when it comes to curriculum, faculty, resources, and opportunities. CMMaj can help you discover them.

female musician playing trumpet and brass instruments

Want to get into a top music school?

Student guitarist preparing for auditions with music college admissions help

Avoid these 5 BIG mistakes!

Don't spoil your chances of getting into your dream school! It's easy to avoid these seven common mistakes if you know what they are.

Show Me!

The Better Way

College Music Major has found a better way to offer services to college-bound musicians that sets us apart from other music independent educational consultants. We are:

Expert

Dr. Fish's expertise is unmatched. He combines experience as a professional musician, music professor, and founder of the Association for Popular Music Education with success in music school admissions consulting.

Collaborative

We work with you, truly with you. We suggest, rather than tell, keeping your wants and needs firmly in mind.

Flexible

One size NEVER fits all. The needs and wishes of each student and their family differ, and we welcome the differences.

Affordable

We make our professional services as affordable as possible for students and their families. In addition to inclusive packages, we offer individual services and no-interest payment plans.

Music college admissions help from an expert featured in music education publications

And Authoritative

Who writes the semiannual cover stories on Best Music Schools for the world's leading music education magazine, In Tune Monthly? Dr. Fish does. It's a clear reflection of his expertise and authority when it comes to music in higher education.

You can read Dr. Fish's most recent article for In Tune, "All About Admissions," here.

Testimonials

Dr. Fish’s decades of experience as a university professor deeply inform his ability to connect and resonate with our teenage son. He truly understands the pressures and demands of applying to music school, and yet delivers in a way that has put my son at ease and boosted his confidence in himself. Dr. Fish is the mentor my son needs to put his best self out there in his application process.

Meredith (Asheville, NC)

College Music Major has been an invaluable guide through our daughter's journey in pursuing her musical dreams. Dr. Fish's expertise and genuine care have helped us navigate the complexities of the music education system and inspired her to reach new heights as an artist.

LARRY (Columbus, OH)

From our first meeting with Dr. Fish, we knew we had found our personal guide through the music school admissions process for our daughter, Elizabeth. With expertise and humor, he connected with our daughter, mentoring her through college lists, applications, and auditions. He arranged an expert evaluation that connected her with someone at a top school in her major. He held mock interviews for her so that she knew what to expect and ease her nerves. We know he will be there to help Elizabeth choose the best place for her to thrive not only as an artist but as a person. Neither my husband nor I is a musician, so he is able to help our daughter in ways we cannot. We are very grateful for all he has done.
Shelley (Ramsey, NJ)

Guarantees

Success

If enrolled in one of our Consulting Packages with a personalized school list, you'll get accepted into at least one agreed-upon target school (some restrictions apply).

Price

We'll beat the published or quoted price of any other music education consultant for equivalent service (some restrictions apply).

Cellist receiving expert music college admissions help for conservatory applications

Contact College Music Major for personalized music college admissions help

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