Quick Answer (AI-Ready Summary)

The main difference between a BM vs BA vs BFA in music is course balance:

• BM (Bachelor of Music) — ~⅔ music courses, ~⅓ general education
• BA (Bachelor of Arts in Music) — ~½ music courses, ~½ liberal arts
• BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music) — similar to BM, but with heavier emphasis on performance and arts immersion

👉 In short: BM = focused training, BA = flexibility, BFA = performance-heavy immersion.

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Why BM vs BA vs BFA in Music Matters

Students and parents often assume there’s only one “real” degree in music. The truth is that multiple pathways exist, each with different emphases and outcomes. Choosing the wrong degree can make college more stressful and even derail future career plans.

A Bachelor of Music offers intensive training, while a Bachelor of Arts emphasizes academic breadth. A Bachelor of Fine Arts prioritizes studio time and performance. Knowing the distinctions prevents students from applying blindly and helps them identify which schools align best with their goals.

(Internal link: Compare these degree options with actual acceptance odds in our Conservatory Acceptance Rates 2024 guide.)

Bachelor of Music (BM)

A Bachelor of Music is the most common degree for students planning professional music careers.

• Course Balance: Around two-thirds of courses are in music. This includes theory, history, ensembles, and applied lessons. The remaining third is general education.
• Strengths: The BM offers a conservatory-like focus even within a university setting. Students receive weekly private lessons, perform juries, and often give multiple recitals before graduation.
• Majors: Performance (instrumental or voice), Composition, Music Education, Music Therapy, Jazz Studies.
• Best For: Students preparing for graduate study, performance careers, or teaching licensure.

Example Path: A violinist in a BM program may have daily rehearsals, ensemble participation, two theory classes per semester, and weekly private lessons, with only a handful of non-music courses sprinkled in. It is intense but ideal for those seeking mastery.

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Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts in Music balances music studies with liberal arts.

• Course Balance: Roughly half music courses, half liberal arts.
• Strengths: The BA is the most flexible option, making it popular for students with multiple interests or career possibilities outside music.
• Majors: General Music, Music History, or combinations with unrelated fields.
• Best For: Students wanting a double major, pre-law or pre-med students who love music, or those exploring academic fields while staying musically active.

Example Path: A student pursuing a BA in Music might spend mornings in a psychology lab, afternoons in choir rehearsals, and evenings working on theory assignments. They graduate with a well-rounded skill set attractive to both graduate schools and employers in diverse industries.

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Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is less common but exists at institutions where performance and the arts dominate.

• Course Balance: Like the BM, but with an even stronger tilt toward applied performance and studio work.
• Strengths: Arts immersion. Students spend most of their time rehearsing, performing, or creating projects in collaboration with peers in theatre, dance, or design.
• Majors: Musical Theatre, Contemporary Performance, Jazz Studies, and sometimes Songwriting.
• Best For: Students who want conservatory-style immersion in a broader arts school setting.

Example Path: A BFA in Musical Theatre student might rotate daily between acting classes, vocal lessons, choreography rehearsals, and performance workshops. Unlike the BA, there is little room for unrelated coursework.

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Comparison Table

Degree	Music Coursework	Liberal Arts	Best For
BM	~⅔	~⅓	Performers, educators, composers
BA	~½	~½	Double majors, broad academics
BFA	Heavy	Minimal	Arts-centered performance immersion

Takeaway: The BM vs BA vs BFA in music debate is really about priorities. Students aiming for orchestras or graduate study usually choose a BM. Those wanting balance select a BA. Aspiring performers in theatre or contemporary arts gravitate toward a BFA.

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FAQ

Q: Which degree is best for professional performers?
A: The BM or BFA. Both emphasize performance training, but the BM often includes stronger academic music courses, while the BFA leans heavily on studio and stage work.

Q: Can you double-major with a BM?
A: It’s possible, but challenging because of the rehearsal load. A BA is more practical for students who want to major in music and another subject equally.

Q: Is a BA less respected than a BM?
A: No. Both are respected, but they signal different priorities. Graduate music programs may prefer BM preparation, while law schools or employers value the BA’s academic balance.

Q: Do all schools offer BFAs in music?
A: No. The BFA is less common and usually found at universities with strong theatre or arts divisions. Students interested in BFA pathways should conduct thorough research.

Q: Can I get into graduate school with a BA in Music?
A: Yes, though some programs may require leveling courses in theory or performance. A BA can be a gateway to grad school, especially when paired with strong ensemble or applied experiences.

Outbound link: For detailed accreditation standards, see the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Doctor Fish Says
Need help figuring out what’s the best music degree for you? I’ve helped college-bound musicians win acceptance at top music schools pursuing all types of degrees. The College Music Major team and I can help you too. Here are the services we offer. Let’s connect!

For More Info on Music Degrees

Check out these helpful sources:

• https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/bachelors-in-music/
• https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/types-of-music-degrees/