When it comes to preparing for college, choosing the right degree and major can feel overwhelming — especially if you're the first in your family to navigate this process. But don’t worry. Understanding a few key terms can help you make smarter decisions and find the best path toward your future career.

One of the most important things to know? A degree and a major are not the same thing. Colleges use these terms carefully — and using them correctly shows you’re prepared and serious.

Let’s break it all down.

Tip: Use the Right Words — It Matters

When you talk to a college admissions officer or fill out applications, be sure to use the right words. This shows you understand how college works — and it makes a great first impression.

Say:

• “I want to major in Composition.”
• “I am interested in a Bachelor of Music degree.”

Don’t Say:

• “I want to major in Bachelor of Music.”
• “I’m getting a degree in Songwriting.” (Songwriting is a major, not a degree!)

Mixing up “degree” and “major” is a common mistake — but using them correctly shows admissions officers that you’re serious, well-prepared, and ready for college-level work.

Quick Reminder:
Degree = the credential or diploma you earn (e.g., Bachelor of Music)
Major = your main subject of study (e.g., Composition)

What Is a Degree?

A degree is the official credential you earn after finishing a college program.
Music students typically pursue one of these:
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Bachelor of Music (BM)

Your degree shows the level and type of education you’ve completed.

What Is a Major?

Your major is the subject you concentrate on while earning your degree.
Example:
Degree: Bachelor of Music (BM)
Major: Composition, Viola Performance, Music Education

Major vs. Minor

A major is your primary focus — it’s what you specialize in.
A minor is a secondary subject you study in addition to your major.

Example: A student might earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Minor in Songwriting.

Let’s break it all down.

The BA Experience: A Broader Education

BA programs combine music study with a wide variety of liberal arts classes — humanities, writing, languages, and more.

You’ll still get music training but also build skills in critical thinking, writing, and communication.

Why does this matter for musicians and educators?

• Critical Thinking helps performers and educators analyze music deeply — understanding structure, history, and cultural context. It sharpens decision-making in rehearsal, teaching, and performance.
• Writing Skills are essential in real-world music careers:
  • Drafting lesson plans for students and classroom teaching
  • Sending professional letters and emails to parents
  • Writing blogs, newsletters, or social media posts to build your reputation
  • Creating program notes for concerts
  • Completing scholarship and grant applications
• Communication Skills are vital for:
  • Leading rehearsals and giving clear feedback
  • Explaining musical ideas to students, audiences, or collaborators
  • Building professional relationships and negotiating contracts

The broader education you gain in a BA program doesn’t just make you smarter — it makes you a better teacher, communicator, and professional artist.

The BFA Experience: Professional Arts Training

BFA programs — like those at Juilliard or Oberlin Conservatory — immerse you in performance training. They’re designed to shape students into professional performers over four intensive years.

BFA students focus heavily on private instruction, ensembles, recitals, and studio work, preparing for careers on the stage.

BA vs. BS for Music Educators: Does It Matter?

Some colleges offer both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music Education.
Both degrees can qualify you to become a certified music teacher — one is not better than the other.

Key Differences:

• The BA usually offers more flexibility and liberal arts courses.
• The BS focuses more heavily on the technical and scientific aspects of education and research.

What does “technical” mean here? In a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, technical means a focus on the scientific, research-driven side of education — not computer programming.

For example:

• Courses might include psychology of learning, cognitive development, and advanced pedagogy techniques
• You'll study how people learn music scientifically and systematically.
• You'll explore how to use assessment data to improve teaching.

Important: Technical in this context means precise, research-based training to make you a better music educator.

Special Degrees in Music: The Bachelor of Music (BM)

The Bachelor of Music (BM) is the most specialized degree for music students.

It focuses heavily on:

• Private lessons
• Ensemble participation
• Advanced theory, history, and musicianship classes

BM students often take extra performance credits for lessons, ensemble rehearsals, and solo recitals.

This heavier performance load may:

• Extend the time needed to graduate
• Require a larger credit load each semester

Important Fees to Plan For:

• Private lesson fees (sometimes not included in tuition)
• Accompanist fees for recitals, juries, and competitions (especially for vocalists and instrumentalists)
• Instrument rental or maintenance fees
• Studio or practice room access fees

Always ask your college about these additional costs — they vary widely between institutions.

Real-World Outcomes: Careers for Music Majors

Music majors are often asked, “What will you do with that degree?” — and the answer is: a lot.

A music degree teaches creativity, discipline, communication, and teamwork — all skills that employers value across industries.

Do Degree Types Affect Scholarships or Cost?

Good news: Whether you choose a BA, BS, BFA, or BM, the degree type usually does not impact the base tuition or your eligibility for scholarships.

What can affect cost:

• The college’s tuition rate
• Extra fees for lessons, accompanists, or studio use
• Your academic record, musical talent, and financial need (for scholarships)

For Music Majors: BM and BFA degrees often have additional costs — be sure to ask about:

• Private lesson fees
• Recital and accompanist fees
• Instrument rentals

Quick Check: Can You Say It Correctly?

Try these sentences:

• I want a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Composition.
• I want a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Music Education.

If you can say it this way, you're using college vocabulary correctly!

Final Thought: Master the Terms, Master Your Path

Understanding the difference between a degree and a major is more than a vocabulary lesson — it’s a key step toward college and career success.

Your degree is the credential you earn — Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Your major is the subject you dive deep into — Composition, Music Education, Songwriting, or Performance.

Getting the words right matters. It shows admissions officers you’re serious. It shows you’ve done your homework.

More importantly, it helps you find the best-fit program for your goals — whether you want to teach, perform, write, record, or heal with music.

College is a big step. Make it a confident one — with the right words and the right plan.

Know what you want. Know how to say it. And go for it.

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