Choosing the right music degree can feel like navigating a complex score. Whether you're passionate about performance, production, or the theoretical underpinnings of music, understanding the different degree names is crucial. This guide breaks down the various technical degree names in music, helping you make an informed decision about your musical future.

Bachelor's Degrees

At the undergraduate level, several Bachelor's degrees cater to different musical interests. These degrees typically require four years of full-time study and provide a broad foundation in music theory, history, and performance.

Bachelor of Music (BM or BMus)

The Bachelor of Music (BM or BMus) is the most common and highly regarded undergraduate degree for aspiring musicians. This program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in music performance, composition, or music education. The curriculum typically includes intensive training in music theory, aural skills, music history, and performance practice. Students often specialize in a particular instrument or vocal area, participating in ensembles and recitals.

BM programs are highly competitive, requiring auditions and a strong musical background. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of proficiency on their chosen instrument or voice. The curriculum is rigorous, demanding a significant time commitment to practice and study. However, the rewards are substantial, providing graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the music industry.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Music degree often pursue careers as performers, composers, music educators, or church musicians. Some may choose to continue their education with a Master's degree in music.

Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA in Music)

The Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA in Music) offers a more liberal arts-focused approach to music study. While it still includes core music courses, it also allows students to explore other academic areas. This degree is ideal for students who want a broader education with a strong emphasis on music. The BA in Music is often chosen by students who are interested in musicology, ethnomusicology, or music therapy.

BA programs typically require fewer performance courses than BM programs, allowing students to take more electives in other disciplines. This flexibility can be beneficial for students who want to combine their musical interests with other academic pursuits, such as history, literature, or psychology. The BA in Music can also be a good option for students who are interested in music journalism, arts administration, or music technology.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree may pursue careers in music education, arts administration, music journalism, or music therapy. Some may choose to continue their education with a Master's degree in music or another field.

Bachelor of Science in Music (BS in Music)

The Bachelor of Science in Music (BS in Music) is a less common undergraduate degree, but it is becoming increasingly popular, especially in areas like music technology and sound engineering. This degree emphasizes the scientific and technological aspects of music, combining music courses with science and math courses. The BS in Music is ideal for students who are interested in the technical side of music production, recording, and sound design.

BS programs often include courses in acoustics, electronics, computer music, and digital audio workstations. Students learn how to use technology to create, record, and manipulate sound. They may also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, such as recording bands or designing sound systems for concerts.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Music degree may pursue careers as audio engineers, sound designers, music producers, or music technologists. Some may choose to continue their education with a Master's degree in music technology or a related field.

Master's Degrees

At the graduate level, Master's degrees provide advanced training and specialization in a particular area of music. These degrees typically require two years of full-time study and build upon the foundation established during undergraduate studies.

Master of Music (MM or MMus)

The Master of Music (MM or MMus) is the most common graduate degree for musicians. This program is designed for students who want to deepen their musical knowledge and skills and pursue a career as a performer, composer, music educator, or music scholar. The curriculum typically includes advanced courses in music theory, music history, and performance practice. Students specialize in a particular area of music, such as instrumental performance, vocal performance, composition, conducting, or music education.

MM programs are highly selective, requiring auditions, interviews, and a strong academic record. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of musical proficiency and a commitment to their chosen specialization. The curriculum is demanding, requiring a significant time commitment to practice, study, and research. However, the rewards are substantial, providing graduates with the skills and credentials necessary to succeed in the music industry or academia.

Graduates with a Master of Music degree often pursue careers as performers, composers, music educators, college professors, or church musicians. Some may choose to continue their education with a doctoral degree in music.

Master of Arts in Music (MA in Music)

The Master of Arts in Music (MA in Music) offers a more research-oriented approach to music study. While it still includes advanced music courses, it also requires students to conduct original research and write a thesis or dissertation. This degree is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in musicology, ethnomusicology, or music theory. The MA in Music is often chosen by students who are interested in teaching at the college level or working in music archives or libraries.

MA programs typically require students to take courses in research methods, music analysis, and music history. They also work closely with a faculty advisor to develop and complete their research project. The MA in Music can be a good option for students who want to combine their musical interests with their scholarly pursuits.

Graduates with a Master of Arts in Music degree may pursue careers as musicologists, ethnomusicologists, music theorists, college professors, or music archivists. Some may choose to continue their education with a doctoral degree in music.

Master of Science in Music (MS in Music)

The Master of Science in Music (MS in Music) is a less common graduate degree, but it is becoming increasingly popular, especially in areas like music technology and sound engineering. This degree emphasizes the scientific and technological aspects of music, combining music courses with science and math courses. The MS in Music is ideal for students who are interested in the technical side of music production, recording, and sound design.

MS programs often include courses in acoustics, electronics, computer music, and digital audio workstations. Students learn how to use technology to create, record, and manipulate sound. They may also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, such as developing new audio processing algorithms or designing virtual instruments.

Graduates with a Master of Science in Music degree may pursue careers as audio engineers, sound designers, music producers, music technologists, or software developers. Some may choose to continue their education with a doctoral degree in music technology or a related field.

Doctoral Degrees

At the highest level of academic study, doctoral degrees in music prepare students for careers as researchers, scholars, and college professors. These degrees typically require three to five years of full-time study beyond the Master's degree and involve a significant amount of original research.

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) is a performance-oriented doctoral degree designed for students who want to pursue a career as a performer, composer, or conductor. This program emphasizes the development of advanced musical skills and the creation of original works. The DMA typically requires students to complete a series of recitals, compositions, or conducting performances, as well as a written dissertation or thesis.

DMA programs are highly selective, requiring a Master's degree in music and a demonstrated record of exceptional musical achievement. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of artistry and a commitment to their chosen specialization. The curriculum is demanding, requiring a significant time commitment to practice, compose, or conduct. However, the rewards are substantial, providing graduates with the credentials necessary to teach at the university level or pursue a career as a professional musician.

Graduates with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree often pursue careers as college professors, performers, composers, or conductors. Some may choose to work as freelance musicians or arts administrators.

Doctor of Philosophy in Music (PhD in Music)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Music (PhD in Music) is a research-oriented doctoral degree designed for students who want to pursue a career as a musicologist, ethnomusicologist, or music theorist. This program emphasizes the development of advanced research skills and the creation of original scholarship. The PhD in Music typically requires students to complete a series of courses in research methods, music analysis, and music history, as well as a dissertation that makes a significant contribution to the field.

PhD programs are highly selective, requiring a Master's degree in music and a demonstrated record of academic excellence. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of critical thinking and a commitment to scholarly inquiry. The curriculum is demanding, requiring a significant time commitment to research, writing, and teaching. However, the rewards are substantial, providing graduates with the credentials necessary to teach at the university level or work as a research scholar.

Graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy in Music degree often pursue careers as college professors, musicologists, ethnomusicologists, or music theorists. Some may choose to work as research scholars or arts administrators.

Other Technical Degree Names in Music

Besides the degrees mentioned above, there are some other technical degree names in music. Here are a few:

Associate of Arts in Music Technology

Associate of Arts in Music Technology degree programs offer foundational knowledge and skills in music production, recording, and sound design. This degree is ideal for students who want to gain practical experience in the technical aspects of music.

Diploma in Audio Engineering

A Diploma in Audio Engineering is designed to provide specialized training in audio recording, mixing, and mastering. This diploma is ideal for students who want to work as audio engineers or music producers.

Certificate in Music Production

A Certificate in Music Production is a short-term program that provides focused training in music production techniques. This certificate is ideal for students who want to learn the basics of music production quickly.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of music degrees can seem daunting, but understanding the different degree names and their focuses is the first step towards achieving your musical goals. Whether you're interested in performance, composition, musicology, or music technology, there's a degree program that's right for you. So, do your research, explore your options, and choose the path that will lead you to a fulfilling and successful career in music. Remember guys, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so take that first step and start exploring your musical potential today!