Online Degrees in Music

Music Degrees

Most major colleges and universities, as well as many smaller private institutions and conservatories, offer degree programs in music. These programs are designed for students who would like to make a living performing, composing and/or teaching music (vocal or instrumental). There are a number of specializations available, although these will vary from institution to institution, but if you wish to major in music you may be able to find a program specializing in anything from sacred choral music to gospel to jazz to musical theater.

At the bachelor's level, the typical music degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Usually, the difference between the two is said to be that the BFA program is for students who wish to narrow their focus in on a specific area of music performance, and commit to long hours of intensive training in the studio. The BA is for students who wish to work in the preforming arts, but still desire the flexibility to explore electives in other departments to broaden their education. The BA is also offered in music education or pedagogy for students who wish to pursue careers in teaching music or as choir directors. Some institutions offer the Bachelor of Music (BM) degree, which is even more music-intensive than the BFA program. Usually admission to BM and BFA programs will be audition-based, whereas BA programs in music will not require an audition.

Further musical training is available at the graduate level, where Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Master of Music (MM) degree programs are available to the dedicated student of music. You can even earn a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), which will prepare you for a career in musical performance, conducting or composing, or a PhD in music, which can prepare you to teach musical composition, theory and history at the college or university level.