Hey music lovers! Ever wondered about the different types of music degrees you can pursue? Whether you're aiming to become a virtuoso performer, a savvy sound engineer, or a knowledgeable music educator, understanding the landscape of technical degree names in music is the first step. Let's dive into the world of higher education in music and explore the various paths you can take to turn your passion into a profession.

Bachelor's Degrees in Music

Bachelor's degrees are your foundational stepping stones in the realm of music. They typically last four years and provide a comprehensive education in various musical disciplines. Here's a breakdown of some common Bachelor's degrees:

Bachelor of Music (BM)

The Bachelor of Music, or BM, is the most common undergraduate degree for aspiring musicians. It’s designed for students who want to focus primarily on music performance, composition, or music education. The BM degree is intensely focused on developing your musical skills and knowledge.

• Performance: If you choose to focus on performance, you’ll spend a significant amount of time honing your skills on your chosen instrument or voice. You'll participate in ensembles, take private lessons, and perform in recitals. The goal is to develop you into a highly skilled performer ready for a career as a soloist, ensemble member, or studio musician. This path requires dedication, practice, and a strong artistic vision.
• Composition: Aspiring composers will delve into the theory and practice of writing music. You'll study orchestration, counterpoint, and various compositional techniques. You'll also have opportunities to compose original works and have them performed. This track is perfect for those who have a creative spark and a desire to create their own musical worlds. Composition studies often involve analyzing existing works and experimenting with different styles and genres.
• Music Education: If you dream of inspiring the next generation of musicians, the music education track is for you. You'll learn how to teach music to students of all ages and skill levels. You’ll also study pedagogy, classroom management, and music curriculum development. This path combines musical expertise with teaching skills, preparing you to lead choirs, bands, or general music classes in schools.

Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA in Music)

A Bachelor of Arts in Music, or BA in Music, offers a more liberal arts-oriented approach to music study. While you'll still develop your musical skills, you'll also take a broader range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This degree is ideal for students who want a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on music.

The BA in Music allows for greater flexibility in course selection, enabling you to explore other academic interests alongside your musical pursuits. This can be particularly beneficial if you're considering a double major or minor in a field outside of music. For example, you might combine a BA in Music with a major in psychology, business, or computer science. This interdisciplinary approach can open up diverse career opportunities. Many students use a BA in Music as a springboard to graduate studies in fields such as music therapy, arts administration, or musicology.

Bachelor of Science in Music (BS in Music)

The Bachelor of Science in Music, or BS in Music, is less common than the BM or BA, but it's gaining popularity, especially in fields like music technology and music business. This degree emphasizes the scientific and technological aspects of music.

• Music Technology: A BS in Music with a focus on music technology will delve into areas like sound recording, audio engineering, digital music production, and electronic music composition. You'll learn how to use cutting-edge technology to create, manipulate, and distribute music. This path is perfect for those who are passionate about both music and technology.
• Music Business: For those interested in the business side of the music industry, a BS in Music with a focus on music business will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this competitive field. You'll study music marketing, artist management, music law, and music publishing. This degree is ideal for aspiring music executives, managers, and entrepreneurs.

Master's Degrees in Music

A Master's degree in music is a graduate-level program that typically takes one to two years to complete. It's designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge and skills in a specific area of music. Here are some common Master's degrees:

Master of Music (MM)

The Master of Music, or MM, is the most common graduate degree for musicians. Like the BM, it focuses intensely on musical performance, composition, or music education but at a more advanced level. The MM degree aims to refine your skills and prepare you for a professional career in music.

• Performance: At the master's level, performance studies become even more specialized. You'll focus on developing your artistry and technical skills to the highest possible level. You'll perform in solo recitals, chamber ensembles, and large ensembles. You'll also receive intensive coaching from experienced faculty members. The goal is to prepare you for a career as a concert artist, opera singer, or principal player in an orchestra.
• Composition: Master's level composition studies involve creating sophisticated and innovative musical works. You'll explore advanced compositional techniques, experiment with different styles and genres, and collaborate with other musicians. You'll also have opportunities to have your works performed by professional ensembles. This path is ideal for those who want to push the boundaries of musical creativity and establish themselves as original voices in the field.
• Music Education: An MM in Music Education is designed for experienced music teachers who want to advance their knowledge and skills. You'll study advanced pedagogy, curriculum development, and research methods. You'll also have opportunities to conduct research and present your findings at conferences. This degree is ideal for those who want to become leaders in the field of music education and make a significant impact on the lives of their students.

Master of Arts in Music (MA in Music)

A Master of Arts in Music, or MA in Music, is a more research-oriented degree than the MM. It's designed for students who want to pursue scholarly research in music history, music theory, ethnomusicology, or other areas of music studies.

The MA in Music typically involves writing a thesis or completing a major research project. You'll work closely with faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. This degree is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in academia, music journalism, or music librarianship. It's also a common stepping stone to a Ph.D. in music.

Master of Science in Music (MS in Music)

The Master of Science in Music, or MS in Music, is a specialized degree that focuses on the scientific and technological aspects of music. This degree is less common than the MM or MA, but it's gaining popularity in fields like music technology and music therapy.

• Music Technology: An MS in Music Technology will delve into advanced topics such as digital signal processing, audio coding, virtual instrument design, and interactive music systems. You'll learn how to develop new technologies for creating, manipulating, and experiencing music. This path is ideal for those who want to work as audio engineers, sound designers, or music software developers.
• Music Therapy: An MS in Music Therapy combines musical training with psychological and therapeutic principles. You'll learn how to use music to help people with a variety of physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. This degree requires clinical training and often leads to board certification as a music therapist.

Doctoral Degrees in Music

A doctoral degree in music is the highest level of academic achievement in the field. It typically takes three to five years to complete and is designed for students who want to become leading scholars, researchers, or performers.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music

The Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D., in Music is a research-oriented degree that prepares you for a career in academia. You'll conduct original research, write a dissertation, and teach courses. The Ph.D. is the gold standard for those seeking professorships at universities and colleges.

• Music History: A Ph.D. in Music History involves in-depth research into the history of Western or non-Western music. You'll explore the social, cultural, and political contexts of music and contribute new knowledge to the field.
• Music Theory: A Ph.D. in Music Theory focuses on the analysis and interpretation of music. You'll develop advanced analytical skills and contribute to the understanding of musical structure and form.
• Ethnomusicology: A Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology involves the study of music in its cultural context. You'll conduct fieldwork, analyze musical traditions, and explore the relationship between music and culture.

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

The Doctor of Musical Arts, or DMA, is a performance-oriented degree that prepares you for a career as a concert artist, composer, or conductor. While research is still involved, the emphasis is on artistic excellence and creative expression.

• Performance: A DMA in Performance is the highest level of training for instrumentalists, vocalists, and conductors. You'll focus on refining your artistic skills, developing your individual voice, and performing at the highest level.
• Composition: A DMA in Composition involves creating a substantial body of original works. You'll explore advanced compositional techniques, experiment with different styles and genres, and collaborate with other musicians.
• Conducting: A DMA in Conducting prepares you to lead orchestras, choirs, or bands. You'll study conducting technique, score analysis, and rehearsal strategies.

Other Technical Degree Names in Music

Beyond the traditional BM, BA, MM, MA, Ph.D., and DMA degrees, there are other specialized technical degree names in music that cater to specific career paths. These include:

• Associate of Arts in Music (AA in Music): A two-year degree that provides a foundation in music theory, performance, and history. It's often used as a stepping stone to a Bachelor's degree.
• Diploma in Audio Engineering: A specialized program that focuses on the technical aspects of sound recording and audio production.
• Certificate in Music Technology: A short-term program that provides training in specific music software or hardware.

Choosing the Right Music Degree

Selecting the right music degree depends on your individual goals, interests, and career aspirations. Consider the following factors:

• Your Passion: What aspects of music do you enjoy the most? Are you passionate about performing, composing, teaching, or researching?
• Your Skills: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a musician? Are you a technically skilled instrumentalist, a creative composer, or a gifted teacher?
• Your Career Goals: What kind of career do you want to pursue in music? Do you want to be a concert artist, a music teacher, a composer, or a music industry executive?

Conclusion

Navigating the world of technical degree names in music can be overwhelming, but understanding the different options available is crucial for making informed decisions about your education and career. Whether you're drawn to performance, composition, education, technology, or research, there's a music degree that can help you achieve your goals. So, go out there, explore your options, and pursue your passion for music! Remember music degrees can open up so many options.