My D is just beginning the college search process, and she would like to study voice in a liberal arts setting. I’ve read the many useful threads on this forum on the BA vs BM differences, as well as the excellent Peabody article about the different paths to pursuing music in college- conservatory, dual-degree, etc. As we dig a little deeper, we’ve found quite a few liberal arts colleges with a “BM in Music Performance” degree- often listing voice as a concentration. In a few colleges it’s listed as a BS in Music Performance. What type of student would benefit from this degree, rather than a BM in Vocal Performance? Also, how does one evaluate the strength of the voice concentration within a school’s BM-Music Performance program? I’ve read that voice teacher quality is most important, but as a non music person, I’m not sure how to evaluate that from looking at college websites.
My apologies if this has been discussed before on this forum - I’ve spent a lot of time reading old threads but haven’t seen this specifically addressed. Thanks.
@xanthippe Is there a typo in your title for this thread? In your message, it seems like you’re asking about the difference between a BS in Music Performance and a BM in Music Performance. (I don’t know the answer; just trying to clarify the question).
Honestly I have never seen a BS in music. Perhaps it is more reflective of a specific school’s “paperwork” than a different degree, per say (though my gut tells me it is a BM in disguise). May I suggest looking at the required coursework to compare to known programs? My daughter found the BM path most closely reflected what she thought her 4 years should look like, but seeing actual course schedules really was necessary to understand this. Also note that each school might have a slightly different take on the BM degree. Some have more language, theory, general education, dance and theater requirements, for example… She found these suggested schedules really helpful in making final decisions between schools as well. They are usually available on the music school web site.
Thanks@choirsandstages- the title is correct, but I guess my question was confusing. I’m wondering what kind of student would choose a BM in Music Performance- voice concentration versus a BM in Vocal Performance. Or is there really not much difference between the two degrees in substance?
Also, I had come across a school or two online that offered “BS in Music” degrees, - and wondered how that fit into the mix. Thanks- I hope this clarifies my question.
@xanthippe Ohhhh ok–I think those (BM in Music Performance- voice concentration versus a BM in Vocal Performance) are usually one and the same, actually. Just a different way of labeling. I could be wrong–don’t quote me. 
Agree with @choirsandstages -it’s just a label. But look at the courses for each school of interest. All BM are not the same!
My D did a BS in VP as opposed to a BM. I think IU is one of the few that offers it. She had fewer music elective and diction requirements and could pursue an outside field (theatre for her). It was like a double major. She is in a MM right now and it didn’t matter that she had a BS vs BM. As said above just look closely at the curriculum to decide what you like best.
The BS at IU sounds like a BA elsewhere. Alphabet soup!
Yes. Why BS and not BA I have no idea.
This is a great question and I have never seen it asked before.
I think usually a BS would have a few more music classes in the major than a BA, but less than a BM. We could throw a BFA in there too!! 
I agree that the BM in music performance versus voice performance may be a matter of labeling. I would expect the latter more in a conservatory and the former more in a college or university setting (including music school) but that is just off the cuff. Basically the BM is in performance and the concentration can be defined in the program name or as a sub label.
But I could be wrong! Ask the schools. I wonder if the name of the actual degree is different or just the program, if that makes sense.
Looking at the curriculum and courses will definitely help. Regardless of label, these programs do vary some from school to school, as does a BA for that matter. (For instance, Harvard’s BA is 50% music classes, more than most.)
Skidmore has a BS in dance and wonder if it has a BS in music. Haven’t looked…
I do think the BS at IU, is a BS bc it is part of a conservatory. The BS is only allowed if you are studying an “approved” outside field. In my D’s case is was theatre and that is also a performance degree. You could not do a BS with an outside field of accounting (there’s not enough cross-over). The music school has to be working in conjunction with the other school to assure certain key elements are covered. My D had a set 4 year schedule given to her by the conservatory. A BA would have more flexibility (typically a 50/50 split)…and while a School of Music may allow this, I doubt a conservatory would.
Still I don’t think the label matters as much as the right curriculum for a student. And I do think schools interpret their curriculum and degree programs independently so that is why you have differences from school to school. As said before look at the curriculum along with teachers, environment etc to see what’s best for your student.
Edit: Jacobs is a conservatory within a University. It is run like a conservatory along with those pesky University gen eds.
I’ll echo many of the comments above that suggest looking at the curriculum and I don’t think the title (BA, BS, BM) really matters that much, its about the classes and concentration. My D was looking for something with pretty even weighting between vocal performance and music business / industry classes. Perhaps some of the traditional conservatories have more distinct guidelines around the alphabet soup of each major.
She’s headed to the University of Memphis to do a BM Commercial Performance Voice. I think the programs and degree titles vary from school to school. She looked at a number of schools and found a lot of BS Music Industry / Music Business programs like Loyola New Orleans, UMass Lowell and The College of Saint Rose with voice as primary instrument. It seems some of the newer programs that focus on contemporary / popular music vary pretty widely.
In general the difference between a BM and a BA/BS in music is that the BA/BS will have less of the theory and ear training classes that a BM student takes but will have more liberal arts courses, someone on here gave a breakdown of the time spent with music related stuff and non music related, I wish I remember the numbers, but it was like close to 90% for a BM student and 70% for a BA/BS if I remember correctly…as others said, the reality is to look at what the program entails, rather than worrying about the label, by looking at the curriculum of the program, most schools give a pretty good view on their website. What works best? Depends on the student, some kids thrive living, eating breathing music, others want more of a range, like most things in music, it comes down to the kid and their needs.