<p>Personally, and as is the case with many in the field I know, it is way more impressive to hear a simpler piece that truly touches your soul, no matter the “grade”, than something “bigger” but otherwise sterile (a tot performing a major concerto for instance). Music is not (or at least should not be) about ranking based on difficulty. It’s about emotion, connecting with other humans…not one-upping one another based on just how fast you can play XYZ, and what age you happen to be while hacking away at it. At least, that’s my idealistic version.</p>
<p>Anyway, I wish your son well, imagep! The program truly differs significantly between schools. </p>
<p>Something I just wanted to put out there –
I am attending a state school for many reasons, fortunately with a pretty strong music department. I WAS a Mus.Ed major until I decided my heart wasn’t really, truly in it. I don’t mind teaching, but I didn’t wish to waste my time/money with something I wasn’t 100% invested in, and the public school system, at least around here, is sort of frightening.</p>
<p>I’ve since switched to a BA in music. This will allow me easier access to several jobs in the music industry than a BM undergrad degree might (which is a good thing seeing as I’ll likely need to take one of these jobs as I work up the performing side of my career). I am still able to take all the classes a BM would need to – theory, sight-singing, music history, etc… I get an hour of quality instruction on my instrument once a week and plenty of ensemble (orchestra, quartet, etc) goodness. The BA is a largely customizable degree, and one can choose to put elective credits toward lessons and such as well.</p>
<p>I also feel that, with the handful of non-music classes I am required to take (a few of which are not quite as time-consuming as some Gen Ed classes a Mus.Ed would need to enroll in) I am getting a nice rounded undergrad education. I think this balance will serve me well as a musician down the road.</p>
<p>Not saying that a BA is an “easier” route. I choose to put in a lot of work toward music, comparable to the BM students…I usually fit in 4-6 hours a day of playing/practice, do recitals; I still intend to go to grad school in either performance and/or composition. I just feel a BA, as a piece of paper, will serve me, personally and mentally, better than a BM.</p>
<p>Another option to consider for anyone waffling. 
Many, many paths out there.</p>