<p>I am a bit confused about the distinction. I know the difference between Bachelor of Music-Performance and a Bachelor of Arts. Within a music major, do you still focus on just one instrument?</p>
<p>And what would be the benefit to each degree?</p>
<p>The piano performance degree is a BMus, and would probably include studio classes, some music theory and history, and ensemble and collaborative performance. This is the type of program offered at conservatories (e.g., Juilliard, Peabody, Oberlin). The music degree is a B.A., like majoring in English -- it is usually a generalist type of program, with music history, musicianship (ear training, harmony), music theory (at some, not all schools), ethnomusicology (at some, not all schools), and some performance. The former is probably better suited as preparation for a performance or teaching career; the latter is an academic degree -- you could go on to graduate school in music history, theory, ethnomusicology, law school, etc.</p>
<p>A BM in performance is a pre-professional degree that has the intent of preparing the recipient to either continue performance studies in grad school or to go out and start auditioning for jobs. The usual balance is two-thirds to three-fourths music-related courses and the rest in other areas. Typically the requirements will include ensemble participation and usually one or more solo recitals. There is usually time for only one instrument (and I include voice in that broad category), although some people manage to work in lessons on a secondary instrument or a second style of playing (e.g. classical and jazz.)</p>
<p>The BA degree treats music as a liberal art rather than an applied art. The ratio is almost reversed with perhaps a third of the classes related to music and the rest comprising the remainder of a typical liberal arts curriculum. In the case of music history and theory, some schools do not require the student to sing or play an instrument at all. The holder of a BA degree would probably have some catching up to do if their intent is to move into a performance program for grad school or start auditioning for music jobs. Having had more of the core curriculum, they may be better positioned than the BM holder to move into non-musical areas in grad school or to continue with musicology.</p>
<p>The BM is a "professional" type of degree, involving more hands on technical aspects/course work. In many ways, a BM is akin to a BS, where practical application of specific learned skills/techniques/theories are put into practice. In the case of performance, there are studio, orchestral excerpt, large and small ensembles, recital and solo requirements that form a large portion of the curriculum; for music ed, practicums, observation, seminars, case studies, and student teaching. Similar scenarios for music business, theory, history concentrations.</p>
<p>The music BA (or general music) is more liberal arts focused, usually will include less upper level theory and music history courses, and have less stringent studio and performance requirements. Lessons (voice or instrumental) are either half-time of BM candidates (1/2 hour versus an hour), at additional cost, with non performance faculty or grad students, or the student is left to find a private instructor off campus.</p>
<p>There are a few programs offering BA's in performance, but not many.</p>
<p>This is a general overview. The specifics will vary by school.</p>
<p>Have nothing more to add. I just had to check in to see why it was "music versus piano." :confused: As a piano teacher, I like to think that piano does have something to do with music, and is not some antithesis of it. I suppose, though, that someone eavesdropping on some of my beginners might have this confusion. :D</p>
<p>First, ds14 is still enjoying and working hard at piano, and wanting to carry on. I think he is leaning toward the performance degree due to the ratio of piano instruction. However, it is highly likely that he will end up doing some teaching. Is it still appropriate to get the BMus?</p>
<p>Also, he has been doing great with his current teacher, but we are considering a change at some point to help him go farther. She has a B.A. Does this impact how far she can take him? She is a very good, classically minded teacher with almost 10 years experience. How important would a change be, and when would it be best? Ds is in 8th grade right now.</p>
<p>I'll speak to generalities, but if he were pursuing an orchestral or band instrument and had a strong interest in teaching, I'd say you might want to begin to look at music ed (available as a BM, BA, and occaisionally a BS depending on the institution). Piano (and harp) tend not to be instruments offered instructionally within most (if any) public music school programs, so unless he has an interest in teaching general music at the elementary level, the music ed degree may not be the way to go.</p>
<p>Within piano study at the college level, you will find many programs with a performance/pedagogy emphasis, which is geared more to individual/studio instruction than classroom instruction.</p>
<p>There's a piano teacher or two on the board, as well as a few current college level students who can provide much more instrument specific advice.</p>
<p>Regarding if your current teacher is right for your s, there are no automatics in determining if the holder of a BA, BM, MM, GPD, AD or DMus is the right choice. Many master performers are terrible teachers.</p>
<p>Personality and interaction between teacher and student must be compatible. The teacher should be able to assess and develop a student's talent without riduclous demands, building and stretching skills as opposed to demanding perfection; the student should look foward to the lessons and practices. A good teacher will communicate openly, and advise if they feel they are "not right" for a student or if a new teacher is needed to bring him to the next level. You should take a trial lesson with teachers if you do intend to change, as it's a means of determining teaching styles, teacher/student interaction.</p>
<p>A few teacher advice threads are here:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/391801-importance-master-teacher.html?highlight=master+teacher%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/391801-importance-master-teacher.html?highlight=master+teacher</a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/390796-does-phenomenal-applied-teacher-really-trump-everything.html?highlight=master+teacher%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/390796-does-phenomenal-applied-teacher-really-trump-everything.html?highlight=master+teacher</a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/403272-what-if-your-child-s-hs-music-teacher-stinks.html?highlight=master+teacher%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/403272-what-if-your-child-s-hs-music-teacher-stinks.html?highlight=master+teacher</a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/392501-new-teacher-advice.html?highlight=master+teacher%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/392501-new-teacher-advice.html?highlight=master+teacher</a></p>
<p>Also, BassDad's great post <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-family-s-experience.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-family-s-experience.html</a> is a must read for both general and specific advice.</p>