@BarbaraD - I think it is 1) more about conservatory v. liberal arts college and 2) how much priority the student puts into getting different experiences.
When my D was looking it did seem that some of the conservatories had less academic requirements outside the major (either in number of units or in required gen ed classes. The LACs, especially at state schools, tended to have more general education requirements. This is a generality and there are exceptions, but that is what I saw when we were looking.
Regarding effort, I think it is true that some students just want to focus on their craft/techniques and don’t go much outside their department. I also saw that in some students years ago when I was getting my bachelor of music (music’s equivalent to the BFA) - some kids only came out of the practice rooms for classes or to eat. But I also saw and heard the opposite - kids in more “academic” degrees who didn’t interact much with others outside their major, took only classes in their major (except for gen eds), and so on.
But I will also argue slightly in support of your question, again from my experience with the BM. My dad always wanted me to take a couple business classes regardless of my degree. But there was never space in my schedule as it was as packed as many of these BFA degrees. So it can be limiting a bit. But I did have the set of gen ed courses.
However, what happened years later? I decided to get an MBA (master of business admin; yes, dad was happy!). I had to take a couple of undergrad math courses to quality for the program, but otherwise I was at no academic disadvantage by having a BM vs. a BA/BS degree. As long as the university is accredited any degree will provide a good education.