5 Easiest Types of Music Degrees

Are you interested in pursuing a music degree? There are many types of degrees in this industry and a wide variety of schools offer these programs. Perhaps you want to know which music degrees are the easiest.

If so, keep reading. In this article, we'll explore the different types of music degrees and discuss which ones are the easiest. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions you may have about majoring in music.

What Are Some Easy Types of Music Degrees?

Music is a broad subject; as such, there are a variety of more specific degrees you can complete within the subject. Let's look at some of the more common options.

1. Music

Many schools offer a broad, versatile Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in music. These degrees provide a generalized foundation in music theory, history, performance, composition, recording, and more, allowing students to pursue careers in an array of industries or pursue graduate studies after graduation.

2. Music Education and Therapy

Music education and music therapy degrees are similar in some ways but are usually offered separately. Music education is for those who hope to teach music to children, adolescents, or adults, while music therapy degrees help students learn to use music for a variety of therapeutic purposes. Both careers lead to specific types of careers and involve a lot of practical, hands-on learning experiences.

3. Theory and Composition

Music theory and composition may be offered as a single degree or as two separate degrees. These degree types focus on theoretical principles and ideas of music, as well as how to create your own musical compositions. These degrees can be useful for students interested in teaching, becoming composers, or hoping to pursue graduate studies.

4. Performance

Music performance programs are often offered as Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. They typically allow students to focus on one particular type of musical performance, such as singing, dancing, or mastering a single instrument. Performance degrees often translate into professional careers on the stage or the screen.

5. Music Business and Commercial Music

These degrees may be available together or as separate programs. Music business helps students understand and master the business aspects of music, allowing them to become agents or managers, often in the commercial music industry. Commercial music degrees may have a broader application, allowing students to pursue a variety of positions within the industry.

What Are the Different Types of Music Degree Programs?

It's impossible to say which degree programs are easier or harder than others; every student will have a different opinion on this.

It's worth noting, however, that different levels of music degrees may be considered harder or easier than others by the majority of students.

Thus far in this article, we've primarily discussed bachelor's degrees. There are also associate, master's, and doctoral degrees in music available.

Associate degrees are generally seen as the easiest, as they involve the most basic classes and can be completed in a couple of years. However, many of them are designed as transfer degrees, meaning they are meant to be completed as bachelor's degrees at a four-year school.

Bachelor's degrees typically take four years to complete and are the next level up from associate degrees. They may be a bit more challenging than associate degrees but typically provide a deeper dive into music-specific courses, which some students prefer.

Master's degrees in music usually take about two years, while doctoral degrees may take seven years or longer. These advanced degrees are not necessary for all students, and they typically involve the most challenging, advanced, and research-intensive coursework.

But perhaps you're still wondering specifically about the types of bachelor's degrees mentioned above. Which ones are the easiest, and which ones are the most challenging?

As noted, it's impossible to make broad generalizations like this. Many students may find a music performance degree much easier than a music therapy degree; however, others may prefer the music therapy coursework over spending so much time on stage getting a performance degree.

So, the easiest music degree for you will depend on your particular talents and strengths, as well as the unique career path that appeals to you.

Can You Earn a Music Degree Online?

Some schools offer music degrees online. However, in most cases, music degrees involve a great deal of performance and other in-person components, so they are usually completed on campus.

That said, if you are able to find an online program, you may find that the flexibility provided by such a program makes it easier for you to get your degree.

Online degrees don't provide easier coursework, but they are often more convenient for busy students who have a great deal of self-discipline and need to balance work and family commitments with school.

What Are Some Schools that Offer Music Programs?

Many schools offer music degrees in one form or another. Let's take a closer look at a few of these schools.

Liberty University

Liberty University is a large private school offering in-person and online degrees in a wide array of fields. Physically located in Lynchburg, Virginia, the school has nearly 100,000 students.

There are many music degrees available at this school. A few of the bachelor's degree options include:

• commercial music
• music education
• music in world culture
• worship leadership
• performance

Most of these programs are completed on-campus; however, a couple of the programs can be completed online. Most programs provide concentrations, allowing students to personalize them to their particular interests.

University of Texas - El Paso

The University of Texas - El Paso is a large public school with more than 25,000 students. Like Liberty University, it offers a wide array of degree programs to attract a diverse population of students.

Four Bachelor of Music Degrees are available with the following concentrations:

• performance
• music education
• theory and composition
• commercial music

Master of music degrees are also available in performance and music education. Students in all programs choose an instrument (or voice) to study throughout their time in the major, studying the instrument or developing their vocal skills each semester.

Cameron University

Cameron University is in Lawton, Oklahoma. It is a relatively small public school, enrolling fewer than 6,000 students.

The school offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees in music, along with a music education degree program. The Bachelor of Music and music education programs have various concentrations, including:

• composition
• vocal/general
• instrumental/general
• performance

Depending on the specialization chosen, these degree programs prepare students for a variety of careers in music, including composition, performance, education, and more.

Adams State University

Adams State University is another small public school, enrolling under 3,500 students. It is located in Alamosa, Colorado.

Students at this school can pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. This versatile program offers the following five concentrations:

• performance
• composition
• music education K-12
• music business and recording
• liberal arts

A music minor is also available for students pursuing other majors. These degrees and programs help prepare students to teach or perform music, or to pursue various other careers in the music industry.

Central Christian College of Kansas

Central Christian College of Kansas is a small private school in McPherson, Kansas. It traces its roots back to 1884.

The school is unique in that it offers a Bachelor of Science degree in music. Most music degrees are either Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Bachelor of Music programs.

This program provides 49 credits of core courses, allowing students to immerse themselves in a variety of musical topics for a well-rounded education that can translate into a variety of careers.

Start Your Music Degree Today

Ready to begin your easy music degree? Check out each of the programs above to find one that best fits your needs and interests.