Perhaps the most common type of music degree pursued by students, this degree focuses on the mastery of one or more musical instruments, sometimes paired with a focus in a particular style of music such as classical or jazz. Instruction for this degree will usually take the form of one-on-one "principal instrument" courses as well as required participation in a faculty- or student-led ensemble. Admission to a program of this type will usually involve an audition on the instrument of your choice in front of faculty members.
As the name implies, music composition focuses on writing, structure and composition rather than on the performance of music. Composition programs prepare students for careers in music writing, transcription, TV and film scoring and many other subfields. Admission requirements vary widely depending on the school in question, but, commonly, prospective students will need to submit works they have composed in the past to be considered for admission. It is also quite common that students are required to perform written pieces before graduating.
This degree focuses on the production and recording side of music. Typical degree plans start with lecture-based courses on the physics of audio and acoustics and progress to hands-on experience in an actual recording studio. Potential students for this degree should examine the quality of the school's recording facilities and inquire as to its policy for student use of those facilities. The technology of music production changes rapidly; therefore, schools must invest in the latest and greatest recording technology.
Musicology is, broadly, the scholarly study of the history of music and the role of music in cultures. Musicology degrees can also focus on the study of the literature of music, the role of music in non-Western cultures, music history and music criticism. Some degree programs may require proficiency in a foreign language so as to better suit the student for the reading and criticism of foreign music literature. This can be an ideal degree for those with an interest in music who do not necessarily want to perform, record, or write music professionally.