The two names are probably arbitrarily given to similar degree programs in the conducting field.  Some schools (like Iowa, my alma mater), list the Masters in Choral Conducting as an MA, while others (like Alberta, where I currently teach) refer to any performance degrees as M Mus degrees, and reserve the MA for academically focused programs (musicology, ethno, theory).  What would be more helpful for your former student would be to go to the programs webpages for each school being considered, and try to compare actual course offerings and requirements.

Hi, Chris. Unless a university offers BOTH degrees and makes a distinction, the title doesn't mean much. Leonard is absolutely correct.

 

What DOES matter is whether the particular degree program meets the standards of the NASM (National Asssociation of Schools of Music) requirements for a professional degree rather than a liberal arts degree.

 

I speak from recent experience, since we have just completed a NASM review (successfully!). All of our undegraduate degrees are called "Bachelor of Arts" in Music (for historical reasons), but meet NASM standards for professional degrees.

 

And yes, to aim for a college job it is best to plan on going for the doctorate, but for a conductor these days the DMA is much more common than the Ph.D.

 

Something else to consider is that some Masters programs are tailored for music educators or church musicians rather than professional conductors. That was the case at Indiana when I was there in the '70s.

 

All the best,

 

John