Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University at Buffalo offers a comprehensive and diverse curriculum designed to cultivate well-rounded musicians and scholars. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to explore a broad spectrum of musical traditions, genres, and practices, preparing them for careers in performance, composition, music education, musicology, administration, and other related fields. The program emphasizes both practical musicianship and academic understanding, encouraging students to develop their technical skills, theoretical knowledge, and cultural awareness.

The curriculum includes foundational courses in music theory, ear training, music history, and sight-singing, providing a solid base for further specialization. Students can choose from various concentrations such as performance, composition, music history, or music industry, tailoring their education to their specific interests and career goals. In addition to coursework, the program offers numerous performance opportunities, including ensembles, recitals, and collaborations with guest artists, fostering active engagement and real-world experience.

Students also benefit from modern facilities, including advanced recording studios, rehearsal spaces, and technological resources that support contemporary music creation and production. The faculty comprises accomplished educators and performers committed to mentoring students and fostering a vibrant musical community on campus. The program encourages participation in festivals, workshops, and internships to enhance practical skills and professional development.

Graduates of the Music program are equipped with a broad skill set that enables them to succeed in various musical careers or pursue graduate studies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and cultural literacy, ensuring students graduate as versatile and informed musicians. Whether aiming to perform professionally, compose, conduct research, or work in music management, students receive a rigorous and enriching education that prepares them for the dynamic music industry and scholarly pursuits.

In the Music Department, students will experience a low teacher to student ratio within a dynamic and personal learning environment. Students will work with faculty who are active and renowned performers and scholars. Apart from individual lessons, the Music Department offers small music history and music theory classes so that students are given every opportunity to thrive in an academic setting. Students will find themselves apart of a close-knit community, forming lasting professional connections and friendships among their peers. Music majors and minors are well supported through advising and faculty mentoring. Students will have opportunities to pursue internships that will connect them to Buffalo’s active cultural and musical environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will acquire strong foundations in Performance, Composition, Musicology, and Music Theory.
• The curriculum exposes students to innovative approaches in creating music, music analysis, and understanding the historical and cultural importance of music.
• Students will be able to pursue careers in performance and teaching and be well positioned to pursue advanced degrees in composition, musicology, and music theory. 
• Given our strengths in contemporary music, students will have many opportunities to start their careers in music’s leading edge as performers, composers, and scholars.

Application for admission must be made both to the University and separately to the Department of Music. All students should be prepared to take a theory placement exam before beginning undergraduate music studies.

Applicants requesting to enter the BA major in music must be accepted for MUS 105 as determined by the theory diagnostic examination. 

Applicants for the BA degree in music are not required to perform an audition unless they wish to include instrument or voice study as part of their music electives. No instrument study is required for this degree.

UB requires a minimum TOEFL score of 79 (Internet-based) or 550 (paper-based) in order to be considered for admission. Students scoring between 70 and 78 or 523 and 547 on the TOEFL may be admitted to the university on the condition that they register for and successfully complete additional English courses in their first semester.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Department of Music offers scholarships to qualified students. Scholarship decisions are based on portfolios, recommendations, and other support materials. Departmental scholarships are made possible by endowments from the Cameron Baird Fund, Charles & Eunice Buell Fund, John Lund Memorial Fund, D. Bernard and Jill L. Simon Music Scholarship, Malyak Fund, Richard Cuthbert Fund, WPHD Fund, Clifton Fund, Elizabeth Remington Olmstead Fund, Cheryl Gobbetti Hoffman Fund, Baird Opera Fund, and the John Hunt Fund. Additionally, the Department of Music receives special funding from the Garahee Foundation to aid talented students.

Scholarship awards are determined by application to the department and portfolio materials.

The Millonzi Scholarship: A select number of music applicants are nominated for this award through the Honors College. They must possess outstanding musical talent and meet the academic requirements of: SAT 1230 and a minimum GPA of 3.6.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York offers students a comprehensive education in the foundational and advanced aspects of music theory, history, performance, and composition. The program is designed to cultivate both the artistic and scholarly understanding of music, providing students with the skills necessary for careers in performance, teaching, composition, musicology, or further graduate study. The curriculum includes core courses in music theory, ear training, sight-singing, music history, and aural skills, complemented by performance ensembles, private lessons, and opportunities for solo and chamber music performances. Students may choose to specialize in areas such as performance, music education, or composition, tailoring their studies to their career aspirations. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to explore connections between music and other fields such as technology, psychology, or cultural studies. State-of-the-art facilities include rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and performance spaces that enable hands-on learning and professional development. The faculty comprises experienced musicians and scholars recognized nationally and internationally for their work. The university’s location in Buffalo provides students access to a vibrant arts scene, including local symphony orchestras, opera companies, and music festivals, enriching their educational experience. Furthermore, the program promotes active engagement in performance and community involvement through outreach programs and collaborations with local arts organizations. Graduates from the program are well-prepared for various career paths in music, education, or further academic pursuits. The university fosters a supportive environment that encourages artistic growth, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Dedicated advising and career services help students to navigate their academic journey and professional development, ensuring they gain both deep musical expertise and transferable skills applicable in diverse fields. Overall, the Music program at the University at Buffalo aims to produce versatile, creative, and knowledgeable musicians ready to contribute meaningfully to the musical world and beyond.