The Department of Music offers two bachelor's degree programs for undergraduate students. The Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance (MusB) provides a comprehensive program of study in performance, including courses in music theory and music history, participation in ensembles, and a culminating solo recital. The Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) is a more flexible degree program that prepares students for further study in music and music-related careers. The Department also offers three minors: a General Music Minor, a Performance Minor, and a Jazz Performance Minor. All three allow students to combine their major with music instruction that can support a variety of career paths and expand any student's relationship with music.
Students can apply for the Department's majors while enrolled at UB or prior to enrolling at UB, once they have applied to the university itself.
1. Click the red "Apply Now" button below. In addition to some basic information, the application will ask you to upload a short statement describing your musical background and why you wish to study music at UB.
2. Students applying for the MusB in Performance, BA in Music, or either of the Performance Minors will schedule an audition when completing the application form. Auditions are offered on a few dates during the fall and spring semester. The Department also accepts video auditions.
We encourage students to audition as soon as possible once they have decided to apply to the Department. High school students should consider auditioning in the spring prior to enrolling at UB. Your audition will also qualify you for consideration for a UB Music scholarship.
Please contact Nicole Rosen, administrative assistant or Brian Moseley, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, if you have any questions.
The Department of Music offers several degree options for graduate students. Master's-level students may pursue an MA in Composition; Combined MA/PhD in Composition; an MM in Performance (with several concentrations); an MA in Music History; or an MA in Music Theory.
Doctoral-level students may pursue a PhD in Composition or PhD in Historical Musicology and Music Theory. The department also offers an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Performance.
1. Prospective students seeking admission to the Department of Music graduate degree tracks should first download the Graduate Admission Packet, which includes instructions and important information about the application process.
2. Use the link to access our online application system. You should begin by creating an account. Once created, you will be promoted to choose an application, select your term year and program. Please read the directions on your College of Arts and Sciences application carefully. Returning users can use this link to log in to their existing application(s).
Further information regarding Letters of Recommendation, test scores and other application requirements can be found in the Graduate Admissions Packet.
Prospective students applying for the MM in Performance degree must also complete and submit a Graduate Audition Request Form as part of their application. This form will also be available to complete as part of your application. Please see the audition schedule for open dates. To be considered for assistantship support, prospective students must audition prior to January 1.
If auditioning via recording, please submit a sound file or URL link. Contact Nicole Rosen at nrosen@buffalo.edu with questions.
The graduate application fee is $75 U.S. (payable online or by check or money order made payable to the University at Buffalo). Applicants who have not already done so may submit their application fee online.
Please visit the UB Graduate School or contact Nicole Rosen, administrative assistant in Department of Music, with questions about the application process.
