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 applying for a music degree are asked to complete a short Departmental application, and those planning to join the MusB in Performance, the BA in Music, or either of the Performance Minors will need to audition as well. More information is below.
Incoming freshman or undergraduate transfer applicants who are interested in pursuing music should both apply to the University at Buffalo and to the Department of Music.
When applying to the University, you should indicate your intended major/minor on the application form. All relevant information, including admissions criteria, the online application, dates and deadlines, and standardized test score requirements, can be found by visiting UB Undergraduate Admissions.
New students are encouraged to audition as soon as possible. Information about auditions can be found here, and scheduled when completing the Department of Music's application.
Current students interested in adding a music major or minor should complete the Department of Music's application form and the CAS Major/Minor Change form, linked below.
Students wishing to add either major or performance minors will be asked to schedule an audition when completing the application form. We always encourage students to audition as soon as possible.
Submit the CAS Major/Minor Change Request form to request one of the following changes to your academic plan:
Please contact Mary McCarthy, 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 Kevin Vazques Mendez at kevinvaz@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 Kevin Vazques Mendez at kevinvaz@buffalo.edu with questions about the application process.