Graduate Admissions

Create. Discover. Lead.

Join a vibrant community of scholars, performers, and composers shaping the future of music. The University at Buffalo's Department of Music offers graduate students the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to grow as artists and academics in a world-class research environment.

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Why choose UB?

🎓 Expert Mentorship
Study with faculty who are internationally recognized performers, composers, and researchers—ready to help you refine your craft and advance your career.

🌍 A City on the Rise
Buffalo, NY, is affordable, creative, and community-driven. Explore thriving arts scenes, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront views—all minutes from campus. Learn more about the Buffalo Niagara area.

💼 Career Preparation
Our graduates succeed in performance, academia, education, research, and arts leadership. You’ll leave UB ready to make an impact.

Graduate Programs

Master’s-level Degrees

Doctoral-level Degrees

Funding Opportunities

PhD Funding Opportunities

Academic year stipends of $23,690 and a full tuition waiver for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant, or graduate assistant appointments.

  • UB’s stipend levels are competitive among public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.

Additional Fellowship Opportunities:

  • Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: Candidates are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria. Students may apply for the Schomburg Fellowship on the UB graduate application for their program.
  • Presidential Fellowships: To be eligible for Presidential Fellowships, candidates must meet the criteria listed on the Presidential Fellowship page. Both domestic and international students are eligible, if they meet these criteria. For any questions regarding funding for academic year 2025–2026, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.
View Presidential and Schomburg Fellowship Details

Other Funding Opportunities

Student success is our primary goal, and we are happy to report that, in comparison to other universities and programs, UB's Department of Music ranks high in quality while at the same time keeping costs to our students low and affordable. 

Whenever possible, the department attempts to help graduate students secure the required funding. For further information, please contact mus-info@buffalo.edu.

UB Tuition Overview
Financial Aid Process
Jobs and Assistantships

How to Apply

Step 1: Download the Graduate Admission Packet
Get key information about required materials, deadlines and auditions.

Graduate Admission Packet

Step 2: Apply Online
Create an account and start your application through the UB Graduate School portal.

Start your application
Request more information before you apply
Non-refundable application fee: $75

After you submit your UB graduate application, you’ll be prompted to make your payment online by credit card or ACH through Nelnet.

U.S. citizens or current permanent residents may request a fee waiver through the application portal after completing the graduate application and uploading all required materials.

Step 3: Audition (if applicable)
If you're applying to the MM in Performance or Advanced Certificate in Contemporary Performance, complete the audition form.

View Audition Information

Have Questions?

Need more information? Let's chat! We’re here to help every step of the way. 

Meet our Graduate Ambassador

Chat with our Graduate Ambassador if you still have questions.