Graduate Admissions

Apply today!

Join a community of scholars and researchers working together to solve pressing global problems. We are accepting applications for the upcoming academic year.

We are committed to recruiting the very best PhD students and preparing doctoral students for career success. UB features:

  • World-class faculty experts mentor PhD students in a dynamic research and learning environment. Students can focus on their research and scholarship alongside renowned faculty while preparing for the careers and professions that await them after graduation.
  • A city on the rise. Buffalo, N.Y. offers affordable housing, arts, culture and community. Learn more about Buffalo.

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

How to Apply

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.

MM in Performance Auditions

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.

Application Fee

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.

PhD Funding Opportunities

  • Academic year stipends of $23,000 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: To be eligible for a Schomburg Fellowship, candidates must contribute to the diversity of the student body, and can demonstrate that they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to receive Schomburg Fellowships.
    • 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 2024–2025, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.

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.