MA in Composition
Arditti Quartet in residence at UB, including works by UB graduate composers.
Reimagining music for a new generation
At the University at Buffalo, composition isn’t just about writing music—it’s about questioning the very definition of music itself. In an age of rapid cultural, technological and aesthetic evolution, composers are called to challenge how we listen, perceive and engage with sound. The MA in Composition at UB invites emerging composers to expand their artistic boundaries through experimentation, critical inquiry and bold creative expression.
Jump to:
- A Culture of Innovation: From speculative forms to cutting-edge technologies, you’ll explore what music is—and what it could be.
- World-Class Mentorship: Study one-on-one with leading composers in contemporary music, gaining both creative and scholarly insight.
- Performance-Centered Learning: Compose for premier ensembles like the Slee Sinfonietta, UB Symphony Orchestra and UB Choir—and hear your work come to life in world-class venues like Slee Hall.
- Interdisciplinary Creativity: Engage deeply with poetry, visual art, literature, film and more, fostering collaborative boundary-breaking art.
The MA in Composition is a two-year graduate degree that balances freedom and rigor.
Curriculum Snapshot
✔ Weekly private composition lessons
✔ Seminars in theory, musicology and aesthetics
✔ Public performance of original works
✔ Final portfolio: 2 compositions + critical paper
✔ Sound and Instrumental Experimentation
The Department of Music has a rich tradition in experimental and new music, bolstered by:
- The Center for 21st Century Music: Sponsor of the June in Buffalo Festival and other high-profile events, this center fosters international collaborations and groundbreaking performances.
Whether you're looking to refine your voice, prepare for a PhD or launch a creative career, UB's MA in Composition provides the foundation—and the freedom—to shape your future.
For more information, please reach out to us!
