MM in Performance
The University at Buffalo’s MM in Performance empowers instrumentalists, vocalists, and conductors to elevate their artistry to the highest level. While developing their technical and interpretative skills as performers, students in the UB Department of Music also benefit from a broad curriculum that integrates performance with in-depth studies in music history, theory, and composition, creating a comprehensive educational experience. Through individualized mentorship and an array of performance opportunities, UB's Department of Music equips students with the expertise and confidence to excel in their careers as professional musicians.
The UB Department of Music is widely recognized for its longstanding commitment to contemporary musical performance. Our MM program offers musicians a dynamic and supportive environment where they can refine their skills and explore new artistic directions. With a focus on experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of individual creativity, UB provides graduate performers with unparalleled resources and opportunities to excel in their craft.
In collaboration with the Center for 21st-Century Music, students have the opportunity to perform with the Slee Sinfonietta, at the June in Buffalo Festival, and in the greater Buffalo area. The Department of Music is home to an internationally-recognized graduate program in Composition, exceptional performance venues and a comprehensive library collection of contemporary music scores and recordings.
COURSE OF STUDY
Studio lessons and ensemble participation form the core of the MM curriculum, supplemented by seminars in music history and theory. Two recitals of advanced solo and chamber music constitute the culminating experience for the degree.
For a complete list of required courses for the MM in Music Performance, please visit the Degree and Course Catalog. All degree coursework must be completed with grades of "A," B," or "S."
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE CONCENTRATIONS
Most students in the MM program pursue the comprehensive study of a single instrument (or voice) and need not specify a concentration when applying to the program. Students may alternatively pursue one of the following performance concentrations, applications for which are accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please review the requirements and contact Derek Strykowski, director of Graduate Studies, with questions.
entrance requirements
- Departmental history and theory examinations.
- Demonstration of performance ability comparable to undergraduate jury requirement.
- Conducting ensemble of special interest with three conducting faculty in attendance.
- Interview with conductor of special interest to determine musical skills not tested in the examinations listed above.
course requirements
| Course | Credits |
| MUS 635 Advanced Conducting | 8 |
| MUS 600 Literature in specialized area | 4 |
| MUS 600 Score Reading | 2 |
| Ensemble | 4 |
| Music History | 4 |
| Music Theory | 4 |
| Music Electives | 8 |
Recitals (two; 30-45 mins.) (Written document required with each performance.) | 2 |
| Total | 36 |
foreign language requirement
No requirement except Choral Conducting students: one foreign language (usually French, German or Italian). Diction exam in all three languages for Choral Conducting students.
Audition Requirements
The candidate should perform three major works demonstrating musical and technical ability and a grasp of styles from eighteenth through twentieth centuries, at least two of which are memorized.
Recital Requirements
- A minimum of two recitals in public performances, as described below:
- One solo recital
- One chamber music recital
- The candidate must perform a concerto in a public performance, either as a part of the chamber music recital above, or on a separate occasion. The accompaniment may be on a second piano.
- One of these programs should include a composition written in one of the recent compositional styles.
- All piano solo compositions performed on the required two recitals, as well as the Concerto, must be played from memory.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the normal course requirements, the student will be required to take at least two courses in Performance Specialties (Music 513). These courses are given for two hours credit and can be arranged in one of two ways:
- By enrolling in MUS 513 as announced by members of the piano faculty at the beginning of the semester. This course meets once a week for two hours.
- By consulting a member of the piano faculty and enrolling in a tutorial (MUS 600) for work in a specific area, in which case the student would work for one-half hour per week on a private basis.
All other course requirements are the same as the MM in Performance.
audition requirements
- The candidate should perform three major works demonstrating musical and technical ability and a grasp of styles from eighteenth through twentieth centuries, at least one of which is memorized.
- The candidate will be expected to sightread one or more accompaniments.
- The candidate will be expected to transpose a simple lied or other art song into keys up to a minor third above or below.
- The candidate will be given, two hours before they are to be heard, two works as described below; the candidate shall prepare them and then be permitted a brief consultation with a vocalist or instrumentalist prior to performing them for the examining faculty.
- A nineteenth century lied or comparable work, or an instrumental solo piece
- A nineteenth century aria, or instrumental concerto, or comparable work
Recital Requirements
- The student shall have prepared a recital of solo piano works which must be performed by memory.
- The student shall have prepared the equivalent of one and one-half recitals, composed of chamber music and vocal and instrumental accompaniments. This is regarded as a minimum requirement during residency.
Course Requirements
| Course | Credits |
| MUS 559/560 Piano (4 semesters) | 16 |
| Two courses chosen from: | 8 |
| MUS 525-529 Music History Survey | |
| MUS 515/517 Studies in Music History | |
| Two courses chosen from: | 8 |
| MUS 609/610 Fugue | |
| MUS 607/608 Contemporary Music Materials | |
| MUS 555 Studies in Music Theory | |
| MUS 513 Performance Specialties | (2-4) |
| 1 Solo Piano Recital | |
| 1 and 1/2 recitals of Chamber Music, and vocal and instrumental accompaniments | |
| Total | 32-36 |
foreign language requirement
No requirement except vocal accompanist: one foreign language (usually French, German or Italian). Diction exams in all three languages for vocal accompanists.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the normal course requirements, the student will be required to take at least two courses in Performance Specialties (Music 513). These courses are given for two hours credit and can be arranged in one of two ways:
- By enrolling in MUS 513 as announced by members of the piano faculty at the beginning of the semester. This course meets once a week for two hours.
- By consulting a member of the piano faculty and enrolling in a tutorial (MUS 600) for work in a specific area, in which case the student would work for one-half hour per week on a private basis.
Audition Requirements
The applicant should be prepared to play at least two compositions from the standard solo repertory for his/her primary instrument. Acceptable primary instruments include the following:
- Clarinet (Bb/A)
- Flute
- Oboe
- Bassoon
- Alto saxophone
Course Requirements
| Course | Credits |
| Primary Instrument | 4,4 |
| Secondary Instrument* | 2,2 |
| Tertiary Instrument* | 2,2 |
| MUS 513 Performance Specialties | 2,2 |
| Seminar in double reed instruments | 1,1 |
| Music History** | 4,4 |
| Music Theory** | 4,4 |
| Total | 38 |
*One instrument in the two remaining woodwind families must be studied. The family groupings are:
- Flute
- Single reeds
- Double reeds
**Identical with all other MM in Performance tracks
Additional Requirements
- Recital: A full-length public on the primary instrument
- Lecture/demonstrations: One each on the secondary and tertiary instruments. These presentations will be made to the jury, students in the Woodwind major program and undergraduate majors in the woodwind sector of the department. Each of the two sessions will adhere to the following format:
- Brief history of the instrument
- The various national schools of playing
- The relevant solo, chamber and study literature, of which at least one example must be played
- A playing demonstration by the candidate of pedagogical principles regarding tone, breath, embouchure, fingering, articulation and tuning/intonation
STUDENT RESOURCES
Recording Request Form
Students giving degree recitals (MusB or MM) in Baird Recital Hall or Lippes Concert Hall electing to have their recitals recorded by the Department of Music must complete, and submit a Recital Recording Request Form and process payment here. The Marketplace form and payment be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the recital date in order to ensure recording of a recital.
Accompanist form
Fill out this form and submit it to the music office no later than 4 weeks before the event.
Request a packet from Phil Rehard at rehard@buffalo.edu for your comprehensive recital planning requirements or download the packet below.
