MM in Performance

• 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.

No requirement except Choral Conducting students: one foreign language (usually French, German or Italian). Diction exam in all three languages for Choral Conducting students.

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.

• 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.

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. 

• 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

• 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.

No requirement except vocal accompanist: one foreign language (usually French, German or Italian). Diction exams in all three languages for vocal accompanists.

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.

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

*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

• 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

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.

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.