PhD in Composition
Associate Professor of Dance, Melanie Aceto, performs in "Liaison," a collaboration with UB PhD composition alumna Megan Beugger. Photo: Paul Hokanson
Course requirements
The following is the approved normal course of study for students pursuing a PhD in Composition. In all cases, a student's particular program should be determined in consultation with his/her academic advisor. Customized tracks, involving substitutions for required and elective courses, are encouraged. These must be planned in advance with the advisor and will require the approval of the Music Department Graduate Committee.
| Course | Semesters | Credits |
| MUS 627/628 Composition | 6 | 24 |
| MUS 627/628 Seminar* | (4-6) | (8-12) |
| Students may choose from the following courses for a total of 3 semesters and 12 credits: | 3 | 12 |
| MUS 515 Studies in Music History | ||
| MUS 525-528 Survey of Music History | ||
| MUS 529 Music Survey 1900-1945 | ||
| MUS 530 Music Since 1945 | ||
| MUS 625 Notation I | ||
| Students may choose from the following courses for a total of 2 semesters and 8 credits: | 2 | 8 |
| MUS 621/622 Schenker Studies I/II | ||
| MUS 554/555 Studies in Music Theory | ||
| MUS 613/614 Doctoral Sem. in Music Theory | ||
| MUS 629/630 Pitch Structures I/II | ||
| Students may choose from the following courses for a total of 5 semesters and 20 credits: | 5 | 20 |
| MUS 511/512 Electronic Music | ||
| MUS 607/608 Contemporary Music Materials | ||
| MUS 611/612 Computer Music | ||
| MUS 619/620 Advanced Orchestration | ||
| MUS 700 Dissertation** | (1-12) | |
| Total | 72 |
* Recommended
** Variable credit as required by Major Professor
examinations
Comprehensive Examination (taken after completion of all course work and language requirement):
- A three- or four-hour written examination on the history of Western Music from the Middle Ages to 1950.
- A three- or four-hour written examination on contemporary (post-1950) music.
- A three- or four-hour examination on music theory.
- A portfolio of at least three representative works composed while in residence accompanied by a recording of each of the three pieces.
- An oral examination, the content of which will parallel that of the three written examinations, will be given 10-14 days after the completion of the written exam. Areas of weakness will be addressed by the committee
Thesis/Dissertation
The dissertation will be a composition of substantial scope and complexity which demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle large musical forms.
foreign language requirement
One foreign language: French, German, or Italian. Another natural language may be substituted with approval of student's academic advisor and the Graduate Committee.
Retention standards
All degree coursework must be completed with grades of "A," B," or "S."
Questions?
Contact Professor David Felder, Music Composition Area Coordinator
SUNY Distinguished Professor; Director, Morris Center for 21st-Century Music; Director, June in Buffalo Festival; Artistic Director, Slee Sinfonietta; Composition Unit Coordinator; Co-Director, UB Creative Arts Initiative; Birge-Cary Chair in Music Composition; Interim Director: Computer Music Studios
Department of Music