BA in Music
Professor Derek Strykowski works with students in the music history survey sequence. Photographer: Douglas Levere
Flexible. Focused. Fully You.
The BA in Music at UB blends creativity and academic rigor with unmatched flexibility. Whether you're dreaming of a career in music or exploring how music can enhance another passion, this program helps you shape a path that’s all your own.
This is our most customizable music degree—perfect for students who want to double major, add a minor or certificate, or explore everything UB has to offer. 🎓 Earn a degree that fits your goals—and grows with you.
Jump To:
- Core Curriculum: Build strong foundations in music theory, history and performance.
- Customizable Electives: Explore areas such as electronic music, composition, music theory or performance to align with your passions.
- Interdisciplinary Friendly: Pair easily with majors like psychology, media study or math.
- Capstone Internship: Real-world experience that builds your resume.
- Concert Attendance: Develop professional awareness by attending six concerts each semester, immersing yourself in UB’s vibrant musical culture.
- Micro-credentials: Add career-ready skills in piano tuning, sound production or woodwind repair (coming soon!).
- Tailored Learning: You’ll take the same music theory and history survey courses as our performance majors, but choose your own direction with electives in performance, composition, music history, electronic music and recording, and sound production.
- Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Easily pair your music studies with another major, minor or certificate.
- Hands-On Experience: In your final year, you’ll complete a one-semester music internship, customized to your interests.
- Supportive Faculty: Learn from professors who are experts in their fields and dedicated to student success.
- World-Class Facilities: Access cutting-edge resources, including the Lippes Concert Hall and Sound Recording and Production Studio.
The BA in Music includes 52–58 credit hours of music coursework. Students must earn a C or higher in all music courses.
- Music Theory and Aural Skills
- Music History
- Keyboard Skills
- Performance: Four semesters of applied lessons (400-level), ensemble, or chamber music
Music History Electives
- Orpheus and the meaning of music
- Music, Comedy and Modernism
- American Music
- Women and Music …and more!
General Music Electives: includes options such as:
- Sound Recording and Production I & II
- Composition
- Break on Through – strategic career planning for musicians
- Additional semesters of ensembles or lessons.
- Music Internship: Gain hands-on experience working with music professionals or cultural organizations.
All undergraduate music majors are required to attend six concerts every semester.
Add even more value to your degree with Micro-Credentials in:
- Piano tuning
- Sound recording and production
- Woodwind instrument repair (coming soon)
Ready to explore where music can take you? Let’s make it happen.
- Start your journey by applying and scheduling your audition. 👉
- Explore our Ensembles, finding the perfect group to showcase your talents.
- Connect with us to discuss how this program fits your goals.
For more information, please reach out!
