Nov 23, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music Performance Mus. B.


Whether your goal is to perform, compose or inspire the next generation of musicians, the music major at UB can help you achieve success. From our practice rooms and recording studio to our on-campus concert halls, you’ll find your place (and your people!) right here. As one of our students said, “I felt the music department was a comfortable place for me to grow as a musician and make like-minded friends.”

Visit the Music academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Music department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria


Admission for the Music Performance MusB major requires an audition. Please visit the Auditions page to schedule an audition.

Course Requirements


Eight 400-level Applied Instrument or Voice Courses (4 Credits Each, 32 credits total)


Three 300/400-level Music History Electives (9 credits)


One 300/400-level Music Theory Elective (3 credits)


Notes


* Students may pass a Keyboard Proficiency Examination in lieu of MUS 155 .

** Only performance majors specializing in voice need complete 2 semesters (4 credits) of MUS 221 .

*** Keyboard Majors: 82, Instrumental Majors: 84, Vocal Majors: 88

Total Credits Required for Major: 82-88***


Additional Degree Requirements Include:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 125 credit hour total
  • A pre-recital jury and solo recital is given in the senior year

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 122-128


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements


A GPA of 2.000 in each area of Music Theory and Music History with no grades below C must be maintained to graduate from this degree program.

Transfer Credit Policy

Up to one-half of the departmental requirements in the areas of music history, theory (determined by examination), performance (determined by audition), and ensemble can be accepted. Grades below C do not fulfill departmental requirements. Performance credits are transferred for degree fulfillment only if the candidate has been accepted as a performance major at the initial audition for admission. Theory and history credits transfer must be approved by the theory and history area coordinators prior to transfer.

Curricular Plan


A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall


Total Credits: 17 or 18


First Year Spring


Total Credits: 17 or 18


Second Year Fall


Total Credits: 16


Second Year Spring


Total Credits: 19


Third Year Fall


Total Credits: 17 or 19


Third Year Spring


  • Music History Elective 2 Credits: 3
  • Applied Lessons Credits: 4
  • Ensemble Credits: 2
  • Credits: 2
  • Pathway Credits: 3

Total Credits: 12 or 15


Fourth Year Fall


  • Credits: 2
  • Applied Lessons Credits: 4
  • Music History Elective 3 Credits: 3
  • Communication Literacy 2 Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Spring


Total Credits: 10


Total Credits Required: 122-128


Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes


  • Students will acquire strong foundations in Performance, Composition, Musicology, and Music Theory.
  • Students will develop their talents and skills in solo performance and ensemble playing in a variety of public venues.
  • Students will become adept performers in small chamber or jazz ensembles and larger orchestral, wind, brass, and jazz ensembles.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to engage with communities and create cultural and musical awareness by means of performing in public places throughout the city of Buffalo and at the University at Buffalo.
  • The composition, music history, and music theory curriculum exposes students to innovative approaches to creating music, music analysis and understanding the historical and cultural importance of music.
  • Students will be able to pursue careers in performance, teaching, and be well positioned to pursue advanced degrees in composition, musicology, and music theory.
  • Given our strengths in contemporary music, students will have many opportunities to start their careers in music’s leading edge as performers, composers, and scholars.

 

(HEGIS: 10.04 MUSIC-PERFORM-COMP-THEOR, CIP50.0903 Music Performance, General)