Dec 07, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music BA


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 BA major requires an audition. Please visit the Auditions page to schedule an audition.

Course Requirements


One Music Theory Elective (3 credits)


Ensemble or Applied Lessons (8 credits)


Three Music Electives (9-12 credits)


Notes


*MUS 496  may be repeated.

**Students may elect to take additional semesters of applied lessons and/or ensemble for elective course credit beyond the four semesters required for the degree. Two semesters of 2-credit applied lessons or ensemble equals one elective course credit.

***MUS 220  may be repeated. 

****Only if not previously taken to fulfill music history elective

Total Credits Required for Major: 52-57


Additional Degree Requirements Include:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120


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


The academic requirements for admission to the Department of Music are the same as those for admission to the University. 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.

Students should consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies if they are interested in pursuing a concentrated path in performance, composition, electronic music, music theory, or music history.

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: 13 or 14


First Year Spring


Total Credits: 16 or 17


Second Year Fall


Total Credits: 15


Second Year Spring


Total Credits: 16


Third Year Fall


Total Credits: 16


Third Year Spring


  • Music Theory Elective 1 Credits: 3
  • Music History Elective 2 Credits: 3
  • Music Elective 2 Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Fall


Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Spring


Total Credits: 13


Total Credits Required: 120


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.
  • The curriculum exposes students to innovative approaches in creating music, music analysis, and understanding the historical and cultural importance of music.
  • Students will be able to pursue careers in performance and teaching and be well positioned to pursue advanced degrees in performance, 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: 10.05 MUSIC-LIBERAL ARTS PROG, CIP50.0901 Music, General)