Music Theory MA

The program in music theory builds upon a curriculum that is deeply rooted in the best theoretical traditions, while also exploring innovations in the field. Our working assumption is that the goal of music theory is to serve music, and that the best theorists are those who have the most interesting things to say about the music they care about. Graduate seminars in tonal theory constitute parallel streams for all graduate students, culminating in analysis seminars and theoretical projects.

Required Core (20 credits)

MUS 613SEM - Analyzing Popular Music Credits: 4
MUS 614SEM - Discourses in Music Theory Credits: 4
MUS 615SEM - Discussion in Musicology Credits: 4
MUS 621SEM - Topics in Tonal Theory and Analysis Credits: 4
MUS 629SEM - Analyzing Twentieth- and Twenty-First Century Music Credits: 4

Music History (8 credits)

Select 2 from the following:

MUS 515SEM - Music and Queer Studies Credits: 4
MUS 517SEM - Music, Gender, and Sexuality Credits: 4
MUS 525SEM - Popular Music Studies Credits: 4
MUS 527SEM - Music and Modernity Credits: 4
MUS 528SEM - Media, Memory, and Notation Credits: 4
MUS 529LEC - Studies in US Music Credits: 4

Colloquium (4 credits)

MUS 500SEM - Colloquium Credits: 4

Electives (4 credits)

Select one from each of the following categories:

Major Instrument or Voice

MUS 559TUT - Piano Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 561TUT - Harp Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 563TUT - Organ Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 565TUT - Harpsichord Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 568TUT - Guitar Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 569TUT - Voice Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 571TUT - Violin Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 573TUT - Viola Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 575TUT - Cello Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 577TUT - Double Bass Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 579TUT - Saxophone Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 581TUT - Flute Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 583TUT - Oboe Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 585TUT - Clarinet Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 587TUT - Bassoon Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 589TUT - French Horn Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 591TUT - Trumpet Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 593TUT - Trombone Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 595TUT - Tuba Credits: 2 - 4
MUS 597TUT - Percussion Credits: 2 - 4

Ensemble

MUS 521LEC - University Chorus Credits: 2
MUS 532TUT - UB Wind Ensemble Credits: 2
MUS 538LAB - UB Symphony Orchestra Credits: 2
MUS 540LAB - Chamber Music Credits: 2
MUS 543LAB - Percussion Ensemble Credits: 2
MUS 547LAB - Contemporary Ensemble Credits: 2
MUS 551LAB - University Choir Credits: 2
MUS 557LAB - Jazz Ensemble Combo Credits: 2

Culminating Experience: Exam AND Portfolio (2 credits)

Complete once for portfolio and once for comprehensive exam, capstone for 1 credit each:

MUS 600TUT - Tutorial Credits: 1 - 12

Total Credit Hours: 38

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

38 Hours

Time-To-Degree

2 Years

Application Fee

$75

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.