Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Music Composition
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Music Composition at UB is a two-year, 30-credit hour program that balances freedom and rigor, inviting emerging composers to expand their artistic boundaries through experimentation, critical inquiry, and bold creative expression. The program is specifically designed to challenge how we listen, perceive, and engage with sound in an age of rapid cultural, technological, and aesthetic evolution. Students benefit from performance-centered learning opportunities, composing for premier ensembles and hearing their work come to life in world-class venues.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Music Composition includes weekly private composition lessons, providing personalized instruction and supervision from internationally recognized faculty. Students also engage in seminars covering music theory, musicology, and aesthetics, expanding their intellectual and musical perspectives. A core component of the program is the public performance of original works by students, allowing them to gain practical experience and hear their compositions realized. The program culminates in a final portfolio consisting of two compositions and a critical paper, demonstrating the student's mastery of compositional techniques and their ability to articulate their artistic vision. Students also explore sound and instrumental experimentation, fostering innovative approaches to their craft.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Music Composition at UB has a strong research focus on contemporary musical creation and pushing the boundaries of what music can be. The department's commitment to experimental and new music is bolstered by the presence of the Robert and Carol Morris Center for 21st-Century Music, a UB 2020 designated Center of Excellence. This center sponsors high-profile events like the "June in Buffalo Festival," fostering international collaborations and groundbreaking performances. Research areas for faculty and students include contemporary music theory, musicology, and performance, with an emphasis on exploring new forms of musical expression through technological experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Students are encouraged to develop unique interests and research directions, supported by a faculty of distinguished composers and access to extensive resources including computer music studios and a specialized music library.
Industry Engagement: While a composition degree primarily focuses on artistic development and academic rigor, the M.A. in Music Composition at UB provides experiential learning opportunities that are highly relevant to professional practice. Graduates are prepared for careers in composition, whether for concert halls, film, television, or other media. The program's emphasis on public performance of original works by premier ensembles provides invaluable real-world experience and networking opportunities. The Center for 21st-Century Music and the "June in Buffalo" festival also connect students with world-class performers, guest composers, and a broader professional network within the contemporary music scene. This exposure helps students refine their voice and prepare for the demands of a creative career in music.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Music Composition at UB inherently fosters a global perspective through its engagement with contemporary musical creation, which is a globally interconnected field. The program's faculty and student body comprise composers, theorists, musicologists, and performers from six continents, bringing a diverse range of musical traditions and perspectives to the classroom and performance spaces. Students are exposed to international composition festivals and residencies, fostering a broad understanding of global trends and innovations in contemporary music. The emphasis on questioning the definition of music itself encourages students to think beyond traditional Western classical forms and engage with a wider spectrum of global musical aesthetics and practices.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Music Composition from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) is a distinguished graduate program that champions contemporary musical creation and artistic experimentation. Within a department renowned for its dedication to new music, UB's program cultivates an environment that encourages musical and technological innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the development of a unique creative voice. The M.A. in Music Composition at UB is designed to allow emerging composers to mature their artistic practice, preparing them for advanced doctoral studies, professional composing careers in diverse media, or roles in music education and related fields.
Concert Composer: Create original musical works for classical ensembles, orchestras, chamber groups, and soloists, seeking commissions, performances, and publishing opportunities in the contemporary classical music world.
Film, Television, and Video Game Scorer: Compose original scores and soundtracks that enhance the emotional impact and narrative of visual media, collaborating with directors, producers, and game developers in the entertainment industry.
Music Arranger/Orchestrator: Adapt existing musical pieces for different ensembles, instrumentation, or stylistic purposes, or expand a composer's melodic ideas into full orchestral or ensemble scores for various projects.
Sound Designer: Work in film, television, video games, theater, or interactive media to create and manipulate all non-musical sonic elements, including sound effects, ambient sounds, and Foley, often working closely with composers.
Music Educator (Higher Education/Private Instruction): Teach music theory, composition, orchestration, and other music subjects at colleges, universities (often requiring a doctorate for tenure-track positions), conservatories, or offer private lessons.
Music Producer: Oversee the recording and production of musical tracks, guiding artists, managing studio sessions, and ensuring the final audio quality and artistic vision align with the project's goals.
Arts Administrator/Program Manager: Work for cultural institutions, performing arts organizations, music festivals, or non-profits to plan, promote, and manage artistic programs, concerts, and educational initiatives.
Commercial Composer/Jingle Writer: Create short, memorable musical pieces for advertising, corporate videos, podcasts, and other commercial applications, helping brands establish sonic identities.
Music Copyist/Engraver: Prepare professional-quality musical scores and parts for performance and publication using specialized software, ensuring accuracy and adherence to industry standards.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Specialist/Consultant: Assist musicians, composers, and studios with technical expertise in using various DAWs and music software, providing training, troubleshooting, and workflow optimization.
