Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Music Theory
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Music Theory at UB is a 38-credit hour program, typically completed within two years of full-time study. It is structured to provide a comprehensive grounding in the standard disciplines of music theory, including historical approaches (such as Schenkerian analysis), set theory, and post-tonal analysis. At the same time, the program encourages engagement with promising new areas of research, reflecting the dynamic evolution of the field. The core philosophy is that music theory should serve music, equipping theorists with profound insights into the music they engage with.
Curriculum: The 38-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Music Theory includes four required seminars in music theory, such as "Discourses in Music Theory" and "Topics in Tonal Theory and Analysis." Students also take music history seminars and participate in the "MUS 500 Masters Colloquium," which fosters interdisciplinary learning by bringing together students from various music graduate programs. The program also includes performance electives, allowing students to maintain or develop their practical musicianship. The capstone for the degree involves completing a comprehensive exam and submitting a portfolio of two revised seminar papers, showcasing their advanced analytical and scholarly abilities.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Music Theory at UB has a robust research focus that blends traditional methodologies with cutting-edge theoretical inquiry. Students and faculty explore a wide range of topics, including Schenkerian analysis, Neo-Riemannian transformations, diatonic set theory, and intertextuality. Recent doctoral seminars have delved into the music of prominent composers like Stravinsky and Ives, as well as 19th and 20th-century tonal chromaticism. The department encourages research on diverse subjects, from microtonal music and form in various compositions to the application of metaphors (e.g., gravitational space) for musical analysis. A significant resource for research is UB's extensive Music Library, particularly strong in jazz, rare editions, and contemporary music. The strong presence of contemporary music and distinguished musicology faculty ensures a lively, interdisciplinary research community.
Industry Engagement: While the M.A. in Music Theory is primarily an academic degree designed to prepare students for doctoral studies, the program cultivates highly valuable transferable skills relevant to various industries. The rigorous training in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and precise communication is sought after in fields beyond academia. Graduates are well-prepared for roles that require a deep understanding of complex systems and the ability to articulate intricate ideas. Though explicit "industry engagement" through formal internships is not a central component of this academic master's program, the skills developed can lead to roles in publishing, music education (beyond academia), and even areas of technology related to music analysis or AI. The dual degree option (MA + MS in Music Librarianship) highlights a specific career path that bridges academic music theory with information science.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Music Theory at UB inherently fosters a global perspective through its exploration of diverse musical systems and theoretical approaches from various cultures and historical periods. While there is a strong foundation in Western music theory, the curriculum's emphasis on critical engagement with musical phenomena allows for discussions that transcend Eurocentric boundaries. The department's diverse faculty and the university's large international student body create an intellectual environment that encourages a broad understanding of music and its theoretical underpinnings across the globe. Participation in events like the "Baird Lecture Series" also exposes students to international guest scholars, broadening their academic and cultural horizons.
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 Theory from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides students with an advanced and rigorous education, rooted in traditional theoretical approaches while also exploring innovative frontiers in the field. Housed within a dynamic Department of Music, UB's program emphasizes rigorous coursework, personalized mentorship, and opportunities for original research. The M.A. in Music Theory at UB prepares students for advanced doctoral studies in music theory, as well as for teaching positions and other professional roles that demand sophisticated analytical and critical thinking skills in music. Graduates emerge with highly specialized skills in music analysis, critical interpretation, research methodology, and clear communication of complex musical concepts, making them invaluable in various academic and industry settings.
Music Theorist/Academic Researcher: The most direct path, involving advanced scholarly research on music theory, analysis, and aesthetics, leading to publications, conference presentations, and potentially a Ph.D. and a university professorship.
Music Educator (Higher Education/Private Instruction): Teach music theory, ear training, harmony, and counterpoint at colleges, universities (often requiring a doctorate for tenure-track), conservatories, or provide specialized private instruction.
Music Editor/Publisher: Work for academic presses, music publishers, or educational content providers, editing scholarly texts, proofreading musical scores, and developing theoretical materials for publication.
Music Librarian/Archivist (with additional training): Specializes in organizing, cataloging, and preserving music scores, theoretical treatises, and other related documents in academic or public libraries. UB offers a dual degree with an M.S. in Information and Library Science for this path.
Music Arranger/Orchestrator: Utilize a deep understanding of harmony, counterpoint, and form to adapt existing musical pieces for different ensembles, instrumentation, or vocal arrangements for various performance and recording contexts.
Composer (with compositional skills): While a theory degree is not a composition degree, the analytical skills are invaluable. Graduates may apply their theoretical knowledge to create original music for concert halls, film, television, or video games, often in conjunction with practical compositional training.
Software Developer (Music Technology/AI): For those with an interest in computational aspects, apply theoretical knowledge to develop algorithms for music analysis, generation, transcription, or natural language processing related to music in the tech industry.
Sound Designer (with technical skills): Apply an understanding of musical structure and acoustics to create and manipulate sound for film, video games, interactive media, or audio production, often involving a blend of artistic and technical expertise.
Music Critic/Journalist: Write critical reviews, analyses, and articles about musical performances, recordings, and historical or theoretical topics for publications, websites, or broadcasting, offering informed perspectives grounded in musical structure.
Curriculum Developer (Music Education): Design and develop comprehensive music curricula for educational institutions, online learning platforms, or private studios, ensuring a robust and logically sequenced approach to music theory and musicianship.
