UB, University at Buffalo, State University of New York

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You are here: Undergraduate Catalog 2005 - 2006 > Academic Programs > Music

Department of Music

College of Arts and Sciences
222 Baird Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4700

Phone: 716.645.2758
Fax: 716.645.3824
Web: www.music.buffalo.edu

About the Program

The Department of Music offers performers, scholars, and composers a stimulating environment in which to develop their talents and pursue various careers in music. Our goal is to provide a diverse array of courses for music majors, minors, and non-majors which will help them to build a strong foundation in many areas of music.

New music plays an important role in the activity of the department, allowing music students a unique opportunity to start their careers on music’s leading edge. The department offers more than 150 public performances each year as an extension of the academic program. A wide range of performance opportunities is available to students. These include participation in UB Symphony Orchestra, Opera Studio, University Chorus, University Choir, UB Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, UB Jazz Ensemble, UB Marching Band, UB Pep Band, Student Noon Recitals, Contemporary Ensemble, and numerous other small ensembles.

Degree Options

The Department of Music offers two degree programs. The bachelor of music degree in performance provides a comprehensive program of study, including music theory, music history, and instrumental or vocal performance. The bachelor of arts degree, combined with other specialized areas of study, prepares students for graduate programs in music and other music related careers. A major in music theatre is available through the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Music majors and minors receive private instruction in standard orchestral instruments, as well as piano, organ, harpsichord, classical guitar, and voice. Instructors include faculty artists and members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Acceptance Information

Application for admission must be made both to the university and separately to the Department of Music. Students may be accepted into the major as freshmen. For music department applications, contact the Office of Student Programs, 226 Baird Hall, North Campus, (716) 645-2758, ext. 1249. All applicants to the Department of Music must take a theory placement exam at the time of audition or during university orientation for B.A. applicants. Applicants requesting the Mus.B. degree in music performance must perform an evaluation audition. A passing audition on an instrument or in voice is required for acceptance into the performance degree program.

Students wishing to enter the B.A. major in music must be acceptable for MUS 105 as determined by examination. Registration and completion of MUS 105 constitutes conditional acceptance into the B.A. degree. Formal application is made after three semesters of full-time study. Minimum requirements are: an overall GPA of 2.5, and completion of MUS 105, MUS 106, and MUS 213 with no grades lower than “C-.” To apply, students must submit a B.A. degree form to the Music department student programs office. The advisor’s signature shall certify that minimal admission standards have been met and that the student is officially considered a B.A. music major.

Applications must be submitted and auditions completed by the published audition date in March to be considered for departmental scholarship aid. Applicants for the B.A. degree in music are not required to perform an audition unless they wish to include instrument or voice study as part of the required music electives.

Advisement

The Office of Student Programs personnel, the director of student programs, and faculty provide sources of information about program requirements and many career options in music. For further information regarding preprofessional preparation, contact Student Advising Services, 109 Norton Hall, North Campus, (716) 645-2450.

Academic Requirements

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

Transfer Policy

Transfer students must apply to the department as well as to the university. The Office of Student Programs will evaluate the transfer credits in music. 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 of D 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 credits transfer into the program based on the results of the transfer theory placement exam. Sample transfer exams are available upon request. Music history credits transfer into the program upon the approval of the coordinator of history.

Honors, Awards, and Scholarships

The Department of Music offers scholarships to qualified students. These departmental awards are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. Scholarship decisions are based on talent, recommendations, support material, and data compiled at the time of audition. A special scholarship audition is held each February for enrolled students newly requesting scholarship aid and current students wishing to renew their scholarships.

Departmental scholarships are made possible by endowments from the Cameron Baird Fund, the John Lund Memorial Fund, and the Elizabeth Remington Olmstead Fund. These awards carry stipends of up to $2,500 per academic year. The D. Bernard and Jill L. Simon Music Scholarship provides a stipend of $750 per year in addition to any regular departmental or university award. Additionally, the Department of Music receives special funding from the Garahee Foundation to aid talented musicians.

Scholarship applications must accompany the application to the department and must be received no later than the last published March audition date.

A limited number of Performing and Creative Arts Scholarships are available. These range from $5,000 to $10,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years. A select number of music applicants are nominated for this award. They must possess outstanding musical talent and meet the academic requirements of: SAT 1230 or ACT 28 and a minimum GPA of 3.6.

Notable Program Features

The Music department is housed in two adjoining buildings: Baird Hall and Slee Hall. Baird Hall facilities include a multi-purpose recital/rehearsal room, classrooms, sixty-five practice rooms, teaching studios, administrative and faculty offices, a student lounge, the Music Library, a band rehearsal room, a fully-equipped computer music classroom, and a full percussion corridor, including a percussion teaching studio, practice rooms, and two percussion ensemble rehearsal rooms.

Slee Hall offers the 750-seat Lippes Concert Hall with its three-manual and pedal Fisk tracker pipe organ, composition teaching studios, an orchestra rehearsal room, a recording studio, state-of-the-art computer music studios, and the concert/box office.