Overview

The Music Performance programme at University at Buffalo offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for dedicated musicians who wish to excel in solo, chamber, and large ensemble settings. This degree provides a rigorous foundation in musical theory and history while prioritising practical artistry and professional stage experience. Students are encouraged to find their unique creative voice within a supportive and academically challenging environment.

Why Music Performance at University at Buffalo?

Choosing this programme means joining a vibrant community with access to over 150 free concerts annually, featuring both student and global guest artists. Students benefit from world-class facilities, including the stunning Lippes Concert Hall and cutting-edge sound recording and production spaces. The department provides a tight-knit structure where performers receive close mentorship from distinguished faculty members.

The university also offers unique micro-credentials in specialised areas such as piano tuning and sound recording to add further value to the degree. For those interested in teaching, a fast-track five-year combined pathway is available, leading to a master's degree and teaching certification. This ensures graduates are not only elite performers but also versatile professionals ready for the modern music industry.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14250 per semester
National fee: USD 14250 per semester
Local fee: USD 3535 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum balances technical mastery with academic depth, requiring all core music courses to be completed with a grade of C or higher. Modules may include:

Music Theory
Music History
Performance
Chamber Music
Symphony Orchestra
Choir
Jazz Ensembles
Percussion Ensemble
Senior Recital

Careers with Music Performance

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse paths in the global music industry, ranging from professional performance to educational leadership. The training provided serves as a launchpad for careers in concert halls, recording studios, or private teaching studios. Many students leverage their experience to pursue roles in music education or continue their studies at the postgraduate level.

The focus on real-world experience ensures that alumni are ready to lead in various musical organisations. Potential career destinations include:

Professional Orchestral Musician
Solo Concert Artist
Chamber Musician
Music Educator
Studio Recording Artist
Choral Director

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Theory, Analysis and Aural Skills

Music History Survey

Vocal Diction

Piano Literature

Dance Accompaniment

Women in Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Buffalo, United States

Disciplines

Music Performance View 721 other Bachelors in Music Performance in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Admission to UB’s freshman class is selective and is based in part on the quality of your secondary school academic record and the number of spaces available in the class

You should feel confident applying to UB if you have an above-average academic record and have taken challenging courses in high school to help prepare you to be successful at university

UB uses a 4.0 grading scale and we expect students applying here to have the equivalent of a 3.0 on that scale. That is the same as a grade of B or 83 on a 100-point scale

English language requirements

Personal Essay

You must submit one (1) teacher recommendation

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

28500 USD / year

≈ 28500 USD / year
Out-of-State

28500 USD / year

≈ 28500 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7070 USD / year

≈ 7070 USD / year

Living costs

Buffalo

United States

920 - 1560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Buffalo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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