Overview

The Music Theory M.A. at University at Buffalo provides a rigorous academic environment where students explore the intersection of traditional musical traditions and contemporary theoretical innovations. This programme is designed for scholars who wish to develop sophisticated analytical skills and contribute original insights to the field of musicology. By focusing on the practical application of theory, the curriculum ensures that academic study directly enhances the understanding and appreciation of musical works.

Why Music Theory at University at Buffalo?

As New York State’s flagship public research institution, the university offers a world-class environment for graduate study. The College of Arts and Sciences provides access to renowned faculty and extensive library resources, fostering a culture of discovery and innovation. Students benefit from being part of a top-tier research university that prioritises academic excellence and provides a diverse, inclusive community for aspiring theorists.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 12870 per semester
National fee: USD 12870 per semester
Local fee: USD 5655 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to balance foundational knowledge with specialised research interests. Graduate seminars in tonal theory form a core component of the academic journey, allowing students to progress toward complex independent projects. Modules may include:

Tonal Theory
Analysis
Theoretical Projects

Careers with Music Theory

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a variety of professional paths within the music industry and academia. The advanced analytical and research skills gained during the course are highly applicable to roles in music editing, arts administration, and cultural consultancy. Many students also use this M.A. as a definitive stepping stone toward doctoral research or teaching positions in higher education, leveraging the university's strong reputation in the arts and sciences.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Schenker Studies

Music History

Bibliography

Foreign Language

Studies or Seminar in Music Theory

Pitch Structures

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-22 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

38 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Buffalo, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology View 292 other Masters in Musicology in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applications for admission are accepted for fall entry only

Application Fee

Unofficial Transcripts

Three (3) Letters Of Recommendations

Graduate Record Exams (GRE)

Ub Financial Statement (International Students Only)

Bank Documents (International Students Only)

Passport (International Students Only)

Personal Statement And Statement Of Purpose

Support Materials

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

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Out-of-State

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11310 USD / year

≈ 11310 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.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music Theory.

Available Scholarships

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

On this page

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

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners