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SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Music

General

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited Music Department

All auditioners are automatically considered for Music Department scholarships

Training

General concentration with at least four semesters of one-on-one vocal or instrumental study

Six semesters of participation in a major performance ensemble

Individualized capstone project such as a recital, internship, senior thesis, or special project

Facilities

State-of-the-art recording studios, Performing Arts Center, Ciminelli Recital Hall, and ensemble rehearsal spaces

Guest lecturers, performers, internships, and summer music programs support broad musicianship

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.00

Admit rate

73%

school-wide

Grad rate

33%

Enrollment

5.1K

Earnings

$52K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$8,533

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$20,273

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,731

Before aid

Average net price

$11,346

After aid

Cost Attendance · financialaid.buffalostate.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 9, 2:42 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited Music Department

All auditioners are automatically considered for Music Department scholarships

Training

General concentration with at least four semesters of one-on-one vocal or instrumental study

Six semesters of participation in a major performance ensemble

Individualized capstone project such as a recital, internship, senior thesis, or special project

Facilities

State-of-the-art recording studios, Performing Arts Center, Ciminelli Recital Hall, and ensemble rehearsal spaces

Guest lecturers, performers, internships, and summer music programs support broad musicianship

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited Music Department

All auditioners are automatically considered for Music Department scholarships

Training

General concentration with at least four semesters of one-on-one vocal or instrumental study

Six semesters of participation in a major performance ensemble

Individualized capstone project such as a recital, internship, senior thesis, or special project

Facilities

State-of-the-art recording studios, Performing Arts Center, Ciminelli Recital Hall, and ensemble rehearsal spaces

Guest lecturers, performers, internships, and summer music programs support broad musicianship

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website suny.edu

Fee

$50

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Auditions

On-Campus Audition

Nov 14, 2026Jan 30, 2027Feb 20, 2027Mar 13, 2027Apr 10, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Online Video Audition Deadline (Fall 2027)Jul 15, 2027

Audition · music.buffalostate.edu

Audition Requirements

Songs

Voice Repertoire

Prepare at least two contrasting pieces in any style or genre, such as classical, jazz, commercial music, folk, singer-songwriter, or musical theater

Review the official Voice Repertoire Suggestions before preparing selections

Online voice recordings should generally be no longer than 10-15 minutes

Instrumental Applicants

Use the official Audition Repertoire Guidelines for your primary instrument instead of the voice requirements above

Additional Materials

Video

For online auditions, provide a sharable YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox audition-video link

Recordings must be unedited and follow the framing/setup guidance for the applicant's primary instrument or voice

Repertoire List

Prepare the current official Audition Repertoire Guidelines for your primary instrument or voice, including Brass, Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice, or Woodwinds as applicable

Instrumental and piano applicants generally prepare contrasting repertoire plus any instrument-specific scales or technique listed by the department

Questionnaire

Complete required Music Department background questions, including program interest, primary/secondary instrument, private teachers, ensembles, music theory, ear training, and piano experience

Audition · music.buffalostate.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to Buffalo State through Undergraduate Admissions (Common App, SUNY Application, or direct)

BA Music has General, Music Industry, and Performance concentrations

Program Requirements

Music Theory and Ear Training are assessed during orientation/advisement for placement only, not admission

What's The Process

Audition Process

All prospective BA Music students audition for Music Department admission and interview with music faculty

In-person or online video audition accepted; prospective students have two opportunities to audition for admission

Fall 2027 online video deadline: July 15, 2027

Audition Expectations

Review the official Audition Repertoire Guidelines for the requirements tied to your primary instrument or voice

On-campus auditions begin at 1 p.m. on published audition dates

Submit online video links through the Music Department online application system

Videos should be unedited, with YouTube unlisted links preferred when applicable

Vocalists are provided an accompanist for on-campus auditions

Vocalists may use live pianist, recorded track, live band, or self-accompaniment for online auditions

Instrumentalists are not required to perform with an accompanist

Decisions

Online audition decisions are typically returned within 1-2 weeks

Scholarship Info

Music Department Scholarships

All first-year and transfer auditioners are automatically considered

Awards are based on audition performance

Notification is provided with Music Department acceptance

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.00

Admit rate

73%

school-wide

Grad rate

33%

Enrollment

5.1K

Earnings

$52K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$8,533

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$20,273

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,731

Before aid

Average net price

$11,346

After aid

Cost Attendance · financialaid.buffalostate.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited Music Department

All auditioners are automatically considered for Music Department scholarships

Training

General concentration with at least four semesters of one-on-one vocal or instrumental study

Six semesters of participation in a major performance ensemble

Individualized capstone project such as a recital, internship, senior thesis, or special project

Facilities

State-of-the-art recording studios, Performing Arts Center, Ciminelli Recital Hall, and ensemble rehearsal spaces

Guest lecturers, performers, internships, and summer music programs support broad musicianship

Updated Sep 9, 2:42 PM