Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Music
Admission Requirements
Students interested in the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree must first apply to Buffalo State College by completing a SUNY application. Once the application is reviewed by the Office of Admissions staff, applicants will be contacted to arrange an audition and interview with members of the Music Department faculty. Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Music is based on the outcome of the audition and interview.
Entrance Audition
All entering BA students must audition for admission to the Music Department. Entering students are afforded two opportunities to audition for admission. If a student is not accepted after the second audition, a third audition is not permitted. Audition requirements may be found electronically at http://www.buffalostate.edu/music/audition.xml
Change of Major (from BA to B.Mus.)
Upon the completion of two full-time semesters of study, and a grade of C or higher in MUS 122 (MUS 189 in Fall 2006), any Bachelor of Arts in Music student may apply or re-apply for admission to the Music Education Major. A total of two application attempts are allowed. Admission to the Music Education program for re-applicants is determined by the Music Department Chairperson, in consultation with the music education coordinator and the student’s advisor.
Re-admission to the Music Department
(Effective Fall 2002) Students who have taken a leave of absence exceeding one academic year will be required to audition and interview for readmission to the Music Department.
The BA in Music Capstone Project
The Capstone Project provides BA students with the opportunity to pursue an independent project related to their specific interests and career aspirations. This project can take various forms, including a Half or Full Recital, an Internship, or a Research Paper. Students who wish to pursue other projects should consult with the Music Department Chair. Each of these projects requires completion of the Capstone Project Proposal form located on the Music Department website. This form must be completed and on file in the Music Department office by Study Day of the semester prior to the start of the Capstone Project. All students engaged in a Capstone Project must register for MUS 495 or MUS 499 by completing a Course by Contract in the Music Department office.
Students who wish to engage in an Internship, Research Paper, or any project other than a Recital must include a narrative thoroughly describing the project from its inception to completion and outlining a timeline for accomplishments. If human subjects are a part of the research, the student must demonstrate approval of the proposal by the BSC Institutional Review Board or the Music Department IRB representative and attach copies of related forms.
Students who wish to present a Half or Full Recital must have the consent of their Applied Instructor and complete all pre-recital requirements as listed in the Music Department Handbook. Students who wish to pursue an Internship need the consent of a Faculty supervisor and an indication of support from the internship site. Students who wish to write a Research Paper must create a Faculty committee consisting of a Music Faculty Chair and an additional Faculty member who has an interest or ability related to the research topic. The second committee member may be a Faculty member associated with any BSC department. At the conclusion of the Capstone Project, a student who writes a Research Paper will meet with their designated Faculty committee to discuss their project and their final paper.