Music Degrees at SUNY Colleges

Bachelor of Music in Composition at SUNY Purchase

• The composition program at SUNY at Purchase requires fours years of study in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in music. Students must complete 97 credits of course work to earn their degree. This course load includes classes such as music theory, music history, individual composition instruction and solfege, which is sight-singing. The school also recommends students take classes in arranging and orchestration.

  Before graduating, students must be adept at creating original compositions. They will have plenty of opportunities to premiere their works in front of audiences, peers and faculty. These concerts also are recorded for the student's posterity.

  SUNY Purchase
  735 Anderson Hill Road
  Purchase, NY 10577
  914-251-6000
  purchase.edu

Master of Music in Music Performance at SUNY Potsdam

• SUNY at Potsdam offers a Master of Music degree in music performance for qualified students who have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. In order to qualify for this program, students must submit a letter of intent, official undergraduate transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and complete and pass a music history exam and a general music theory exam. Students must also audition for three faculty members either live or by video tape or DVD recording.

  The degree course load equals 30 credits and includes courses in music theory, music history and a performance elective. At the culmination of the course work, all students must perform a recital which is judged by faculty.

  SUNY Potsdam
  44 Pierrepont Avenue
  Potsdam, NY 13676
  315-267-2775
  potsdam.edu

Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy at SUNY Fredonia

• SUNY at Fredonia boasts of one of the most intensive music therapy programs in the country. Students graduating from the program will have learned the skills required for entry-level positions in many music therapy careers, including those in nursing homes, special education programs, psychiatric institutions and correctional facilities. Students are also eligible for membership in the American Music Therapy Association.

  The course load required for graduation includes 77 to 83 total credits within music, music therapy and music education courses. The university stresses that the music therapy program is not only designed to earn a bachelor's degree, but also as a preparation for an eventual master's degree.

  SUNY Fredonia
  178 Central Avenue
  Fredonia, NY 14063
  716-673-3251
  fredonia.edu