Admissions, Performance Practice
Full application deadline: January 15
Academic Requirements
- Ordinarily, a master’s degree in the major instrument or extensive experience as a professional performer. In exceptional cases a recent bachelor’s degree in the major instrument may be acceptable. For applicants proposing to specialize in the performance of music before 1900, experience with historical instruments is highly desirable.
- A master’s essay or term paper, demonstrating ability to write about music.
- A live recording of representative works.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude tests are required for native speakers of English. The GRE music test is not required.
- Students whose native language is not English must provide a TOEFL score or other evidence showing that they are proficient in English. A degree awarded from an institution whose primary instruction is in English will suffice. The minimum TOEFL score ordinarily preferred by the Field of Music is 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test).
Pre-application process
1. Send a writing sample (research paper length), a statement of purpose (c. 500 words), and a live recording of representative works by November 15 to the Graduate Field Assistant in Music (address below).
2. Upon satisfactory review, an on-campus audition will be arranged to be completed by January 15, prior to the Graduate School deadline.
Application Procedure and Check List
A completed application requires that you submit some materials to the Graduate School via the online application, and some directly to the Department of Music. Applicants who do not have access to the web may request an application packet from the Director of Graduate Studies in the Music Department.
Submit the following to the Graduate School
The online application, available at apply.gradschool.cornell.edu, which includes:
- Application form
- Statement of purpose
Submit electronically
- GRE or TOEFL scores
Cornell’s institutional code: 2098
DMA code: 2404
Send or have sent to the address below
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members acquainted with your work (may be submitted electronically; see the application form)
- Transcripts (including evidence of the study of foreign language)
Graduate Field Assistant in Music 101 Lincoln Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-4101