Private Lessons
For Beginners
The Music Department does not offer lessons for beginners, but can recommend teachers outside Cornell for those who wish to begin studying voice or an instrument.
Lessons For Credit
Individual instruction for credit is offered by Cornell faculty in voice, violin, cello, piano, harpsichord, organ, percussion, and some wind instruments. Many other instruments are taught by approved outside instructors; within certain conditions these lessons may also be taken for credit. All students who wish to enroll in music lessons must audition at the beginning of each term for the appropriate faculty sponsor. Students may register for these courses in successive semesters or years. Please pick up the Individual Lessons in Applied Music form in 101 Lincoln Hall at the beginning of the semester or download it here.
Zero-Credit Lessons
This option is for musicians who cannot fit 2-credit lessons into their academic schedule or course distribution, or who wish to take half-hour (versus 1 hour) lessons. With this option, it is not necessary to take a classroom music course.
Sign up for MUSIC 3501 (consult with department office regarding correct section number).Two-Credit Lessons
Students taking 2-credit lessons must receive at least 12 hours of individual instruction per semester (one one-hour or two half-hour lessons per week). For every 4 credits of lessons, a student must take a minimum of 3 classroom music credits.
Sign up for MUSIC 3502 (consult with department office regarding correct section number).Four-Credit Lessons
MUSIC 4501 (4-credit lessons) is open only to junior and senior music majors and graduate students in the music department.
Sign up for MUSIC 4501 (consult with department office regarding correct section number).
Lesson Fees
1 hour (or 2 half-hours) weekly: $600
1 half-hour lesson weekly: $300
Note that half-hour lessons are available only for the zero-credit option.
Fees are due at the beginning of each term and may be paid by cash or check; for study with Cornell professors and outside instructors who are on the Cornell payroll, fees must be bursared. All fees are nonrefundable once lessons begin, even if the course is dropped.
A $5 processing fee is also due at the beginning of the term, to be handed in with the Individual Lesson in Applied Music Form.
Music majors who demonstrate an advance level of performance in an audition may be granted a waiver of lesson fees. (effective Fall 2010)
Individual Lessons in Applied Music form are available in the department office (101 Lincoln) or downloadable here.