Academics

The Department of Music at Cornell provides opportunities for the study, creation, and performance of music under the guidance of a distinguished faculty within the broader framework of a B.A. degree in the College of Arts & Sciences, or as part of a degree in another college. In addition to the music major, a minor in music is offered. The Department of Music is renowned for research and scholarship in music, represented by three graduate programs: music and sound studies (Ph.D.), composition (D.M.A), and keyboard studies (D.M.A).

Popular Destinations

Graduate Studies Music Minor Music Courses Student Organizations

The Undergraduate Program

Our classroom courses run the gamut from medieval chant to hip-hop, from Western music theory to musical systems from other parts of the globe. Whether you are contemplating a music major or taking your very first course in music, we have courses appropriate to your background.

Students across campus are welcome to participate in the department’s many and varied ensembles. Some ensembles require auditions, others are open to anyone. Click here to learn more about performance opportunities.

Cornell’s composers, performers, and music scholars shape the character of musical life on campus, and their impact is felt all over the world. Click here to browse profiles of our faculty.

Music majors, minors, and non-majors alike benefit from the enormous collection of scores, books, recordings, and videos housed in the Sidney Cox Library of Music and Dance. Click here to explore the library.

The Graduate Program

"The intimacy of the department allows for students to work alongside some of the leading composers, conductors, musicologists, and performers in the world. Conservatories and other large schools cannot compete with the amount of faculty interaction that music students are given at Cornell."

Explore our graduate degree programs:

Music News

Cressy receives Cambridge fellowship

3/17/2023

Ph.D. candidate Thomas Cressy has received a prestigious fellowship at Cambridge

Dead & Co. to play benefit at Barton Hall, honoring legendary ’77 show

3/08/2023

Remaining members of the Grateful Dead will return to play a benefit concert in Barton Hall on May 8 as part of the band’s final tour.

Math communicator visits campus to explore math in everyday life

3/03/2023

“Ellenberg is a distinguished mathematician and a master of public communication."

Support Arts & Sciences on Giving Day March 16

3/02/2023

On Thursday, March 16, join the Cornell community to make a difference for students on Cornell Giving Day.

Support Music on March 16!

Cornell Giving Day is March 16!

3/15/2023

Mark your calendars for Cornell Giving Day, March 16th! Your donation of any size on March 16 will go towards direct costs of music making, including scholarships for lessons. Thank you for your generosity and for making a difference for our students!