All undergraduate applicants considering the music major should apply to the College of Arts and Sciences via Cornell's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students who enroll in other colleges may take courses in the Music Department, perform in the department’s ensembles, or minor in music. It is not necessary to audition with our department to be admitted to Cornell. And no audition is required of potential music majors prior to admission to the university, as the application to become a music major is made after the student has enrolled at Cornell.
Supplement Submission
Students who excel in musical performance or composition may wish to supplement their applications with a recording or musical score. Students should submit recordings only if they believe that their musical abilities will enhance their application. These materials are evaluated by faculty members in the Music Department, and the evaluations are then forwarded to the respective college’s admissions office.
Click here for instructions on how to submit recordings or scores.
Recordings and scores submitted as part of the admissions process do not replace live auditions for ensembles or lessons, which take place at the start of every semester.
Visiting:
Visitors to Cornell are welcome to drop by the Music Department, which is housed in Lincoln Hall. The department office is open every weekday during business hours (8:30 AM to 4 PM during the academic year, shorter hours during breaks). Prospective students who would like to meet with a faculty member should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies at least a week in advance of the visit.
Lincoln Hall is located on the northeast corner of the Arts Quad and may be entered either from the quad or from Feeney Way. A bus stop in front of Lincoln Hall is served by campus buses and by TCAT, Ithaca’s public transportation system.
Cornell resources:
External resources: