Mark your calendars for Cornell Giving Day, March 13th!
Cornell’s composers, performers, and music scholars shape the musical landscape across campus, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the university. Through the guidance of distinguished faculty, we offer exceptional opportunities for study and performance as part of a world-class university education.
As demonstrated by the extensive list of accomplishments on our website, throughout the years students and faculty have continued to present imaginative and innovative music-making, research, and other creative activities as part of their Cornell experience and to share with the community. Your donation of any size on March 13 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! Hear directly from them below:
For me I would say the most exciting part of being involved in music at Cornell is getting to experience the immense diversity of styles and interests among the faculty and students. Since starting at Cornell I’ve played and listened to jazz, samba, punk, gamelan, and electronic music among other genres. I’ve been exposed to a lot of really interesting experimental music as well, which has inspired me a lot as I continue to compose.
Lily Dovciak, ‘27
I love meeting and connecting with new people in the music scene at Cornell. I deeply enjoy broadening my musical horizons by learning more about what others gravitate to, and by jumping into styles and genres that I am completely unfamiliar with.
Zeke A.B. Lawrence, ‘25
Cornell's music department is absolutely incredible. I've been fortunate to experience music from multiple dimensions: lessons, ensembles, and music courses. As a university where "any person can find instruction in any study" the music department is a gem for both traditional and unique music coursework. I've been fortunate to experience exceptional classes, such as 'Introduction to Music Studies' with David Yearsley and 'Elements of Music' with Steve Pond. Lastly, some of my closest friends have come from peers I've met in the music program at Cornell. We make great music - and great memories - together.
Abigail Black, ‘26
There are so many incredibly skilled musicians on campus, and working with them is always eye-opening and inspiring. I have grown immensely as a musician over the past semester, and I'm really looking forward to continuing to do so.
Asher Perla, '28
