Isaac Dorio
Music and Anthropology
Naples, Fla.
Why did you choose Cornell?
I initially chose Cornell for a very specific program. I spent my first two years here in landscape architecture and loved every second of it, and I will carry the lessons I learned in that program with me for years to come. However, I didn't fully recognize what kind of institution I had committed to when I first arrived. Each semester was full of new learning experiences and discoveries about humanity – especially for someone like me coming from a relatively homogenous, affluent hometown. Eventually, Cornell became my vehicle to explore the complex systems that structure humanity. I transferred to Arts & Sciences in the spring of my sophomore year to major in music and anthropology, and I've since embarked on an incredible journey of learning shaped by the remarkably diverse space offered by the college.
What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?
I feel like I've had two eras to my time at Cornell, so I'll share two main extracurriculars that were especially important to my development.
In my first two years, my work as a facilitator for Cornell's Center for Dialogue and Pluralism transformed the way I saw the world. For five semesters, I prepared for and taught cohorts of 18 students in Intergroup Dialogue. Not only did this give me hands-on leadership and teaching experience, but it also pushed me to critically reflect on myself and others, and on how we each fit into broader systems of social inequity. In many ways, this experience internalized the kinds of DEI-centered leadership practices I strive to embody in the groups I work with.
In my last two years, that work translated into a newfound passion for music directing for the theater. I joined The Melodramatics Theatre Co. in the fall of my junior year as their music director. The Melos are the only group on campus that produces musical theater and each semester we bring an entire show to its fruition – a process that occurs before the semester even starts and concludes after it ends. The Melos became not just an outlet to develop my craft, but also the place where I met my closest friends and found a sense of belonging and community on campus.
What are the most valuable skills you gained from your Arts & Sciences education?
I don't think it can be stated enough: Arts & Sciences teaches you how to be curious. Asking questions, pursuing subjects you're genuinely interested in, taking intellectual risks and embracing discomfort: these are all components of an A&S education that I feel are so valuable. As we prepare to enter the world in 2026, we need people who aren't afraid to question what they see in front of them and who recognize the agency that comes from that ability.
How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?
If you told my high school self that I would major in anthropology at Cornell, I wouldn't have believed you. I probably would have said, "that's ridiculous, I don't even like people." Ironically, I was already spending hours after school collaborating with other musicians and building performances with them. What I discovered at Cornell is just how much I truly love people. Seeing others grow and transform by the care and compassion I offer through my roles as a musician brings me more fulfillment than anything else. I've come to understand how essential it is to act as a steward of our shared humanity through my music in order to build a more connected and empathetic society.
Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?
By far the most influential people in my Cornell experience were my piano teacher, Xak Bjerken, and the director of Cornell's Center for Dialogue and Pluralism (CDP), Adi Grabiner-Keinan. I began working with both of them in my first semester, Xak in private lessons, and Adi as a student in Intergroup Dialogue. For five semesters, I worked as a facilitator for the CDP program, where Adi mentored me in a weekly practicum. Her contagious energy and inspiring commitment to social change inspired me pursue anthropology alongside music. She became the foundation for my understanding of empathetic and compassionate leadership that is grounded in the betterment of others.
More consistently than anyone else, Xak has been my closest mentor, teaching me every week throughout my college career. That kind of sustained relationship is incredibly special. His guidance transformed me not just as a pianist, but as a musician and person. He taught me that being a musician goes beyond technical skill. It means fostering connection and community through the music we create. Xak's guidance has truly shaped who I am as a musician and human being, and I wouldn't be where I am today without him.
What are your plans for next year?
Next year, I am planning to attend the Manhattan School of Music in New York City to pursue a master's degree in contemporary piano performance. I'm so excited to continue developing my passion for theater and piano within a community of artists who are equally committed to creating, performing and exploring new music.
Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series. Read more about the Class of 2026.
