Performance

Performance is a fundamental part of Cornell’s cultural life. The Department of Music encourages music-making through a wide array of chamber and large ensembles, as well as its offerings in private lessons and directed coaching by members of the music faculty. Master classes, degree and non-degree recitals, contemporary music concerts, and an annual concerto competition supplement the music department’s concert offerings.

^{Spring 2021 Audition Information}

Choral Ensembles:

Our choirs have been lending their voices and bringing spirit to occasions at Cornell since the beginning of the university's history. Touring, recording, and outreach offer truly unique experiences for members -- perks which bring us together and motivate our members to lead and inspire. The four department choral ensembles (Chorus, Glee Club, Chamber Singers, and Chorale) hold joint auditions.

Please explore singatcornell.com for a comprehensive overview of all the choral ensembles at Cornell, including audition information.

Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra:

Orchestra audition information is on the audition website: https://www.cuorchestra.org/auditions. For more information, please contact Director Chris Kim, and for additional information, go to http://cuorchestra.org.

Wind Symphony:

Wind Symphony audition information is on the website: www.cuwinds.com. Please direct questions to James Spinazzola, Director of Winds (jms862@cornell.edu).

Jazz:

Jazz audition information is on Jazz Packet. For more information, please contact Paul Merrill (pm75@cornell.edu) and visit http://jazz.arts.cornell.edu/.

Chamber Flute Ensemble:

For information, please contact Juliana Pepinsky (jm857@cornell.edu).

Chamber Music Ensembles (Spring 2021):

To apply for chamber music, please fill out this form and include a link to a video audition. The video audition should consist of two short, contrasting selections. Excerpts of longer pieces are fine. Be sure the video is set to Unlisted. If you participated in chamber music in Fall 2020, you do not need to submit a new video, but please complete the rest of the form. All materials are due by 11:59 pm on February 3. Students will be notified of groups and coaches during the first week of classes. For more information, please contact Juliana Pepinsky (jm857@cornell.edu).

Deixa Sambar (Brazilian Ensemble):

Deixa Sambar performs several styles of samba, Brazil’s national music. Members need not have prior background in music-making, but a good sense of rhythm is desirable. Members include students as well as Ithaca community members, “brasileiros” as well as newcomers to Brazilian culture. No audition necessary. For more information, contact Professor Steven Pond (sfp8@cornell.edu).

Gamelan Ensemble:

The Gamelan Ensemble is open to the Cornell community by permission of the instructor. For information, please contact Christopher Miller (cjm299@cornell.edu).

Improvisation Ensemble:

The Music Improvisation Ensemble provides students with the opportunity to explore the elements of music from an improviser's perspective. This ensemble is open to any level of musician. An audition is required at the beginning of the semester simply as a means of introduction. Please contact instructor Annie Lewandowski for more information: apl72@cornell.edu.

Steel Band:

For information, please contact Christopher Miller (cjm299@cornell.edu).

Percussion Group:

For information, please contact Mike Sparhuber (mas847@cornell.edu).

Practice Room Information

Be sure to review our new practice room procedures.

Individual Lesson Auditions

Jazz Lessons:

Jazz audition information is on Jazz Packet. For more information, please contact Paul Merrill (pm75@cornell.edu) and visit http://jazz.arts.cornell.edu/.

Piano Lessons:

Students can sign up for in-person piano auditions on February 7th from 1:30-3:30 pm on the homepage here: cupiano.org. The audition is 10 minutes long, and students should prepare two contrasting works of their choosing, and we will have you sight-read. Students can also send a video. Contact Professor Xak Bjerken (xb10@cornell.edu) for more information.

Violin Lessons:

Auditions for Spring 2021 lessons will conclude on Friday, January 22nd. If you are interested in auditioning for the Lessons Program in Fall 2021, please return to this site in mid-July for dates and repertoire requirements.

For any questions, please send an email to John Haines-Eitzen (jah242@cornell.edu).

Voice Lessons: Coming soon!

Due to social distancing/public health requirements, in-person auditions will not happen in Fall 2020. Instead, students can submit an audition video via email to Lucy Fitz Gibbon by September 4th at 11:59 PM and schedule a zoom meeting on September 5th or 6th* to discuss their submission and speak about their interest in voice lessons. All students must fill out this form prior to their audition meeting; included in this form is a link to sign up for the audition meeting slot.

Prospective students should record two pieces that best demonstrate their current level, both musical and vocal. Videos can be submitted from past performances, as long as they demonstrate solo singing, or can be made for the purpose of this audition; in both cases, accompaniment is not necessary. Placement options are sometimes available for beginners without repertory; in this case, please write to Ms. Fitz Gibbon to inquire about this possibility.

For more information, please contact Lucy Fitz Gibbon (lhf33@cornell.edu).

*Students who are unavailable this weekend are welcome to schedule an earlier audition time.

Students interested in taking lessons for the first time on any other instrument should audition during the instrument’s scheduled ensemble audition time. Students do not need to re-audition if they have taken lessons in the past, unless they are taking lessons on a different instrument for the first time. Contact the Faculty Sponsor for your instrument (a list of these sponsors can be found at music.cornell.edu/performing/private-lessons/)