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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).
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 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:
James Spinazzola is one of the 2023-2024 recipients of an Innovative Teaching and Learning Grant, harnessing immersive technology to help students build confidence as they learn to conduct an ensemble.
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The Klezmatics’ music is steeped in Eastern European Jewish tradition and spirituality, while also incorporating contemporary themes such as human rights and antifundamentalism, and eclectic musical influences — from jazz and punk to Arab, African, Latin and Balkan rhythms.
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The recordings can be endlessly reconfigured to bring Kiss to life for new audiences, says Benjamin Piekut, professor of music.
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The grants provide funding for students in unpaid or low-paying summer experiences to offset the cost of taking on those positions.
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The Community Work-Study Program enables Cornell undergraduates with federal work-study as part of their financial aid package to work for local nonprofits, schools and municipalities.
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Giving Day is Thursday, March 14, and your gift of any size goes directly to support our students!
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The annual Empowerment Through Music concert will be held Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 pm in Sage Chapel.
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Your gift allows the College to fulfill our mission — to prepare our students to do the greatest good in the world.
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