Cornell jazz musicians bring home awards from DownBeat Magazine
For the first time in university history, Cornell students have won Student Music Awards from DownBeat Magazine, one of the world’s premiere jazz publications.
Read moreThe 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:
For the first time in university history, Cornell students have won Student Music Awards from DownBeat Magazine, one of the world’s premiere jazz publications.
Read moreAmong those recognized for contributions to advising undergraduates are Paul Merrill, associate professor of practice in music, and Ravi Ramakrishna ’88, professor of mathematics.
Read moreMayfest is “a festival of joy, music, friendships, and deep connections among the musicians and with the loyal and wonderful audiences,” said co-artistic director Miri Yampolsky.
Read moreIn Spring 2025, Miller will travel to Indonesia and teach two courses at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta.
Read morePhD candidate Alex Pasqualini recognized with the Exemplary Leadership Award from the Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement
Read moreJames 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.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreThe recordings can be endlessly reconfigured to bring Kiss to life for new audiences, says Benjamin Piekut, professor of music.
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