The Music bachelor’s program at Cornell University offers a rich, immersive, and academically rigorous environment for students who want to develop musical expertise through a blend of performance, theory, history, and creative study. The curriculum covers classical traditions, contemporary practices, composition, ethnomusicology, and analytical methods, giving learners the opportunity to explore how music functions as both an artistic expression and a cultural force. With a strong emphasis on musical understanding, students gain the ability to analyze musical structures, interpret stylistic developments, and engage with diverse musical forms. This broad foundation supports individuals who want to develop technical skill while also examining the conceptual and cultural dimensions of music.
Throughout the four year program, students collaborate with faculty, performers, scholars, and composers who bring expertise from varied musical traditions and academic backgrounds. Learners refine their skills through ensemble participation, private instruction, composition workshops, music technology courses, and research based seminars that strengthen their abilities in creative interpretation, performance technique, and analytical reasoning. The academic environment encourages experimentation and deep artistic engagement, allowing students to explore musical identity, artistic goals, and scholarly interests. This integration of creative practice and academic inquiry prepares students to contribute meaningfully to musical communities, artistic projects, and research based musical exploration.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Music
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Music
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1
• Foundations of Music Theory
• Aural Skills and Musicianship
• Introduction to Music History and Culture
• Elective in Ensemble Participation or Music Technology
Year 2
• Intermediate Music Theory and Analysis
• Applied Lessons in Instrument or Voice
• Composition, Performance, or Cultural Studies Track Development
• Elective in World Music, Jazz Studies, or Recording Techniques
Year 3
• Advanced Topics in Music Study
• Research Seminar in Music Analysis or Musicology
• Creative or Performance Project Development
• Elective in Conducting, Digital Composition, or Ethnomusicology
Year 4
• Senior Capstone or Performance Recital
• Professional Development for Musicians
• Advanced Seminar in Music Theory, Composition, or Culture
• Elective Supporting Final Creative or Research Focus
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue a wide range of musical, creative, and academic pathways, frequently joining performance ensembles, music education programs, creative production studios, and arts and cultural organizations. Their preparation in performance technique, analytical reasoning, and creative development equips them to work as performers, educators, composers, arrangers, arts coordinators, and cultural researchers across diverse musical settings. Many graduates extend their expertise into recording arts, sound design, arts administration, and collaborative artistic projects, using their deeply developed musicianship to contribute to both traditional and emerging musical fields. With strong interdisciplinary awareness and a capacity for artistic interpretation, they support musical initiatives, guide community engagement, participate in educational outreach, and contribute to creative projects that rely on high level musical skill, conceptual depth, and cultural sensitivity.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who want to immerse themselves in a comprehensive musical education, offering opportunities to develop advanced musical insight and strong artistic capability supported by Cornell’s dynamic music faculty and creative environment. Learners benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes both performance excellence and academic exploration, enabling them to build technical proficiency while understanding broader artistic and cultural contexts. Through individualized instruction, ensemble work, creative projects, and research guided study, students gain the tools to interpret music at a high level, develop artistic voices, and engage in meaningful creative inquiry. Its structured four year format ensures continuous artistic growth, intellectual depth, and professional readiness for careers in performance, music education, composition, arts leadership, and related creative fields.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
