Questions

Answers

In addition, you will probably audition from time to time while you are a music student here: most of our private instruction studios and performing ensembles require auditions for acceptance and placement at the appropriate level of instruction.  

2. What prerequisite courses do I need before I apply to the major?
The Department expects you to have a basic level of skills for admittance to the major, but you can buttress any weaknesses while you are here, prior to declaring your major. The proficiency and placement exams (see below) let us know what skills you need to develop. Knowing this, we can help you succeed in the program and in your musical career.

In order to be admitted to the major, you must complete Music 151-154, and you must pass Music 152 and 154 (given concurrently) with a grade of B- or better in both courses. (Music 151 and 153 are linked, given together in the fall; as are Music 152 and 154, given in the spring. When you take either 151 or 152, you must also take its linked class concurrently, for a total of 5 credits per semester.)

You are strongly advised to take Music 151-154 during your first year at Cornell, so as to maximize your flexibility in course selection in later years; however, it is possible to take them during the second year and still complete the major.  

3. How do I know if I'm ready to take 151/153?
Music 151/153 requires the ability to read bass and treble clefs fluently and the alto clef passably, to recognize all major and minor keys, and to spell triads, seventh chords, and intervals. Some piano proficiency is also required, as well as the ability to sing a melody at sight. If you do not have these skills yet, Music 105 will prepare you to meet the academic requirements of Music 151, although 105 does not include training in piano or sight-singing.

A proficiency exam, given during the first class meeting of 151, assesses the student's readiness for 151/153; this exam tests the written skills mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Students who are not sure of their readiness may wish to review and perhaps augment their proficiency in those skills during the summer before taking 151/153. To repeat: taking 151-154 during the first year of coursework will give music majors much more flexibility in their academic career at Cornell.  

4. Can I place out of Music 151/153 and other courses?
In exceptional cases, students may be able to pass out of 151/153 by taking a placement exam. These students bypass Music 151/153 and proceed to Music 152/154 in the spring. It is also possible, although extremely rare, to pass out of Music 152 as well, and to take Music 251/253 in one's first semester. Passing this exam is the only way a student may place into 152 (251), and the only way to earn AP credit in music (see question no. 19). Students who have had AP theory, advanced high school classes, theory courses at other institutions of higher education, or music theory study with a private teacher should consider taking this exam.

The Placement Exam has two parts, written and aural. The written part consists of (1) brief melodic and harmonic dictation, (2) basic keyboard skills, (3) realizing a figured bass line, (4) harmonizing a melodic line, and (5) exercises in harmonic analysis. Students who do exceptionally well on the first part will then be asked to sing and to play the piano for the aural component. Students must pass both components of the Placement Exam in order to place out of 151/153.

The Placement Exam is given every August, on the Sunday before fall term courses begin, at 1:00 p.m. in 124 Lincoln Hall. Students wishing to take the exam need not sign up beforehand--just show up. Please arrive fifteen minutes early; the exam will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. and dictation will not be replayed for latecomers. Bring two sharp no. 2 pencils. Be sure you know your Cornell e-mail address, since the results will be distributed by e-mail.

If demand exists, the Placement Exam will also be given at the beginning of the spring term. Inquire at the Music Department office.  

5. What courses do I need to take as a music major?
The requirements are listed below. To find descriptions of each course (and its prerequisites), please see Cornell's annual Courses of Study catalog. You can also find this information on the Web. Go to http://www.arts.cornell.edu/music and follow the link to Course Descriptions. At Cornell, we strive to produce complete musicians, emphasizing core skills in theory, historical and cultural scholarship, and performance. Our core curriculum addresses this. But we have also designed the major to be flexible. We require you to take two electives; however, most students explore further our wide variety of courses.

CORE CURRICULUM:
1. Music Theory: Music 251, 252, 253, 254

2. Music History: Music 207, 208, 300, 400

3. Performance: four semesters of participation in a musical organization or ensemble sponsored by the Department of Music (Music 331-346 and 421-448).

ELECTIVES (at least 8 credits from the following):
1. Music Theory: Courses numbered 361 and above

2. Music History: Courses numbered 374-399, 401 and above

3. Performance: Music 322 and 323  

6. Are there other courses I should think about taking early on, before I declare my major?
Although you are not required to complete Music 152/154 until you are ready to declare your major (typically during the second semester of your sophomore year), if possible you should take Music 151-154 during your first year. Since many advanced courses list these courses as prerequisites, taking them early allows you the most flexibility in choosing courses. This is true if you intend to take advanced classes in music, even if you do not intend to declare a music major.

It is likewise advisable to have taken Music 207 (fall) and 208 (spring) by the end of your sophomore year. These courses are open to majors and qualified non-majors. Prerequisites: for 207 you must have completed or be currently enrolled in Music 151/153 or have permission of the instructor; for 208 you must have completed or be currently enrolled in Music 152/154, or have permission.  

7. How flexible is the program? Can I follow my interest in German lieder, for example, or film music, or Javanese music?
Cornell boasts a world-renowned music faculty, with a broad range of interests. Further, the mission of our University as a whole underscores a broadly based education. Consequently, you can map out an academic plan with your advisor that reflects your specific interests, while maintaining the highest possible standards of scholarship.  

8. Where can I get a description of each course?
You'll find it in the annual Cornell publication, Courses of Study. The information is also available on the Web. Go to http://www.arts.cornell.edu/music and follow the link to Course Descriptions. There you'll find a complete list of our courses. Click on any course to see descriptions and prerequisites. Please see 22. Where can I get more information? at the bottom of this FAQ document.  

9. Can I do a double major? A dual degree program?
Yes. As many as half our students are double and dual majors. You would have an advisor in each department. A double major completes a BA degree with two majors, both in the College of Arts & Sciences, usually within 4 years. A dual major completes degrees in separate colleges at Cornell (one in the College of Arts & Sciences and the other in a different college), typically taking 5 years.  

10. Will the course load be manageable if I want to double-major?
Yes, although careful planning may be necessary to avoid conflicts between required courses in the two majors.  

11. Can I do a minor in music?
Not formally; the College of Arts & Sciences does not have a structure for declaring minors. However, some students organize electives within a discipline or department in Arts & Sciences or another college. Such informal minors can be developed with the help of the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and your academic advisor. They are not noted on the transcript as a minor. If you create such an informal minor, you can (and should) call attention to your strong interest in music on your CV or in letters to potential employers or graduate schools.  

12. Can I major in music education or music therapy?
No. Cornell does not offer programs in these fields. The degree we offer through the Music Department is a Bachelor of Arts, rather than an applied degree.  

13. How do I apply to the major?
Once you have completed Music 152/154 with a B- or better in each, obtain a music faculty advisor. Do this by meeting with a faculty member whose interests and expertise most closely correspond with yours, and who you believe will guide you most effectively. Schedule an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) to discuss your background, interests, and aspirations. The DUS will contact your proposed advisor and present your plans to the department faculty. Upon approval, you will be asked to submit a "College of Arts & Sciences - Advisor/Major" form. Have the DUS and your new advisor sign the form and bring it to the Music Department office. Formal notification of approval comes via the DUS.  

14. Are there benefits and privileges that come with being a music major? Do I get access to the Music Library and practice rooms?
There are several benefits to being a music major (in addition to receiving a BA from one of the premiere music programs in the country). Music majors receive a scholarship of up to $480 per semester for private lessons in the student's primary performing medium. In practice this means that music majors studying with Cornell faculty receive instruction without charge. (Details regarding these courses are given below.) You may reserve up to 12 hours per week in the practice rooms with no fee (however, if you request a room with a grand piano, you must pay a $20 deposit, which is mostly refundable).

In addition to instruction, you receive 24-hour access to Lincoln Hall, library privileges, and a mailbox in the department office.  

15. Can I study an instrument that isn't played by one of the faculty? Can I study my instrument with an off-campus teacher for credit?
Yes. The department maintains a file of approved teachers for credited lessons, under the supervision of a department faculty member. You may earn 2 credits per semester, provided your lessons are at an advanced level; no credit is offered for beginning instruction. Also, as a music major you may also apply for a scholarship (up to $480 per semester) to help defray lesson costs.

To study off-campus, you petition the Music Department for permission. Since you will be under the sponsorship of a department faculty member, you must audition for your sponsor, who will sign your petition. For information, contact the Music Department office.  

16. Are there restrictions on lessons?
All lessons (both on- and off-campus) are by audition only. Further, to obtain course credit for lessons, you must take a 3- or 4-credit music theory or music history course concurrent with your first semester of lessons (this permits you to take a total of 4 credits for lessons, over two semesters), and you must take an additional 3-credit music course for every additional 4 credits of lessons you take. See the Music Department office for details.  

17. How do music lesson and music ensemble credits count toward my graduation?
Ensembles: Each semester of participation in ensembles (limit: 2 per semester) counts toward your four-semester music major performing requirement. You can earn up to 8 credits total, although you can continue to participate on a not-for-credit basis if you exceed this.

Lessons: The College of Arts & Sciences requires that you complete 34 courses for graduation (this is not related to the music major per se). The two-credit Individual Instruction course (Music 322) counts as one-half course each semester towards the 34-course requirement; it can be taken repeatedly for credit. The four-credit Advanced Individual Instruction course (Music 323) counts as one course, and can be taken repeatedly for credit.

Distribution credit: Many courses for the music major also satisfy Arts & Sciences distribution requirements. For guidance, see the Arts & Sciences section on distribution requirements in the Courses of Study catalog.  

18. I'm not planning to be a music major. Can I still take private lessons?
Lessons for credit: Students must audition for the most appropriate faculty member for acceptance into Music 322. If lessons must be given by an outside instructor, students must complete a petition, available in the Music Department office. As with music majors, you must take a 3- or 4-credit music theory or music history course concurrent with your first semester of lessons (this permits you to take a total of 4 credits for lessons, over two semesters), and you must take an additional 3-credit music course for every additional 4 credits of lessons you take. For further details, contact the Music Department office.

Non-credit lessons: Students who wish to study with our performance faculty on a non-credit basis (fee) take Music 321, for '0' credits. They must successfully audition to secure a place. If no place is secured, the Music Department will recommend an appropriate instructor. For further details, contact the Music Department office.  

19. I already have AP high school credit in music. Will this substitute for any courses or tests?
Advanced placement and credit are awarded only in music theory, and only on the basis of the Placement Exam administered by the Department of Music. Credit cannot be earned on the basis of the AP, IB, or other examinations from outside Cornell, nor on the basis of coursework done elsewhere. Outstanding performance on the departmental Placement Exam will earn students 3 credits and, if desired, placement directly into Music 152 (Tonal Theory II); in rare instances students may place into Music 251, in which case they will earn 6 credits.

For further information on the Placement Exam, see question no. 4.  

20. I've taken college-level music courses at another institution. Are these transferable?
The College of Arts & Sciences and the Music Department will review your courses, usually as part of the application process. If you have questions about a specific course at another institution, or are considering taking such a course while at Cornell, contact the DUS (see question no. 22 below).  

21. What opportunities are there to perform?
Plenty. Cornell's Music Department sponsors 100-125 concerts per year. We offer a spectrum of ensemble and solo performing opportunities. To learn more, see our brochure "musicmaking@cornell," available through the Music Department office. You can also see a listing of ensembles at: http://www.arts.cornell.edu/music/perfens.htm.  

22. Must I perform?
If you major in music, you must participate in four semesters of performance for credit, whether in a department ensemble, a small ensemble, or as a soloist.  

23. Where can I get more information?
Published information:
1. Cornell's catalog, Courses of Study, available via the Cornell Store (607-255-4111 or 800-624-4080) or http://www.store.cornell.edu
2. Arts & Sciences home page: http://www.arts.cornell.edu
3. Music Department home page: http://www.arts.cornell.edu/music
4. Cornell Admissions: http://www.admissions.cornell.edu

Contacts in the Music Department:
1. Music Department Office (send recordings here):

Nicole Bottass, Administrative Assistant 
101 Lincoln Hall 
Cornell University 
Ithaca, NY 14853-4101 
607-255-4097, njb43@cornell.edu 

2. Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS):

Professor Roberto Sierra 
338 Lincoln Hall 
Cornell University 
Ithaca, NY 14853-4101 
607-255-3663, rs58@cornell.edu