Music Lessons 
 
FAQ on Music Study
Department of Music home page
Undergraduate Admissions Office
College of Arts and Sciences
 
 
  
FOR BEGINNERS
The Music Department can recommend outside teachers for beginning students. Visit 101 Lincoln Hall for information.

LESSONS FOR CREDIT
Students who play or sing at a college level may take lessons for zero, two, or four credits. All students who enroll for music lessons must audition at the beginning of each term for the appropriate faculty sponsor. Some instruments are taught by Cornell faculty while others are taught by approved outside instructors. Please pick up the Individual Lessons in Applied Music form from 101 Lincoln Hall in the beginning of the semester.

Zero-Credit Lessons

  • This option is for musicians who cannot fit 2-credit lessons into their academic schedule or course distribution, or who wish to take half-hour (versus 1 hour) lessons.
  • Sign up for MUSIC 321 (consult with department office regarding correct section number).
  • With this option, it is not necessary to take a classroom music course.
Two-Credit Lessons
  • Students taking 2-credit lessons must receive at least 12 hours of individual instruction per semester (one one-hour or two half-hour lessons per week).
  • Must take minimum of 3 classroom music credits for every 4 credits of lessons.
  • Sign up for MUSIC 322 (consult with department office regarding correct section number).
Four-Credit Lessons
  • MUSIC 323 (4-credit lessons) is open only to junior and senior music majors and graduate students in the music department.
  • Sign up for MUSIC 323 (consult with department office regarding correct section number).
LESSON FEES

1 hour (or 2 half-hours) weekly: $480

1 half-hour lesson weekly: $240

Note that half-hour lessons are available only for the zero-credit option.

Fees are due at the beginning of each term and may be paid by cash or check; for study with Cornell professors, fees may be bursared. All fees are nonrefundable once lessons begin, even if the course is dropped.

A $5 processing fee is also due at the beginning of the term, to be handed in with the Individual Lesson in Applied Music Form.

SCHOLARSHIPS

A limited number of scholarships are available for lessons in the student's primary performing medium. Application forms are available in the department office (101 Lincoln) and must be returned within the first 3 weeks of classes.

Music majors receive a scholarship for lessons of up to $480 after receipt of a completed application form.

Members of department-sponsored ensembles may receive a scholarship with the permission of the ensemble director, and after receipt of a completed application form.