Undergraduate Admissions: Submission of Recordings 
 
FAQ on Music Study
The Undergraduate Major
Department of Music home page
Undergraduate Admissions Office
College of Arts and Sciences
 
 
  
Students with talent in musical performance or composition may supplement their applications with a CD or musical score. The evaluation of musical accomplishment among applicants to Cornell attempts to identify candidates with a distinguishing excellence in music. Such accomplishment suggests that a student is able to concentrate on difficult long-term goals and to achieve them. These recordings are used for university admissions purposes only, rather than to the music major, and do not replace live auditions for ensembles or lessons at Cornell.

Please submit only one sound recording per instrument. It is fine, however, to submit multiple recordings if you have multiple abilities. Recordings must isolate and highlight the applicant: group performances that obscure the ability to assess an individual's level of talent will not receive evaluation. Length of CDs should not exceed 15 minutes. Choose two or three contrasting selections (style, rhythm, etc.) or portions thereof to perform.

Composers should send one or two scores that are representative of their recent work, and, whenever possible, a recording of the work(s) submitted.

Submissions must be clearly labeled with the following information:

  • Full name and e-mail address
  • Date of birth
  • Instrument/voice part
  • Include a list of the selections (with titles and composers) and assisting performers (if applicable)
  • Indicate one: Early Decision, Regular Decision, or
    Transfer Admission
  • College of application (e.g. Arts and Sciences)

Please send recordings directly to:

Cornell University Department of Music
101 Lincoln Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

Recordings sent to the Undergraduate Admissions Office or to any of the individual colleges will not be considered.

Please note that materials will not be returned, and recordings will not be considered if postmarked later than November 1 for early decision or January 1 for regular decision.