Music, B.A.

Which Include

• MUS 110 - Music Theory I (1)
• MUS 210 - Music Theory II (1)
• MUS 310 - Music Theory III (1)
• MUS 343 - Music Theory IV (1)
• MUS 321 - History of Western Music I (1)
• MUS 322 - History of Western Music II (1)
• MUS 323 - History of Western Music III (1)

A Minimum of One and One-Half Course Credits

Solo Performance courses of which one course credit must be in one medium selected from

• MUS 731 -MUS 793 

A Minimum of One and One-Half Course Credits

Large Music Ensembles of which one course credit must be earned in one ensemble selected from

• MUS 712 - Choir (1/4)
• MUS 713 - Jazz Ensemble (1/4)
• MUS 715 - Orchestra (1/4)
• MUS 716 - Concert Band (1/4)
• MUS 717 - Chamber Singers (1/4)

An Elective of any MUS Course Numbered 200 and Above

Not to include MUS 212  or any 700 numbered course other than 702 (Composition).

Music Lessons at Cornell:

Students register for Solo Performance courses (music lessons) at the beginning of Term One and Term Five. These courses are taught over four consecutive terms. Registration entails additional costs (see Music Lessons, Fees*). Students may withdraw from these courses only during the first of the four terms. If a student withdraws from a Solo Performance course during the drop period, he or she will be charged only for the lessons scheduled between the beginning of the course and the date when the course is officially dropped and no entry concerning the course will appear on the student’s transcript. After the drop period has passed, if a student ceases to attend, a grade of F will appear on the student’s transcript and the student will be billed for the full semester charge. All music scholarship students must be enrolled in music lessons to retain their scholarships. For students graduating before 2017: after a student has earned more than one course credit in the continuing study of the same instrument, he or she may count the additional credits toward the fulfillment of the general B.A. requirement for a minimum of eight courses numbered in the 300s or 400s.

Music Lessons, Fees

(Solo Performance Courses)*

Music Majors: $200 for one half-hour lesson per week for four terms (one-quarter course credit); $300 for one hour-long lesson per week for four terms (one-half course credit). These fees are the same for lessons on secondary instruments. Piano lessons leading toward the passing of the piano proficiency exam are $100 for one half-hour lesson per week for four terms (one-quarter course credit).

Non-Music Majors: $350 for one half-hour lesson per week for four terms (one-quarter course credit). The fee is the same for lessons on secondary instruments.

Recipients of Music Scholarships and Awards will not be charged for lessons on their principal (scholarship audition) instrument.

Ensemble Participation:

Participation in large music ensembles (MUS 712 , MUS 713 , MUS 715 , MUS 716 , and MUS 717 ) is required of all Music majors and music scholarship students, regardless of degree or program. Requirements vary, depending on the degree program. The student must perform within an ensemble on his/her primary instrument unless otherwise approved by the Department of Music. Pianists must complete one full-credit from the large ensembles (MUS 712 , MUS 713 , MUS 714 , MUS 715 , MUS 716 ) before they may count MUS 719  or MUS 711  as their primary ensemble credit. Only pianists may use MUS 719  or MUS 711  to fulfill an ensemble requirement. Regulations governing adding and dropping ensembles are the same as for Music Lessons, with the exception of MUS 718 .

Music Performance Seminar:

The Music Performance Seminar (MUS 701 ) is a semester-long program that consists of attendance at music events. The purpose of this Seminar is to help nurture an understanding of diverse musical styles and musical ensembles and to provide opportunities for student performances. Attendance at concerts, recitals, and Friday afternoon Music Performance Seminar Student Recitals is required of all Music majors and minors, as well as all other students who are enrolled in music lessons. (Students who have accepted a Music Scholarship must satisfy, at minimum, the recital attendance requirement for a Music minor.) The number of required events changes from semester to semester. Students should contact the Department of Music each semester for details. Music majors must receive a passing grade in Music Performance Seminar (MUS 701 ) in a minimum of five semesters in order to complete the major. Failure to meet the attendance requirement will result in the student’s receiving an F for Music Performance Seminar. No course credit is given for this Seminar. It is offered on a Pass/Fail basis.