Cornell University Registrar

Program Description

The Department of Music offers training in the study, creation, and performance of a broad spectrum of music. Course offerings reflect the breadth of faculty expertise, which ranges across global and local musical practices and repertories including Western art music in all periods, African and Afro-Caribbean music, East and Southeast Asian music, jazz,  pop music, improvisation, experimentalism, sound art, electronic music, and digital game music.

The minor in music gives both formal recognition and structural coherence to the musical activities of students whose involvement with the Department of Music forms an essential aspect of their undergraduate careers. The minor requires students to engage with musical theories, materials, and techniques, the study of music in history and culture, and performance. At the same time, it provides students with the flexibility to emphasize areas that interest them most.

The minor in music requires students to engage with musical theories, materials, and techniques, the study of music in history and culture, and performance. At the same time, it provides students with the flexibility to emphasize areas that interest them most. Those enrolled in the music minor are considered members of the Department of Music and are encouraged to participate in all program activities. Visit this page to view Music Courses in category music courses.

Application Procedure:

• Submit the online Music Minor Application Form by the end of the Junior year.
• Based on your interests, select and obtain the agreement of a faculty member who is willing to serve as your minor advisor. 
• Admission to the minor must be declared no later than the second semester of the Junior year; after the start of the seventh semester, admission is by petition only. Such students should attach a statement outlining their credentials and reasons for wishing to pursue a minor in music.

Minor Requirements

Materials and Techniques (MT):

• At least one three to four credit course

History and Culture (HC):

• At least one three credit course

Performance and Lessons (PL):

• At least three credits of courses, of which at least one credit must involve collaborative music making

Electives:

• Eight credits from any other Materials and Techniques (MT), History and Culture (HC), or Performance and Lessons (PL) courses. A maximum of five of these credits may be earned from PL courses; if more than four credits are to be counted, at least two must involve collaborative music making.

All courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better. If a course is offered S/U, a grade of S is acceptable.

All students must submit an exit statement to their faculty advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies articulating the intellectual interests that were developed by work done for the minor and how their program of musical studies reflects a coherent learning agenda.