Requirements for B.A. in Music

Note: This page is designed to assist students, faculty, and advisors by providing degree requirements and recommendations in an easy-to-use format. The course catalogue remains the official source of degree requirements -- please report any discrepancies with this page to the department chair.  

A minimum of 11 course credits in music, including:

•  Music Theory I-V (110, 210, 310, 343, 346)
•   History of Western Music I-III
  •   Medieval and Renaissance (321)
  • Baroque and Classical (322)
  • Romantic and Twentieth Century (323)
•    One-and-one-half course credits in Solo Performance courses
•  One-and-one-half course credits in Music Ensembles

Additionally, students must:

• Pass five semesters of Music Performance Seminar (FAA 701)
•   Pass all parts of the Piano Proficiency Requirement
•   Participate in music lessons and a music ensemble during their final three semesters
•   Complete a senior project
  •   Recital (FAA 798 or 799) OR
  • Paper/Project (485)

See the official Cornell course catalogue for more complete information regarding requirements for all music degrees, including music lessons, Piano Proficiency Requirement, ensemble participation, and Music Performance Seminar.

Recommended Course Sequence

Notes:

• Music Theory courses must be taken in numerical order.
• Music History courses may be taken in any order in any year.

Requirements for Minor

A minimum of six course credits in Music, including MUS 110, 210, 310, and at least three applicable courses in Music at the 200 level or above.