Music (PhD)

For Music (PhD), tuition is 29,500 USD per year.

The PhD program in Music at Cornell integrates performance, historical musicology, ethnomusicology, composition, and music theory through an interdisciplinary approach. Students develop a flexible course of study in close collaboration with a faculty committee, conduct research, and have opportunities for teaching and presenting their work. The program emphasizes a strong sense of community among graduate students and faculty, supported by extensive library resources and performance opportunities.

Focus areas include Music and sound studies, Musicology, Composition, Performance practice.

Course requirements are determined by the student's special committee, with enrollment in a GRAD research course or equivalent expected each semester through graduation.

Graduates are prepared to make original contributions to the field, demonstrate deep knowledge in a specialization, and communicate research findings effectively.

Applicants must meet Graduate School requirements, including English language proficiency if applicable. Required documents include the application, statement of purpose, three recommendations, and term papers and/or musical compositions. GRE scores are not accepted. The application deadline is December 1 for Fall admission; no spring admission is offered.

In Person, Ithaca, NY. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.