About PhD Program,
Cornell awards the Ph.D. for original contributions to the study of music, considered broadly to include a wide range of repertories, traditions, and methodologies. While the program encompasses ethnomusicology, music theory, and historical musicology, Cornell offers a single Ph.D. in music and sound studies.
The music and sound studies program at Cornell is designed to lead to the Ph.D. degree; a terminal M.A. is not offered, but students who enter the doctoral program without having already earned an M.A. receive this degree in the course of their studies. Students accepted into the Ph.D. program are guaranteed five full years of financial support, in the form of two years of fellowships (usually taken in the first and fifth years) and three years of teaching assistantships.
The doctoral program in music and sound studies is uniquely flexible; it is developed individually, in consultation with the student’s Special Committee, and students may combine their study in the Field of Music (music and sound studies, composition and performance practice) with work in other Fields of study at Cornell.
There are no formal course requirements in the Field of Music; nevertheless, students are generally expected to take graduate research seminars with at least six different faculty members. As part of the six required seminars, students must take Music 6201 (Introduction to Bibliography and Research), at least one course on an ethnomusicological topic and at least one course on either a topic of music analysis or a popular music topic. Students are also encouraged to take courses outside of the department, which may be used to form the basis of a Graduate Minor in another discipline.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Students wishing to enroll in the Ph.D. program in music and sound studies must have a B.A., B.Mus., or M.A. and have completed formal study of a foreign language.
The phrase Field of Music, or Field, is the official Graduate School designation for the graduate programs and the Graduate Faculty in music. The Graduate Faculty includes Professors Appert, Balance, Bjerken, Boettcher, Ernste, Hicks, Krumhansl, Miller, Moseley, Ogonek, Papalexandri-Alexandri, Peraino, Piekut, Pond, Richards, and Yearsley. Retired members of the Graduate Field may also continue to participate on graduate student committees; currently they include Professors Bilson, Groos, Harris-Warrick, Hatch, Holst-Warhaft, Rosen, Sierra, Webster, and Zaslaw. The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) coordinates the activities of the Field, including such concerns as admissions, financial aid, advising, and job placement, and represents the Field vis-à-vis the Graduate School. As of the academic year 2023-24 the DGS is Professor Appert. More information about the structure of the Field and major and minor concentrations may be found at the end of this document.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Every student accepted into the Ph.D. program at Cornell receives five years of guaranteed funding, including financial support for four summers. Every student is given a fellowship for the first year; a second year of fellowship year may be taken in the fourth or fifth year, or may be deferred if outside funding is procured by the student. The remaining three years of funding are in the form of teaching assistantships. Student Health Insurance is provided under fellowship and teaching assistantships. Partners, spouses, and dependents can be included for additional charges.
Although it is possible to complete the Ph.D. within five years, most students require one or two more years. When possible the department may offer additional semesters of teaching, but such support is not guaranteed. Many students seek outside fellowships (such as A.M.S. 50 or Fulbright Fellowships) beginning in their fourth and fifth year. There are also a few dissertation fellowships available through various Cornell programs. Entering students are encouraged to apply for Javits, Mellon, or other outside fellowships as another means of extending their graduate support. For a list of external and internal graduate fellowships (searchable by keyword, program name, or deadline) see the Graduate School Fellowship Database.
The Department of Music offers a wide variety of teaching experiences, and students are free to request a specific teaching assignment. The faculty makes every effort to match interest and skill to course offerings. Click here to learn more about teaching assistantships.
In addition, fourth and fifth year graduate Ph.D. students who have passed their qualifying exams may be given the opportunity to design and teach their own course as a First-Year Writing Seminar.
Application Requirement,
- Cornell Graduate School Online Application form
- Application Fee
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Personal Statement
- Transcripts and evidence of foreign language study. (If transcripts do not show this evidence, provide another form of documentation).
- TOEFL scores (see Graduate School TOEFL requirementsfor further details)
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members acquainted with your work
- Two essays (term or honors papers). Preferably one on a broad topic in music studies and the other showing detailed study of one or a few pieces of music or recorded sound.
- Optional: A recorded performance on a musical instrument or as a singer (if unable to submit online, a copy may be mailed to: Graduate Field Assistant in Music, Cornell University, 101 Lincoln Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-4101)
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
A nonrefundable application fee of $105 is required at the time you submit your online application.
