Music (DMA) at Cornell University

Programme overview

The field of music offers graduate degrees in three areas of study: music (Ph.D.), composition (D.M.A.), and performance practice (D.M.A.). Music at Cornell flourishes through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates the fields of performance, historical musicology, ethnomusicology, composition, and music theory. As a result, the department of music's many activities mutually reinforce each other, and graduate students at Cornell enjoy a sense of community among themselves and with the faculty.

What you will study

Concentrations: Composition (D.M.A.), Performance practice (D.M.A.).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for admission should follow the standard procedures as established by the Graduate School; the application, along with the statement of purpose and TOEFL scores (if applicable), should be submitted directly to the Graduate School by December 15. Additional requirements for applicants in music are listed under the respective degree programs described on the field of music's website or may be obtained by contacting the director of graduate studies.; All Graduate School requirements , including the English language proficiency requirement for all applicants; Three recommendations; Term papers and/or musical compositions; GRE scores are not accepted. Application deadline: Fall, December 15; no spring admission

USD 20,800 a year (2026-27). Doctoral tuition per year ($10,400 per semester); the source states $20,800 applies to Ph.D., D.M.A. and J.S.D. programs in endowed and contract colleges; tuition only. Source

Graduate School applications are submitted online through the Graduate School application; the application fee is $105. Each graduate field sets its own deadlines, and many fall between early December and mid-January.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/application-steps/apply-now/

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