<p>I was just wondering if anyone had any comments about Cornell for music composition. A few teachers have suggested it to my son but we haven't heard much about music there. Any insights would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Are you looking at undergrad or graduation school?</p>
<p>Steven Stucky is a composition professor there. We had looked at it for my son (for undergrad) and he almost applied - it’s definitely worth considering.</p>
<p>Undergrad. SpiritManager, what held you back from applying, if I may ask? We’re from California, so I know the weather is pretty extreme there. My daughter had a friend who went there one year and then came home because of the location.</p>
<p>We live in the area. My son is also a composer who is a senior. We know a lot of students who went there for grad. school amd they do have wonderful faculty. Does the undergrad degree at Cornell offer you what you are looking for? My son is not considering for undergrad. because we are wanting more of a true music school experience and not liberal arts. (But he does play with one of the Cornell Orchestras now as a high school student and enjoys it.) But if you are looking more for a liberal arts schools than it is worth a look. The campus is beautful and safe and Ithaca is interesting and has a lot of culture for a small town but it is cold and snowy here often. Feel free to email me a private message if you want.</p>
<p>Sorry. I obviously meant grad school and not graduation school. The reason I asked if you were looking for undergrad or grad was because I was under the impression the program is much more geared for grad students. Someone can correct me if I am wrong about this.</p>
<p>I understand that you can’t specifically major in composition at Cornell, like the other Ivies you are a music major in general, but are there still significant opportunities for a composer pianist at the undergrad level? We are trying to finalize our list and really wanted to add one more school and are finding it difficult.</p>
<p>I do not know the answer to this question. Ask the department. I would also be curious how much chance there is for an undergaduate to get his or her work played at this school. I just do not know the answer. I will say Cornell recently redid the music building and it is beautiful. Good luck.</p>
<p>I am sure you have looked over the music department on the website, including curriculum and courses, and faculty. I would suggest visiting, calling or e-mailing (in that order of preference) and asking these questions there. Maybe ask if performance events are through the music department or some other entity, such as a campus-wide arts organization. Also, check out what musicians are in residence, who might play pieces.</p>
<p>Sometimes, at Ivies and other universities/colleges, composition students need to be entrepreneurial and organize themselves (composers and musicians) for concerts. Often a faculty advisor will help out if asked.</p>
<p>This is very different from the regular readings and performances at a conservatory, for composers, but many student composers do make things work out at universities.</p>
<p>Have you looked at Bard?</p>