Music

About this Area

Prepare for a career as a performer, composer, producer or educator by building the technical skills and creative confidence to succeed in today's evolving music industry. Cornish combines rigorous musical training with a distinctive poly-stylistic approach, encouraging you to explore everything from classical and jazz to pop, experimental music and emerging technologies. Through private instruction, ensemble performances, composition, improvisation and interdisciplinary collaboration, you'll develop your own artistic voice while gaining real-world experience in Seattle's vibrant music community. Plus, with flexible degree pathways, you can easily transfer between BA, BM and minor as your interests and goals evolve.

Apply Now

Program Offerings

Discover Music Degree Programs

Choose a path that allows you to build your skills through performance, composition, music technology, private instruction and real-world experience in Seattle’s music community. No matter where you are in your academic journey, you can find a music program that supports your artistic goals and prepares you for what’s next.

Fall 2027 Majors & MinorsTransfer Applicants & Current Students

Beginning in Fall 2027, you can explore flexible degree pathways within the Cornish Music Department.

Music BM, BA & Minor

Turn your passion for music into a career with hands-on experiences both in and beyond the classroom. You’ll perform regularly, develop original work, learn industry-standard music technology and gain professional experience through internships and partnerships across Seattle’s music community. Faculty mentors will help you build the skills, portfolio and professional network needed to succeed after graduation.

Apply for Fall 2027

Whether you’re hoping to transfer to Cornish or are already enrolled at Cornish College of Arts at Seattle University, here are the many ways you can study music during the 2026/2027 academic year.

Interdisciplinary Arts, Music, BA

Develop your musical skills through performance, theory, history and private instruction while exploring how music connects with other artistic disciplines through a flexible degree that reflects your creative interests.

Music, BFA

Explore everything from classical and jazz to contemporary and experimental music while discovering your own creative voice. This program gives you the opportunity to study with accomplished musicians and gain real-world experience through performances and internships.

Music Minor

Strengthen your musical abilities by building skills in music theory, history, composition and performance, while receiving private instruction and performance opportunities.

Apply for the 2026/2027 Year

“The Interdisciplinary Arts program at Seattle University nurtured my passions, rigorously honed my musicianship skills and connected me to working professionals in ways that launched the career I dreamed of. I received an individualized education that emphasized both the standard course of study in a collegiate music program, but also my own particular interests, strengths and future goals. Faculty from SU continue to be treasured mentors, but also colleagues, collaborators and friends.”Nicky Manlove, Class of 2018, BA in Interdisciplinary Arts, Music

Application Process

See What’s Required to Apply

Choosing a college is about finding the program that best supports your goals. At Cornish, we look for students who are passionate about their area of study and eager to grow.

Learn More About the Application Process

All applicants must submit a Seattle University application, application fee or approved waiver, recommendations, and a writing sample. Review the specific requirements for your Cornish program before you apply.

How to Apply

See Audition Requirements

If you’re applying to a BM program, you’ll submit an audition as part of your application. Auditions give Cornish the opportunity to see your artistic interests, potential and commitment to your creative practice. We encourage you to come to campus for your audition, but if that is not possible, you can also submit a video audition. BA music degree applicants do not have to participate in the audition process.

Music Audition Requirements

Music

Faculty + Staff

Dedicated to mentoring the next generation of creatives, Cornish faculty combine extensive professional expertise with a passion for teaching students how to develop the skills, confidence and vision to succeed in the arts.