IC returns to its roots with revived master’s program

In September 1892, the Ithaca Conservatory of Music opened its doors to students in a tiny four-room house on East Seneca Street. In the 133 years since its opening, it has transformed into Ithaca College located on South Hill, renowned not only for music, but also theater, communications, film, physical therapy and much more.

The growth of Ithaca College has allowed for a wider applicant pool across a variety of different majors and schools within the college. However, this change comes with both pros and cons. More programs means more revenue from tuition for the school, giving the college a stronger financial base. This extra profit is helping the college pay back its $10.5 million deficit caused by low enrollment.

However, when a college that started as a music conservatory grows into dozens of majors, it risks losing its musical identity and can feel like it is just another liberal arts school.

Despite its divergence from the original conservatory of music, IC continues to be immersed in the art of music. Administration announced in Fall 2025 the return of the composition, conducting and performance master’s programs. The programs were discontinued by the Academic Program Prioritization Implementation Committee in 2021.

The addition of the master’s programs just further reinforces IC’s status as a leader in the performing arts. It continues the rhetoric that IC continues to produce pioneers in music, with the master’s programs at the forefront.

Though, the master’s programs are not the only reason why Ithaca’s music program is prestigious. There are over 190 posters in the Dillingham Center’s lobby representing IC alumni on Broadway. The James J. Whalen Center for Music holds over 80 practice rooms and 182 pianos available for student use. The Princeton Review even named IC’s theater program the 11th best in the country.

IC’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance produces over 450 performances a year, many of which are often made free to the public. These performances bring music and theater to the community in an affordable way; these programs are not only teaching and benefiting Ithaca College students about music, but the entire Ithaca community.

Ithaca College is returning to its roots — the reinstatement of these programs symbolizes a return to Ithaca’s artistic legacy, reaffirming that even amid academic expansions, its identity as a conservatory of music still stands strong.