Program Overview
Composition
Our Composition Program trains aspiring composers to hone their skills at presenting their musical ideas as clearly and efficiently as possible through written notation, and to expand their creativity by examining a wide variety of music and embracing all eras. Student composer works are performed on formal student recitals, by the conservatory's large ensembles, as well as in self-designed settings around campus.
Professor and Chair of Composition Stephen Hartke discusses his piece "Meanwhile," for which he won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Classical Composition in 2013.
Photo credit: Yvette Chen ’16
Program Facts
- Program Type: Major, Minor
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- Bachelor of Music (BM)
- Division: Contemporary Music
Program Director
Stephen Hartke,
Professor of Composition
Quick Links
The conservatory provides opportunities for composition majors like Matthew Chamberlain ’13, MM ’14 to present their original works with a performance ensemble.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko
Student Composers Concerts
Composition students have many opportunities to share their original works via competitions, recitals, student composers concerts, and with such student ensembles as the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra. Some students may even take the baton, guiding a performance ensemble through one of their original compositions.
Faculty
Michael Frazier
Assistant Professor of Composition
Stephen Hartke
Professor of Composition
Jesse Jones
Associate Professor of Composition
Soomin Kim
Visiting Assistant Professor of Composition
Upcoming Composition Events
Details: Date, Time, and Location
Date
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Time
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Location
Fairchild Chapel, Bosworth Hall
Senior Recital: Max Lang, Musical Studies
Composition News
Oberlin Faculty Earn Ohio Arts Council Excellence Awards
Highly competitive program awards $5,000 grants recognizing outstanding artistic achievement.
Conservatory Celebrates Standout Students for 2024
Annual reception held May 13 in Stull Recital Hall.
Oberlin Alumni and Faculty Celebrated for Composition Achievements
The American Academy of Arts and Letters awards prizes and funding to four alumni and a member of the Composition Department faculty.
