Oberlin Conservatory of Music

Oberlin Conservatory opens a world of possibilities: mentorship from esteemed faculty, exposure to transformative programs and visiting artists, access to exemplary facilities, and countless opportunities to perform⁠—on campus and beyond!

With a focus on the undergraduate musician, you'll expand your artistic flexibility and increase your exposure through music spanning a world of styles.

Facts at a Glance

6:1 student/faculty ratio
540 conservatory students
180+ double-degree students
42 areas of private study

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Latest Oberlin Conservatory of Music News

Finding the Joy with Seckou Keita

November 20, 2024

Nicknamed the “Hendrix of the kora,” Seckou Keita is today’s most influential and inspiring performer on the instrument, and is considered a leader of the newest generation of African traditional musicians, fusing traditional forms and instruments with those of other cultures.
Man wearing knit cap with hands fanned out on strings of instrument

Richard Miller Classical Voice Competition for High School Students returns in November

October 31, 2024

Oberlin Conservatory is proud to announce the return of the Richard Miller Classical Voice Competition for High School Students, a festival aimed at encouraging and supporting high school students in the pursuit of a career in classical vocal music. The festival is named in honor of Richard Miller, a member of the voice faculty at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music for more than 40 years.
young woman standing in blue gown singing with man in black sweater and pants playing piano

Omar Tells His Story

October 11, 2024

This December, Oberlin will present a concert version of Rhiannon Giddens’ award-winning opera, both at Finney Chapel in Oberlin and the Maltz Performing Arts Center in Cleveland. Surrounding it are all kinds of cross-disciplinary events for campus and community.
man wearing scarf on head holding a cane

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Upcoming Events

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Areas of Study

With majors ranging from historical performance to electronic music, and more than 40 areas of private study, Oberlin Conservatory transforms talented undergraduate musicians into disciplined professionals.

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A student reviews a large book while comfortably seated. A travel mug sits on a small table.
A student reviews a music score in a quiet area of the conservatory library.
Photo credit: William Rieter

Double Degree Program

We’re the only major music school in the country that shares a seamless campus with a liberal arts college. This allows you to earn bachelor’s degrees from both the conservatory and the college in five years or fewer.

Explore the Double Degree Program

A student works on a laptop computer at a table, a pair of headphones resting around his neck
Eli Stine ’14 completed a double degree in technology in music and related arts (TIMARA) and computer science.
Photo credit: Mika Johnson ’00

On Stage

Performance is an integral part of Oberlin life. Each year, students, faculty, and guest artists present 500 concerts spanning five centuries of music. With more than two dozen large ensembles and a robust small-ensemble culture, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to perform in a variety of styles on campus—and around the world.

Explore our performance opportunities

Close-up of brass players in an orchestra
Ashley Hale ’16 performs on trumpet with the Oberlin Orchestra at Chicago’s Symphony Center.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Professional Development

Hone your intellectual and artistic passions—and put them into practice. The offices of Conservatory Professional Development and Creativity & Leadership present on-campus workshops and programs developed to bring your career into focus and offer guidance every step of the way.

Explore Professional Development

Two people have a discussion at a small table behind a glass door marked 'Office of Professional Development'
Conservatory Professional Development is conveniently located near the practice rooms in Robertson Hall.
Photo credit: Julie Gulenko ’15

Conservatory Complex

The conservatory boasts exceptional facilities: nine concert halls, 150 practice rooms, more than 240 Steinway pianos, and an incredible 32 organs for practice and performance. You’ll have access to important instrument collections, seven electronic music studios, and one of the nation’s top conservatory libraries, including Special Collections that are prized by music researchers around the globe and play an integral role in teaching and learning at Oberlin.

Explore our spaces

Exterior of Bibbins Hall under a bright blue sky
The main entrance to Bibbins Hall faces Tappan Square in the heart of campus.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Oberlin Conservatory of Music Faculty

Our internationally renowned faculty are dedicated teachers and communicative artists. They spend generous hours teaching lessons, coaching ensembles, and providing caring mentorship. Individual instruction is tailored to the needs of each student.

I think that there’s a new understanding that we are all humans and we can do our best work if we take care of ourselves and if we take care of each other, and I am happy to be teaching from that perspective.

Katherine Jolly, Associate Professor of Voice

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Life After Oberlin

Oberlin fosters a culture of risk-taking that leads to high achievement. Our alumni earn top honors in major national and international competitions across the musical spectrum. They excel as performing artists and as conductors, composers, producers, theoreticians, entrepreneurs, historians, and educators. Think one person can change the world? So do they:

Explore Life After Oberlin

 

A row of students wearing graduation garb
Oberlin’s annual Commencement/Reunion Weekend ceremony signals the start of life after Oberlin.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

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