Interdivisional Programs

Musical Pathways

Eight minors and concentrations bridge the College and Conservatory.

A small jazz combo with trumpet, bass, and drums.

Double-degree alumnus Daniel Spearman ’16, a prolific trumpeter, pianist, composer, and bandleader, performs at an Oberlin Jazz Society jam session.

Photo credit: Jack Lichtenstein ’23

Oberlin’s top-rated college of arts and sciences and conservatory of music combine to offer the best undergraduate education in music and the liberal arts.

Whatever the level or nature of your musical interest you can incorporate music into your educational experience—from one of 8 interdivisional programs described below to the musical studies major or the five-year Double Degree Program.

Explore Related Programs

Double Degree Program

Musical Studies Major

Program Descriptions

The synergy between Oberlin’s college and conservatory is one of a kind. Rooted in interdisciplinary research and multimedia practice, an array of curricular pathways invites students to explore the art, business, culture and technology of music. These specially crafted academic pathways draw on a range of disciplines and are open to students in both the college and conservatory. Each pathway offers a unique course of study encompassing both well-established and emerging fields.

Music Minor

The minor in music is designed for College students who want to structure and organize their studies in the Conservatory during their time at Oberlin.

Music and Cognition Minor

For students interested in studying the science of how music gets inside our heads and influences our thoughts and feelings.

African American Music Minor

This interdisciplinary minor examines the rich history, cultural significance, and musical styles and forms cultivated by the African American community.

Arts Administration and Leadership Concentration

Whether you want to work in a museum or for an orchestra, start your own music ensemble or film company, or launch an arts-related organization or non-profit, this integrative concentration will give you foundational knowledge that you can apply broadly.

Concentration in Pedagogy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement

The PACE integrative concentration fosters the development of student musicians as artist-citizens who embrace their responsibility to connect with local and global communities through music.

Musicology Minor

The study of musicology draws on historical investigation and various methods of criticism and analysis in the thoughtful consideration of music as both a liberal and a performance art.

Program Administration

Oversight for these new minors and integrative concentration is with the Conservatory College Interdivisional Curricular Committee (CCICC).

Related News

Oberlin Opera Theater to Present Offenbach and Rossini Double Bill

Oberlin Opera Theater will present a double bill of operas not seen on Oberlin stages previously—Offenbach’s operetta Le mariage aux lanternes ("The Wedding by Lantern Light") and Rossini’s burletta L'occasione fa il ladro ("Opportunity Makes a Thief")—in Hall Auditorium November 10-13.

Music Events

Details: Date, Time, and Location

Date

  • Time

  • Location

    Carnegie Building

Musical Potluck