As someone who has always loved singing, performing, and music in general, a college with a thriving music scene was definitely on my list of requirements when choosing where to apply. I knew I wanted to snap my fingers in an a cappella group like Andy from the office (Ed Helms went to Oberlin, btw!) and sip coffee to an open mic set that might feature the next Taylor Swift. So, when I toured Oberlin, I made sure to be on the lookout for ways to surround myself with music.
Sure, Oberlin is lauded for its incredible Conservatory of Music, one of the oldest conservatories still running in the US today. But how was a simple College of Arts and Sciences girl like me to get involved with music? If you’ve asked yourself the same questions, look no further. I’ve taken the liberty of compiling a brief (but hopefully still informative) list of ways to engage with music here at Oberlin.
Classes/lessons
Let’s start out simple. There are a lot of classes taught by Conservatory professors that are available for non-music majors. For example, I’m currently taking “History of the Broadway Musical,” and very much enjoying it. Did you know that Oscar Hammerstein II and Stephen Sondheim were neighbors? What a hoot that neighborhood barbeque must have been!
Also offered to all students are “secondary lessons.” These instrument/voice lessons are taught by Conservatory professors, so even if you’re not in the Conservatory itself, you can still receive professional-level training. Oberlin is a great place to improve your skills if you play an instrument and a perfect place to start learning one if you don’t!
Choirs/A cappella
There is truly no shortage of choirs on campus. Last semester I was in Musical Union, which is a choir with both college students and community members from the town. It’s such a lovely way to get to connect with people beyond the college, and we had so much fun performing Rhiannon Giddens’ opera Omar with a group of former Obies (including Rhiannon herself)! During spring semester we have the Oberlin Gospel Choir, which focuses on understanding the history of the genre and its modern-day iterations, which incorporate elements of R&B, classical, jazz, and folk.
We also have a handful of a cappella groups, so I was able to live out my Andy Bernard dreams. Each group distinguishes itself by gender or genre, and some people are even part of multiple groups! Every semester the a cappella groups host Study Break, an a cappella concert featuring songs from every group. If you want to read about what a typical rehearsal looks like, check that out here!
Clubs
Surprise, surprise, Oberlin has plenty of music-based clubs! I myself am a member of Songwriting Club, which is a super non-intimidating (thank goodness) space to share any new songs you’re working on and get feedback from fellow writers. Everyone in the club is so kind and supportive, which is awesome because sharing original songs can be one of the most vulnerable things you can do. Last week we got together to record a song written by a member of the club in one of the fancy recording studios in the Conservatory basement. It was a blast; I felt like a real, bona-fide musician. While I’m not personally involved with them, I do know that Oberlin also has clubs for players of various instruments, like the flute, guitar, and banjo!
Bands
Let me tell you: there is always someone looking for you to join their band. They’re everywhere. It makes sense—put any group of talented college kids together and you’re bound to produce bands of every genre and vibe. My roommate recently joined a band and her official review is: “Being in a band is great! There are so many opportunities to perform, venues to perform in, and talented artists to work with.” Bands will often play concerts at one of our performing venues/coffee shops like The Cat in the Cream, open for headliners at the Dionysus Disco (The ‘Sco), or jam at the gazebo in Tappan Square. Like I said, they’re pretty much everywhere.
And many, many more!
Of course, these are just some of the ways to get involved with music at Oberlin. If I were to list them all, we’d be here until the next Study Break rolls around. The point is, there’s always a recital, musical, or concert to either watch or participate in. And who knows, maybe you really will discover the next Taylor Swift…
