Conservatory Areas of Study

Our Division of Historical Performance requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. Baroque cello is one of 13 period instruments offered. Coursework includes applied study on historical instruments, music history, and music theory. The college’s broad range of courses in history, theater, dance, and the visual arts complement and enrich study in this division.

Baroque flute is one of 13 period instruments offered in our Division of Historical Performance, which requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. Students are exposed to the latest thinking in the field and have access to Oberlin’s extensive music library and instrument collections for research.

Our Division of Historical Performance requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. Baroque violin is one of 13 period instruments offered. Coursework includes applied study on historical instruments, music history, and music theory. The college’s broad range of courses in history, theater, dance, and the visual arts complement and enrich study in this division.

Study of the bassoon is part of the Division of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. Highly selective admission standards allow for up to 16 students, who receive individualized instruction, personalized attention, intensive faculty mentoring, and private lessons with Associate Professor Drew Pattison. A nurturing and collegial studio environment fosters a creative environment and allows incredibly diverse options for students.

The cello program is part of the Division of Strings, which seeks to develop students’ talents to the highest musical and professional levels. Study of the cello is based on the broad musical and professional experiences of our faculty, who provide students with rigorous instruction tailored to their needs and goals as a musician.

Study of the clarinet is part of the Division of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. Highly selective admission standards allows for up to 16 students, who study with and receive individualized instruction, coaching, and private lessons with master teacher Richard Hawkins. A nurturing and noncompetitive studio environment allows incredibly diverse options for students.

The classical guitar program is based on the broad musical and professional experiences of our faculty, who provide students with coaching and mentorship to help each student find their unique musical voice, hone their skills, and encourage the risk-taking that enables true artistry to emerge.

Our Division of Contemporary Music has three areas of study—composition, electroacoustic music, and contemporary music performance. Our Composition Program focuses on the significance of performance in musical creation.

Conducting coursework is part of the Division of Conducting and Ensembles, with either an instrumental or a choral emphasis. Our five-year program combines graduate studies in conducting with an undergraduate major in performance, composition, music education, electronic and computer music, or musicology.

Study of the double bass is part of the Division of Strings, which seeks to develop students’ talents to the highest musical and professional levels. The double bass program is based on the broad musical and professional experiences of our faculty, who provide students with rigorous instruction tailored to their needs and goals as a musician.

Ethnomusicology is a program of study in the Division of Musicology. Our faculty’s academic specialties range from early England to modern Indonesia. They will introduce students with a background in music to diverse musical traditions around the world from both sociological and musicological perspectives.

Study of the flute is part of the Division of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. Highly selective admission standards allows for up to 16 students, who study with and receive individualized instruction, coaching, and private lessons with master teacher Alexa Still. A nurturing and noncompetitive studio environment allows incredibly diverse options for students.

Our Division of Historical Performance requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. Study in the Historical Instruments Program features seven period instruments including fortepiano. Students can pursue a five-year program in combination with an undergraduate degree in a modern instrument, or with a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin or another institution.

Study of harp is part of the Division of Strings, which seeks to develop students’ talents to the highest musical and professional levels. The harp program is based on the broad musical and professional experiences of our faculty, who provide students with rigorous instruction tailored to their needs and goals as a musician.

Our Division of Historical Performance requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. The harpsichord is one of 13 period instruments offered. Coursework includes applied study on historical instruments, music history, and music theory.

Our Division of Historical Performance requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. Study in the Historical Instruments Program features seven period instruments. Students can pursue a five-year program in combination with an undergraduate degree in a modern instrument, or with a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin or another institution.

Our Division of Historical Performance requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. Study in the Historical Keyboard Program includes harpsichord, fortepiano and organ. Students can pursue a five-year program in combination with an undergraduate degree in a modern instrument, or with a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin or another institution.

Our Division of Historical Performance requires students not only to study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also to understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. Study of early oboes includes baroque, classical, and other oboes. We prepare students for careers in performance on period instruments such as the early oboe, and for the combination of performance and musicology. Students can pursue a five-year program in combination with an undergraduate degree in a modern instrument or with a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin or another institution. A minor in performance for this instrument also is available.

Our Division of Historical Performance requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. The program offers intense study of nine period instruments and a range of opportunities to perform on them. Coursework includes applied study on historical instruments, music history, music theory, continuo realization at the keyboard, and courses in performance practice and historical performance ensembles.

Study of horn is part of the Division of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. Our full-time resident faculty includes nationally recognized teacher-performers committed to providing careful, rigorous instruction. Highly selective admission standards limit the number of students, ensuring that all receive individualized instruction.

The improvisation minor offers Bachelor of Music students the opportunity to explore improvisation through a broad range of idioms and practices.

The Jazz Composition Program is part of the Division of Jazz Studies, which prepares students for careers as professional jazz musicians, composers, and for the advanced study of jazz.

The Jazz Performance Department is part of the Division of Jazz Studies, which prepares students for careers as professional jazz musicians and for the advanced study of jazz.

Our music history program is in the Division of Musicology and is offered as a minor for students who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in the conservatory. Music history draws on historical investigation and various methods of criticism and analysis while considering music as both a liberal and a performance art. Students must decide before the end of their third year whether or not to pursue the minor in music history.

Oberlin Conservatory’s Music Theater program begins with the 2025-26 academic year.

Music theory is part of every program in the conservatory. We stress both aural skills and studies in analysis and writing. The level of achievement required in each area is determined by the student’s major division.

Study of musicology is part of the Division of Musicology. It draws on historical investigation and various methods of criticism and analysis while considering music as both a liberal and a performance art. We help students think critically about why music matters to individuals and communities around the world, thus providing tools to engage with music in their own world in new ways.

Study of the oboe is part of the Division of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. Highly selective admission standards allows for up to 16 students, who study with and receive individualized instruction, coaching, and private lessons with master teacher Robert Walters. A nurturing and noncompetitive studio environment allows incredibly diverse options for students.

A vital component of the Division of Vocal Studies, this program provides training in aspects related to opera performance and direction.

Study of the organ is part of the Division of Keyboard Studies. Focused study, along with exposure to a range of music literature, superb facilities, private instruction, and many performance opportunities provide students with an enriching educational experience.

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

Oberlin’s percussion studio is a sonic laboratory where you’ll become versed in styles, techniques, and music from cultures around the world.

Study in piano, part of Oberlin Conservatory’s Division of Keyboard Studies, offers piano majors exemplary facilities, an active schedule of master classes, and the opportunity to study with outstanding keyboard faculty who are internationally known performers, ensemble players, and teachers.

Students may audition for this program as part of a double major with Piano Performance. Students benefit from access to outstanding facilities and Steinway grand pianos, study with strong keyboard and vocal accompanying faculty, as well as an active schedule of master classes featuring acclaimed guests.

Students studying piano who wish to broaden their educational experience may consider a minor in piano pedagogy, a program in the Division of Pedagogy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement (PACE). We offer courses as both electives and as part of the minor. Students interested in the minor must be a piano major pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree. Prior approval from piano department and piano pedagogy faculty is required.

Oberlin’s two-year Master of Fine Arts in Piano Technology, created in partnership with Steinway & Sons, grew out of our extensive history with the piano maker. We emphasize the collaborative relationship between the concert artist and piano technician, preparing our students for careers that demand the highest level of technical expertise.

Study of the recorder is one of 13 period instruments offered in our Division of Historical Performance, which requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. Students are exposed to the latest thinking in the field and have access to Oberlin’s extensive music library and instrument collections for research.

Oberlin Conservatory's many ensembles along with the recording studio Clonick Hall and eight additional concert venues across campus provide a robust training ground for recording acoustic music across a multitude of styles. Students who complete this program are poised for audio-career tracks that demand the highest level of expertise.

Technology in Music and Related Arts (TIMARA) is part of the Division of Contemporary Music and is one of the first of its kind at a conservatory. TIMARA is ideal for students who desire a career where traditional musical skills and understanding are combined with the exploration of the latest techniques for electroacoustic musical expression.

TIMARA’s vibrant creative community is what makes it stand out. Students collaborate, improvise, and perform with their peers in both informal and formal settings.

Study of trombone is part of the Division of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. The full-time resident faculty includes nationally recognized teacher-performers committed to providing careful, rigorous instruction. Highly selective admission standards limit the number of students, ensuring that all receive individualized instruction.

Study of trumpet is part of the Division of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. The full-time resident faculty includes nationally recognized teacher-performers committed to providing careful, rigorous instruction. Highly selective admission standards limit the number of students, ensuring that all receive individualized instruction.

Study of the tuba is part of the Division of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. The full-time resident faculty includes nationally recognized teacher-performers committed to providing careful, rigorous instruction. Highly selective admission standards limit the number of students, ensuring that all receive individualized instruction.

The viola program is part of the Division of Strings, which seeks to develop students’ talents to the highest musical and professional levels. The viola program is based on the broad musical and professional experiences of our faculty, who provide students with rigorous instruction tailored to their needs and goals as a musician.

Viola da gamba is one of 13 period instruments offered in our Division of Historical Performance, which requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. Coursework in viola da gamba includes applied study on historical instruments, music history, and music theory. Students who study in this division may explore the college’s broad range of courses in history, theater, dance, and the visual arts to complement and enrich their musical experience.

The violin program is part of the Division of Strings, which seeks to develop students’ talents to the highest musical and professional levels. The strings program is based on the broad musical and professional experiences of our faculty, who provide students with rigorous instruction tailored to their needs and goals as a musician.

Study of voice is part of the Division of Vocal Studies. Our faculty nurtures the young singer through careful and intelligent choices of repertoire, with an emphasis on individualized instruction and vocal coaching.