Office of the Dean of the Conservatory

Secondary Lessons

Secondary Private Lessons (PVST - Private Study) are open to enrolled Conservatory, Double-degree, and College of Arts and Sciences students. Applications and auditions take place each semester before and during the first week of classes for new and returning students. Note: Pre-Registration is not available for Secondary Private Lessons.

Many conservatory programs and divisions offer private study lessons for credit. We refer to these as Secondary Lessons. Faculty- or student-taught lesson placements may be based on audition, skill, and/or availability of teachers within the division. There are no prerequisites for secondary lessons, however students must audition for placement. Students must have two credits of room in their schedule in order to apply and audition for secondary lessons for credit with either a student or faculty instructor. 

  • Completion of music theory and aural skills are not requirements of Arts and Sciences or Conservatory students prior to registration for secondary lessons.
  • Artist Diploma students (ADIP) are not permitted to register for secondary lessons due their underload credit restriction.
  • Placement in Secondary Lessons is not guaranteed. Placement is based on instructor availability; and for some instruments, advanced skill. 

Additional information about dress codes, practice rooms, keys, and locker assignments is available on the Conservatory Policies and Procedures page.

Who Do I Contact?

Consent, Registration, and Teacher Assignments
     Jennifer Gendics, Bibbins 113, x58200 (ConDeans@oberlin.edu)

Practice Rooms & Keys and Jazz Audition Schedules
     Julie Baker, Kohl Building 200-A, x56633

Locker Assignments (if available)
    Heather Martin, Bibbins 125, x55282 (ConPro@oberlin.edu)

Secondary Instrument Rentals 
    Kaylee Mayer, Robertson 129, x58272 (ConAudio@oberlin.edu)

Student Teacher Pay/Time Cards
     Irene Harris, Con Annex 224, x55530

Lessons Without Credit (0-Credit Lessons For Students & Community Members)
     Private Lessons Referral/Inquiry Form
     Dana Jessen & Susan Ellinger, Robertson 106, x58304

Faculty Instructors and Sponsors:

If you have questions regarding the audition process or any other information regarding your specific instrument of interest, please contact the faculty sponsor directly:

Applied Study: Dana Jessen, Bibbins 106, x58304
Baroque Violin: Professor Edwin Huizinga
Bassoon: Professor Drew Pattison, Kohl Building 137, x55525
Clarinet: Professor Richard Hawkins, Bibbins 139, x58234
Composition: Professor Stephen Hartke, Kohl Building 308, x58548
Flute: Professor Alexa Still, Bibbins 141, x58260 
Guitar (classical): Professor Stephen Aron, Robertson 177, x56468
Harp: Professor Diane Evans, Robertson 124, x58198  
Harpsichord: Professor Mark Edwards, Bibbins 134, x58216
Historical Performance: Professor David Breitman, Bibbins 104, x58215
Horn: Professor David Byrd-Marrow, Bibbins 142, x58246
Oboe: Professor Robert Walters, Bibbins 135, x58211
Jazz Bass: Professor Gerald Cannon, Kohl Building 209, x58109
Jazz Guitar: Professor Bobby Ferrazza, Kohl Building 228, x58274
Jazz Piano: Professor Daniel Wall, Kohl Building 225, x58791
Jazz Trombone/Comp: Professor Jay Ashby, Kohl Building 215, x56172
Jazz Voice: Professor La Tanya Hall, Kohl Building 217, x56674
Jazz (other instruments): Julie Baker, Kohl Building 200A, x56675 
Organ: Professor Jonathan Moyer, Bibbins 132, x58210
Percussion (classical): Professor Ross Karre, Conservatory Central 38, x58271
Percussion: Professor Jamey Haddad, Conservatory Central 34, x58282
Piano: Professor Andrea McAlister, Kohl 326 x56155
Recorder/Historical Flute: Professor Michael Lynn, Robertson 137, x58225
Strings: Professor Peter Slowik, Bibbins 332, x58235
TIMARA (Tech): Professor Tom Lopez, Bibbins 131, x58748
Trombone: Professor John Gruber, Bibbins 138, x58262
Trumpet: Professor Roy Poper, Bibbins 140, x58222
Tuba: Professor David Saltzman, Robertson 160, x58198
Violin: Professor Sibbi Bernhardsson, Bibbins 308, x55521
Voice: Professor Timothy LeFebvre, Bibbins 309, x58213

Other Instruments: Conservatory Main Office, Bibbins 113, 58200