Musical Pathways
Eight minors and concentrations bridge the College and Conservatory.
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.
Music and Popular Culture Minor
For students interested in learning about how music, across history and across the globe, shapes and is shaped by the society.
African American Music Minor
This interdisciplinary minor examines the rich history, cultural significance, and musical styles and forms cultivated by the African American community.
Interdisciplinary Performance Minor
What does it take to perform? What is the nature of a performance? Students will explore the experience and philosophy of performance by taking performance classes across the arts (music, theater, dance, creative writing) and athletics.
Arts and Creative Technologies Minor
For students eager to explore how past, present, and future technologies can inspire and be inspired by art. The fundamental question students will explore is how technology sparks the artist’s imagination and provide a medium of expression.
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.
Related News
Oberlin’s 2024-25 Artist Recital Series Launches in September
July 24, 2024
Six concerts plus three bonus events bring some of the world’s foremost musicians to campus.
Oberlin Opera Theater to Present Offenbach and Rossini Double Bill
November 7, 2022
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.
Discovering a Passion for Science Communication: Lisa Learman '16
January 6, 2021
A biology and musical studies double major at Oberlin, Learman is completing her PhD in the Cellular and Molecular Medicine program at Johns Hopkins University.
Music Events
Violin 2025: Round 1
Details: Date, Time, and Location
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Time
12:00 am EST -
Location
Warner Concert Hall
Violin 2025: Round 1
Details: Date, Time, and Location
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Time
12:00 am EST -
Location
Warner Concert Hall
Violin 2025: Round 2
Details: Date, Time, and Location
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Time
12:00 am EST -
Location
Warner Concert Hall