Why Oberlin Conservatory?
Why We Chose Oberlin
We asked conservatory students why they chose Oberlin. Here’s what they had to say.
Why Peyton Chose Oberlin
“…the drive to connect with the community is something Oberlin has really pulled out of me.”
Why Saige Chose Oberlin
“…Oberlin is an all undergraduate program and because of it’s lack of grad students undergraduates get to perform much more.”
Why Milei Chose Oberlin
“…at Oberlin I’m able to find myself and find my sound, I feel very prepared to enter a bigger space.”
Oberlin Bloggers
The Oberlin Blogs give you an unfiltered perspective of the student experience at Oberlin Conservatory.
Hot Takes on Conservatory Life
I knew when I was looking at colleges that I wanted the institution to be either undergrad only, or undergrad-focused. I didn’t realize just how much this would actually mean in my development until I got to school.
Rebekah Grande ’27
Buffalo, New York
Winter Term in Southeast Asia
Winter Term is one of my favorite parts about Oberlin. For a month in January, all students get off of school to pursue any project that they want, which could be in Oberlin, at home, or abroad, related to their major, or completely different from anything they’ve ever done before.
Ilana McNamara ’24
Omaha, Nebraska
Practicing Performing
Performance opportunities can take shape in a number of ways at Oberlin: departmental recitals, studio recitals, ad hoc recitals, student composer recitals, first- and second-year juries, junior recitals, senior recitals, ChamberFest, opera performances, large ensemble concerts…I think that’s all of them?
Ben Smith ’24
Monroe, Georgia
The Oberlin Experience
In your first semester at Oberlin Conservatory you'll perform. That's because Oberlin Conservatory is undergraduate-focused, no competing with graduate students for roles, ensemble assignments, or stage time. This means you can earn roles in fully staged operas, achieve a soloist position in an ensemble performance, and work directly with esteemed guest artists who visit campus throughout the year. If you're looking to have your work performed, Oberlin students actively collaborate on new and interesting work—from peers, faculty, and visiting artists. These videos and others may help you form a more complete picture of your life as an Oberlin Conservatory student.
Oberlin Orchestra performs “Kikimora, Op. 63” by Anatol Liadov
Inside Oberlin Opera Theater
Oberlin Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble
Oberlin News Highlights
Jazz Studies Professor Receives Mellon Foundation Fellowship
march 6, 2025
Considered to be one of the most sought-after drummers of his generation, Oberlin Professor Billy Hart received a Mellon Foundation fellowship and was recognized as a “hero of jazz rhythm and an esteemed mentor.”
Poetry in Resonance With Music: Midori
February 28, 2025
Visionary artist, global cultural ambassador, and dedicated music educator, Midori will be in residence to give masterclasses in violin performance and chamber music, and perform as part of Oberlin’s Artist Recital Series.
International Contemporary Ensemble Residency
January 15, 2025
The International Contemporary Ensemble, co-founded by conservatory alumni, is a multidisciplinary collective of musicians, digital media artists, producers, and educators, committed to building and innovating collaborative environments.
Spend Some Time With Us!
We’ve developed a variety of events to help you explore life at Oberlin and picture yourself here. Schedule an in-person campus visit, ask questions at a webinar, and engage with current students.
Conservatory Academics
At Oberlin Conservatory your core musicianship courses encompass music history, theory, and aural skills, as well as open electives in subjects like improvisation, community engagement, pedagogy, and arts management. If you choose to add a minor, you can tap into Oberlin’s minors in departments throughout the college and in eight interdisciplinary programs.
Double Degree
Oberlin is one of the first conservatories to offer the option of earning both a BM and a BA degree—all due to the seamless connection to the intellectual ecosystem of a liberal arts college. This means you can earn degrees from both the College and Conservatory in five years or fewer. When you participate in Oberlin’s renowned Double Degree Program you’ll join more than 200 students who earn degrees in both the College and Conservatory.
How you’ll spend your time as a Conservatory student
Ensembles, private study, and specific electives for your major
Classes in music theory, aural skills, and music history
32 credits in the College of Arts and Sciences—about one course per semester
After Oberlin
Our alumni earn top honors in major national and international competitions across the musical spectrum. They perform in the world’s foremost concert halls and opera houses and with highly acclaimed orchestras. They excel as conductors, soloists, composers, producers, theoreticians, entrepreneurs, historians, and educators. The stories below highlight achievements of Oberlin graduates in wide-ranging careers.
Sullivan Fortner '08 Wins Second GRAMMY
Recognized at 2025 GRAMMY Awards for Best Jazz Performance.
Alum is the Youngest Tenured Member of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Drew Dansby ’24 was named a section cellist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO), beginning in the 2023-2024 season at the age of 22.
Courtney Bryan ’04 Wins Prestigious MacArthur Fellowship
Composer-pianist’s artistry reveals wide-ranging influences; honor is the 14th for an Oberlin graduate.
Obie Pride
Get some digital swag to celebrate your admission to Oberlin!
Download GIFs, add social media lenses and filters, and hear playlists put together for you by a number of Obies—including President Ambar.
What’s Next?
Engage With Us
We are thrilled to open our doors to you through a series of virtual and in-person experiences.
Next Steps
After exploring the stories and videos below, we encourage you to:
Double Degree? Connect with the College, too.
