Program Overview

Piano

Piano majors at Oberlin study with faculty who are nationally known performers and soloists, ensemble players and guest lecturers. Private study, coursework, master classes, and recitals round out the undergraduate experience. Students also have access to any of Oberlin's 240-plus Steinway pianos, situated in practice rooms and in our performance venues.

Program Facts

  • Program Type: Major, Artist Diploma
    • Bachelor of Music (BM)
    • Artist Diploma (ADip)
  • Division: Keyboard Studies

Piano Department Chair

Alvin Chow,
Professor of Piano

Piano student Yihui Liu playing with the Oberlin Orchestra
Piano student Yihui Liu, a winner of Oberlin's Senior Concerto Competition, performs with the Oberlin Orchestra in Finney Chapel.
Photo credit: Walter Novak

Student Performances

Oberlin’s 500-plus concerts every year offer conservatory students a wealth of opportunities to participate in competitions and recitals, and to perform as soloists or accompanists. Use your talents to support one of the many performance ensembles, such as the Oberlin Orchestra and Oberlin College Choir, or a student group such as the Musical Theater Association.

See Performance Ensembles

Piano Faculty

Conservatory faculty maintain active performance schedules while remaining accessible and committed to their students. Individual instruction is paramount to helping students develop their mechanical, technical, stylistic, psychological, and musical skills.

Upcoming Piano Events

Piano News

Peter Takács—A Half Century Celebrated

May 4, 2024

This spring marks the official conclusion of Takács’ tenure, after an incredible 48 years of teaching. Many of his former students from around the world are set to convene for a celebratory concert in Warner Concert Hall on May 12
man seated in front of grand piano

Pianist Jiongli Wang to Perform with Oberlin Chamber Orchestra

May 2, 2024

On Friday, May 3, the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra performs a program that will showcase Concerto Competition winner Jiongli Wang in Frédéric Chopin’s First Piano Concerto, as well as fourth-year composition student Cashel Day-Lewis in the premiere of his Black River Prelude commissioned by Oberlin Conservatory in honor of the Lorain County Bicentennial.
portrait of pianist Jiongli Wang standing in front of a grand piano