Marci Alegant
Associate Dean
Student Academic Affairs

Welcome to Oberlin! We are very much looking forward to seeing you in August and are busy preparing for your arrival. Among our many tasks, the Office of the Conservatory Associate Deans assists students with advising and is a good resource for help with a variety of issues. Students can make appointments or come in during walk-in hours, which are held several times per week.

On this web site you will find important information for conservatory majors, and for college students interested in conservatory courses, lessons and ensembles.  You can also access the orientation schedule here.

Some things to pay particular attention to:
Advanced placement (AP Credit)
Aural Skills Placement & Testing.
Big Book of Forms and helpful hints.
Big Book of Forms (Complete Book Pdf download)
Biography Information
Classes & Course grids for new students.
Conservatory Computer Information
Course Catalog information which includes specific requirements for your major.
Dress Code Ensembles & Recitals
E-Mail
Final Exams vs travel
First Year Seminars for Conservatory & Double Degree students.
Group Advising & Departmental Meetings
Individual Advising Appointments
Large and Small ensemble auditions/information.
Piano Auditions (New Secondary Students)
Private teacher and advisor assignments.
Practice Room, Key, & Locker Assignments
Presto Information
Registration - Classes
Residence Hall & Dining Questions.
Secondary study information.
T-Number - Student ID
Theory (Music) Placement & Testing.
Transportation from Cleveland Airport
Transfer of Credit.
Tuition & billing Questions?

Testing and placement for Aural Skills courses will take place during orientation week. (See placement tests & audition schedule or Blackboard.)
*Students will attend an Aural Skills orientation session followed by individual testing during orientation week.
*Placement will be based on sight singing rhythms and melodies. (Solfege is not required.)
*Based on this test score, incoming students will be placed and registered for their assigned aural skills courses and sections. Final aural skills placements should be posted outside Conservatory Bibbins 235 (2nd floor) the day after testing.
*Arts and Sciences students interested in taking Aural Skills courses may also take the test, however bachelor of music students will be given preference regarding class limit and section assignment. The Aural Skills test is NOT required of Arts and Sciences students wishing to take secondary lessons, ensembles, and most other Conservatory courses.

*Performance Diploma students are not eligible to take theory, aural skills, and music history until they have transferred into the Bachelor of Music degree. Please contact our office if you have questions or concerns regarding this restriction.

*Testing Conflict: If you must attend another exam during the Aural Skills placement test, please stop in Conservatory Bibbins 235 or contact the theory department prior to test date/time to schedule an alternate testing appointment.

Theory Placement & Testing:
*The Music Theory placement test is required for all bachelor of music and double degree students. Most students submit this test during the admissions process.
*Based on this test score, incoming students will be placed and registered for their assigned theory courses and sections.
*Most students will be notified of their placement via US Mail or E-Mail just before they arrive on campus. Final theory test placements and section assignments will also be posted outside Conservatory Bibbins 235 (2nd floor) during orientation week just before registration.
*Some students will be asked to take an additional exemption test which may or may not place the student in a more advanced theory course. Selected students will receive instructions and test via E-Mail or US Mail during the month of June. The exemption test deadline is usually June 30th. (Final Results)
*Arts and Science students (or incoming bachelor of music students) interested in taking theory courses who have not yet taken the theory test, but wish to do so may take an online theory test on Blackboard. Bachelor of music students, however will be given preference regarding class limit and section assignment. The Music Theory test is NOT required of Arts and Sciences students wishing to take secondary lessons, ensembles, and most other Conservatory courses.

*The recommended workbooks for the best means of preparation are "Scales, Intervals, Keys, Triads, Rhythm, and Meter" by John Clough (pub. Norton) And "The Complete Musician" by Steven G. Laitz (pub. Oxford University Press.) The textbook used for many theory courses is "Harmony & Voice Leading" 3rd edition by Edward Aldwell & Carl Schachter (pub. Harcourt Brace Janovich.)

Advanced Placement (AP Credit) information can be found in the course catalog. You will need to search under "AP credit" for each department and their requirements. Students with a score of 5 will normally receive 3 credit hours of AP credit in that area of study.

Biography Information (The Big Book of Forms)
A biography is required of all Conservatory and Double Degree students. The deadline is July 15, 2008. Arts And Sciences students should not submit a biography.

"What computer should I use as an Oberlin Conservatory Student?"
*Your big book of forms will supply you with specific information regarding your computer selection. You can also visit http://www.oberlin.edu/cit/.
*Students planning to purchase a new computer are strongly encouraged to purchase from the Oberlin College Computer store.
*Using a wireless laptop is the best way to take advantage of Oberlin's wireless network.
*The students in the Oberlin Conservatory of Music generally use Macintosh.
*Students should have software like Word for writing papers, a browser like Safari or Firefox to access Blackboard, Eres, and PRESTO; along with Quicktime to play streamed audio from those sites.
*Beginning students generally use handwritten notation for theory and aural skills courses. Notational software like Sibelius, is useful, but not really necessary until the sophomore year.

Classes & Course grids for new Conservatory students.
A pdf of suggested & required courses for each Conservatory major can be found on the Conservatory of Music section of the course catalog.
1. Scroll to the desired division.
2. Click on "Display Programs for this Department."
3. Click on the desired "Area of Study."
4. At the top of the page, "Click here for PDF of Course Distribution Table."
5. From here, browsers like Safari & Netscape will automatically open the pdf or allow you to save it to your disk and open from your desktop. You may need to attempt this from various browsers, as some, like Firefox & Explorer may not be yet able to open the PHP format. Please contact our office and specify your major if you experience difficulty and wish to obtain your grid of classes.

E-Mail - Obie Mail
To log in to Obie Mail, the student needs the Username and Password printed on the front of the Big Book of Forms. During initial use of this account, username is usually your first initial and last name; the student's password is preset to the mmddyyyy of the student's birthdate; it will be immediately disabled when the student logs in and the student will be required to assign a new password. If you have problems with your username or password, please contact cit@oberlin.edu.

Dress Code: Ensemble & Recital Performances
Most Conservatory orchestras and ensembles request casual dress black attire for concert and recital performances. For men - a long sleeve black shirt, black pants, black socks, and black shoes; for women a long sleeve black blouse, long black skirt, dress, or slacks, black shoes, and black or natural stockings.

Some Orchestras require a more formal attire which include for men - a black tuxedo jacket and pants, white tuxedo shirt, black bow tie, and black cummerbund with black socks and shoes. For women all-black dress, skirt, or slacks (just above ankle); black blouse with at least 3/4 length sleeves; conservative neck lines; with black hose or tights and black shoes, and simple or no jewelry.

Students should confirm Orchestra or Ensemble placement during the registration process, and verify dress code with Conductor prior to purchase of any performance attire. Please contact Chris.Haff@oberlin.edu for specific dress code details.

Final Exams vs Travel
The final exam schedule is determined by the Registrar and is posted on the Registrar's Office website at the beginning of each semester. Travel schedules are NOT considered a legitimate reason to change exam times. Many parents & students plan for the busy holiday season by making advance travel arrangements for December flights. Because final exam schedules are not posted until September, we suggest using the last exam day of exam week as your reference. Exam weeks are posted on Oberlin's Academic Calendar.

"Should I take a First Year Seminar?" + Registration & Classes
First year seminar courses are not required, but are strongly suggested for Arts and Science students. Conservatory students are asked to wait until they have come to campus and met with their advisor before registering for any courses. Most Conservatory students will not have room in their schedule for an FYSP course in the first semester. Double Degree students may register, but should discuss course load with their advisor during orientation.

Group Advising & Departmental Meetings (Conservatory & Double Degree Students) Conservatory & Double Degree students are required to attend a group advising and departmental meeting during orientation week. Upon arrival, incoming students will receive an orientation schedule and *packet that will provide more detailed information. Group advising & departmental locations are listed below (Thursday, August 28th, 2008 - 9:00-11:00AM):
Conservatory Bibbins 223 - Piano
Conservatory Bibbins 224 - Winds, Brass, & Percussion
Conservatory Bibbins 231 - Organ
Conservatory Bibbins 237 - Strings & Classical Guitar
Conservatory Bibbins 325 - Jazz
Conservatory Bibbins 326 - Voice
Conservatory Bibbins 339 - Composition & TIMARA
*Students with 2 Conservatory majors should consult their packet for designated location.

Individual Advising Appointments (Conservatory & Double Degree Students)
Conservatory & Double Degree students are required to meet individually with their Conservatory advisors. Students should sign up for a time outside their advisor's studio. These appointments will take place during orientation week. Upon arrival, incoming students will receive an orientation schedule and packet that will provide more detailed information.

Piano Auditions (New Secondary Students)
(Check outside Conservatory Bibbins 113 for specific dates & times)

Secondary Piano Auditions for New Conservatory Non-Piano Majors 2008:
Friday, August 29th: 4:00pm-7:00pm, Sign-Up outside Bibbins 113.
Saturday, August 30th: 4:00pm-7:00pm, Sign-Up outside Bibbins 113.

• Conservatory students who wish to place out of their secondary piano requirement should audition during the first week of classes.  Sign-up sheets will be posted outside Bibbins 340.

• Conservatory students who have fulfilled their piano requirement and are interested in secondary piano lessons may audition during the first week of classes.  Sign-up sheets will be posted outside Bibbins 340.

• Conservatory students without prior piano experience do not need to take a placement audition.  Please sign up for a piano class (APST 110, sections 01-06). Sign-up sheets will be posted outside Bibbins 340 on during orientation and the first week of classes.

• Arts & Sciences students interested in secondary piano lessons may audition during the first week of classes. Students may be placed into private lessons with student-teachers or faculty for credit-bearing lessons. Sign-up sheets will be posted outside Bibbins 340.  Space is limited. The Theory and Aural Skills test is NOT required to take secondary piano lessons.
  
  
• Repertoire: Students will be asked to sight read, harmonize, and play a few scales and chords. One solo may be prepared that represents your highest level of playing but is not required.

Pease contact Andrea.McAlister@oberlin.edu if you have questions about secondary piano instruction.

Private teacher and advisor assignments will be sent to your home address by mid-August or just prior to orientation.

Practice Rooms, Keys, & Lockers
Please consult your Student Handbook under the section titled "Regulations and Procedures of the Conservatory of Music" regarding practice room assignments. For specific questions regarding practice room assignments and keys please contact sharon.brown@oberlin.edu. For questions regarding locker assignments, please contact Heather.Martin@oberlin.edu. Bachelor of Music students will be given preference regarding locker and/or practice room assignments. We cannot guarantee storage for non-major students.

Please Note: The Office of the Associate Deans requests non-major students make the appropriate arrangements as listed above prior to bringing instruments to campus. Storage is very limited this year and most non-majors will find it necessary to store their instruments in their dorm room.

Students will use PRESTO when they arrive but, during the summer, the student can see only the following information in PRESTO:

-The student's email address (e.g., student.smith@oberlin.edu)
-The student's OCMR (usually available by August 1st.)
-Holds (e.g., Student Health)
-(Arts & Science students only) The results of the summer registration process.
(usually available by August 15)

It is important for students to log on and check this information. To log in, the student needs the T-number and PIN printed on the front of the Big Book of Forms. All of the information about logging in can be found in the Big Book of Forms or online under "Student Record & Course Registration Information." (The student's PIN is preset to the mmddyy of the student's birthdate; it will be immediately disabled when the student logs in and the student will be required to assign a new PIN.)

What is my "T-Number" or "Student ID Number?"
During orientation and throughout their study at Oberlin College, students will be asked for their "T-Number" also referred to as "Student ID Number?" New student "T-Numbers" can be found on the label/cover of the Big Book of Forms. New students should receive this book in the mail just prior to or during the month of June.

"How can I get transportation from the airport to Oberlin"
To get to Oberlin from Hopkins Intl' airport, you can contact Hopkins Transportation Services at 1-800-543-9912 or the Lorain County Transit service at 440-329-5545 (to check LCT's schedule, check Route 33 on their web-site here.)

Transfer of Credit
* For questions about transfer of credit, please schedule an appointment with the Office of Associate Deans once you arrive on campus. Note: You will have one calendar year from your entry in to Oberlin to make your transfer credit request.
*New BM students who have transfer credits in theory and aural skills are still required to take the requested placement tests prior to and/or during orientation.
*Transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope from your previous school/institution to the Oberlin Office of the Registrar.

About the Office of Associate Deans
The Office of the Associate Deans provides information about academic requirements, regulations, and procedures for Oberlin students pursuing course work in the Conservatory of Music. The office also processes request paperwork related to many of these academic requirements and regulations.

For Conservatory and Double Degree Students
The Office of Associate Deans coordinates academic advising; makes advisor/teacher assignments; provides information sessions for new and returning advisors; oversees students' academic standing by monitoring grade reports and communicating with students, their advisors, and the Academic Standing Committee; and offers information and advice about academic policy issues, and general academic requirements including:

Change of Status & Change of Major
Course Overload& Part-time status
Transfer of Credit
Exception to Graduation
Emergency Incompletes & Exam Changes
Individual Majors

Blackboard Instructions: Click here to begin...
1. Sign on using your Obie ID found on the label attached to your copy of the Big Book of Forms.
2. Click on the tab labeled "Academics" where you will find that you are enrolled in a course entitled "Placement/Readiness Exams."
3. Click this link, and you will find information on how to take the music theory placement test and instructions for taking the Aural Skills placement test on campus [on the "What to do" page].
Click here to go back to Conservatory information on Theory and/or Aural Skills.