September 28 , 2004—Admissions officers from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the Juilliard School, and the New England Conservatory of Music will be among those representing nearly 20 of the most prestigious schools in the United States at the Performing Arts College Fair, which will be held Monday, Oct. 11, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the lobby of Warner Concert Hall at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Students interested in continuing their education in the performing arts are invited to attend this free event, along with their parents.

Hosted by the Conservatory, the Performing Arts College Fair provides students seeking an undergraduate or graduate program in the performing arts the chance to meet one-on-one with admissions representatives from many of the nation's top colleges, universities, conservatories, and summer arts programs. Students can receive information about entrance requirements, auditions, and financial aid opportunities.  

"This is a great opportunity to see many major performing arts schools in one place," says Beth Weiss, Associate Director of Conservatory Admissions. "It's certainly easier than driving all around the country to visit them in person."

As an adjunct to the fair, the Conservatory will host special information sessions about its own degree programs. These sessions are scheduled for 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Students and their parents can speak with an Oberlin admissions counselor and tour the Conservatory with current music students. Campus-wide tours are also available at 10 a.m., noon, 2:30, and 4:30 p.m.  

"October 11 is Columbus Day, and many high schools will be closed, making this an ideal time to explore the Conservatory's professional music and degree programs," says Weiss.

Visiting information, including a campus map, accommodation information, and driving directions are available online.

The following schools will have representatives at this year's fair:

• Boston Conservatory of Music
• Chicago College of Performing Arts
• Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
• Cleveland Institute of Music
• Eastman School of Music
• Indiana University
• The Juilliard School
• Mannes College of Music
• Manhattan School of Music
• New England Conservatory
• Northwestern University
• Oberlin Conservatory of Music
• Peabody Conservatory
• Rice University
• San Francisco Conservatory
• University of Michigan
• University of Southern California
• Yale University, School of Music

For more information about the fair, please call the Oberlin Conservatory of Music's Office of Admissions at 440-775-8413.