Bibbins Hall
Bibbins Hall is the main classroom building for Oberlin Conservatory students. It also houses faculty studios, administrative offices, classrooms, and more.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Conservatory of Music Admissions

Students choose Oberlin Conservatory for a lot of reasons: To be part of a thriving musical landscape made up almost entirely of undergraduate students. To learn from esteemed faculty mentors. To enjoy countless opportunities to perform and create. To join the ranks of Oberlin alumni who flourish as imaginative musicians and innovative thinkers across the musical spectrum and around the globe. And for a life-changing experience that's only possible when a preeminent college and conservatory share a seamless campus.

Read Oberlin President Carmen Twillie Ambar’s response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in college admissions.

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Audition Requests

Auditions are scheduled as part of the Oberlin Conservatory Application for Admission and will be confirmed upon submission of your application. Deadline is December 1.

Auditions and Interviews

Requirements & Deadlines

We seek students who are dedicated to music, devoted to growth and challenge, and eager to join a close-knit, thriving performance community. If you can picture yourself on our stages and beyond, we encourage you to apply.

Choose which undergraduate application process you want to complete.

First-time, Transfer, and International Applicants

If you’re attending college for the first time, are transferring with some college credit, or are an international student, this application is for you.

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Current Oberlin College Students

This application is for our current liberal arts students who wish to audition for the conservatory.

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Choose a Graduate or Artist Diploma application process to complete.

Master of Fine Arts in Piano Technology

This two-year program in piano technology emphasizes the collaborative relationship between the concert artist and piano technician.

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Master of Music in Historical Performance

This competitive two-year program for students skilled in historical instruments combines performance and musicology.

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Artist Diploma in Performance

This four-semester program, offered only in certain performance departments, is intended for a limited number of exceptionally gifted performers who have completed the BM or its equivalent, who wish to concentrate on private applied study without additional course requirements.

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Get to Know us Better

We’re available to answer your questions about the Conservatory experience. You can also experience the Conservatory remotely via the virtual tour and online information sessions.

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Three grand pianos

Learn More about Oberlin

Areas of Study

We offer seven majors, nine degree programs, and 42 areas of private, applied study.

Double Degree Program

Embrace your enthusiasm for both music and liberal arts. In five years or fewer, you emerge with a bachelor of arts, a bachelor of music, and a wide array of options for life after Oberlin.

Costs & Aid

We’re committed to meeting 100 percent of the demonstrated financial need of every admitted student.