Conservatory Faculty Lessons, Rehearsals, and Class Visits

Faculty Lessons

Close mentoring relationships are a cornerstone of our conservatory experience. We encourage you to contact a professor or faculty member in your area of interest directly by e-mail to schedule an in-person lesson on campus or a virtual lesson online. We recommend you attach a musical résumé when emailing so that our faculty can learn more about you. Search individual biographies on the conservatory faculty and staff list.

For prospective Jazz Studies students: We encourage you to visit campus on a Friday while classes are in session to attend our weekly Jazz Forum performances, as well as other relevant classes and ensemble rehearsals. Prospective students interested in studying jazz saxophone, jazz percussion, or jazz trumpet should e-mail Julie Baker, administrative assistant for the Jazz Studies Division, to schedule trial lessons or meetings with professors in those areas.

Please note: During academic breaks, regular classes are not in session and many professors may be off campus.

Rehearsals, Classes, and Studio Classes

Prospective students have found rehearsals and classroom visits extremely valuable because they provide a real sense for the musical and intellectual life of the school. Each semester, we update the recommended rehearsal and class schedule (PDF) or you can view the complete list of Conservatory classes.

While these can be stimulating and valuable experiences, it is important to recognize that no single rehearsal or class is representative of the conservatory. If time allows, we suggest that you visit several rehearsals and or classes to discover the range of musical genres, teaching styles, and class formats that exist here.

Classes generally last for 50 minutes, although some are longer (60-75 minutes). Please check with the Office of Conservatory Admissions (conservatory.admissions@oberlin.edu) if you have questions.

Guidelines for Rehearsals and Classroom Visits

  • Due to our small class sizes and the expected number of visitors, we ask that only prospective students attend classes.
  • Arrive at the rehearsal or classroom at least 10-15 minutes before start time.
  • Introduce yourself to the professor and request permission to observe the class if prior arrangements weren’t made.
  • If time permits before the rehearsal begins, meet other students and discuss the class.
  • Stay for the duration or until a rehearsal break.
  • If you are late, do not enter the classroom or rehearsal space once it has begun.
  • Some classes may not be able to accommodate visitors. Be prepared with another class option.

See Also

Conservatory Auditions and Interviews
Conservatory Admissions Home