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

The faculty, students, and administrative staff of the Oberlin Conservatory welcome and encourage you to sit in on classes and rehearsals. Prospective students have found rehearsals and classroom visits extremely valuable because they provide a real sense of the musical and intellectual life at Oberlin. After registering for a conservatory information session and tour, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a list of classes and rehearsals typically open for visitors to help you plan your day.

While these visits will be stimulating and informative, it is important to remember that no single class or rehearsal fully represents 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.

Guidelines for Rehearsals and Classroom Visits

• Due to our small class sizes, only prospective students may attend classes.
• Arrive at the rehearsal or classroom at least 10–15 minutes before the start time.
• Introduce yourself to the professor and request permission to observe the class if prior arrangements weren’t made.
• If time allows before the rehearsal begins, you are encouraged to talk with other students and learn more about the class.
• Remain for the full session or until a scheduled rehearsal break.
• Please respect the learning environment by limiting distractions and staying attentive.
• Do not enter the classroom or rehearsal space once the session has begun.
• 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.
• Some classes may not be able to accommodate visitors, so be prepared with at least one additional option.

See Also

Conservatory Auditions and Interviews
Conservatory Admissions Home