Program Overview

Cello

Study of the cello is centered on the broad experiences of our faculty, who provide students with rigorous instruction tailored to their needs and goals as a musician. Our goal is to develop students’ talents to the highest musical and professional levels through private lessons, coaching, instrumental technique, a range of performance opportunities, and more.

Cellist performs with orchestra
Cellist and Oberlin Concerto Competition winner Aaron Wolff '17 performs the Prokofiev Sinfonia Concertante with the Oberlin Orchestra.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Program Facts

  • Program Type: Major
    • Bachelor of Music (BM)
  • Division: Strings

String Division Director

Sibbi Bernhardsson,
Professor of Violin

Contemporary Music Ensemble
A performance by the Contemporary Music Ensemble conducted by Timothy Weiss.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Contemporary Music Ensemble

This ensemble plays music of all contemporary styles and genres: from minimalism to serialism, to electronic, cross genre, mixed media, and beyond. It is one of the 25 student ensembles in which cellists and other students musicians can perform. The group sponsors six annual full concerts, contributing to the vibrant music culture that defines Oberlin.

Contemporary Music Ensemble

Sample Courses

  • APST 122 - Performing Beethoven’s Cello Sonatas (1 credits)
  • APST 330 - Cello Orchestral Repertoire Class (2 credits)
  • MHST 255 - Music of the Romantic Era (4 credits)
Curriculum and requirements

Affiliated Faculty

Rebecca Landell Reed

Visiting Assistant Professor of Viola da Gamba and Baroque Cello

Verona Quartet

Quartet-in-Residence and Artist-Teachers
View all faculty

Cello News

View all Cello news

Life After Oberlin

Notable Oberlin Alumni

Steven Isserlis ’80

internationally renowned cello soloist and recitalist

Katja Linfield ’87

Cellist, Minnesota Orchestra

Joshua Gindele ’98

Cellist, Miró Quartet