Program Overview

Composition

Our Composition Program trains aspiring composers to hone their skills at presenting their musical ideas as clearly and efficiently as possible through written notation, and to expand their creativity by examining a wide variety of music and embracing all eras. Student composer works are performed on formal student recitals, by the conservatory's large ensembles, as well as in self-designed settings around campus.

Professor points at text on a whiteboard
Professor and Chair of Composition Stephen Hartke discusses his piece "Meanwhile," for which he won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Classical Composition in 2013.
Photo credit: Yvette Chen ’16

Program Facts

Program Director

Stephen Hartke,
Professor of Composition

Contact

Jeanne Rosecrans, Administrative Assistant
(440) 775-8297
jrosecra@oberlin.edu
student concert
The conservatory provides opportunities for composition majors like Matthew Chamberlain ’13, MM ’14 to present their original works with a performance ensemble.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Student Composers Concerts

Composition students have many opportunities to share their original works via competitions, recitals, student composers concerts, and with such student ensembles as the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra. Some students may even take the baton, guiding a performance ensemble through one of their original compositions.

Performance Ensembles

Winter Term

Oberlin’s four-week winter term in January encourages students to discover the value of self-directed education. You may pursue individual or group projects that are directly linked to your field of study or explore opportunities unrelated to your major. Complete your project on or off campus.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student Senate, Chess Club, Solarity, the Oberlin Review—these are among the more than 175 student groups and clubs available to you. From politics to faith and identity, and from special interest to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs eager for new members, new ideas, and new leadership.

Sample Courses

  • COMP 201 - Composition Class I (2)
  • COMP 332 - Survey of Compositional Forms and Structures (4)
  • COMP 421 - Counterpoint II (4)
Curriculum and requirements

Upcoming Composition Events

View all events

Composition News

Semester Ends with a Packed Performance Calendar

December 8, 2023

Oberlin Conservatory’s student and faculty performers have been filling most concert venues throughout the campus over the last week. During these final five bustling days before students head into reading period and then exams, this explosion of activity feels something akin to the thrilling finale of a fireworks display on New Year's Eve. So, join in—even from a distance. All of these concerts are free and open to the public, and all but one of them can be streamed live at concert time at oberlin.edu/livestream.
Musical Union with Oberlin Orchestra

Meet the Conservatory’s Newest Tenure-Track Faculty

October 4, 2023

Five members of the conservatory faculty have been granted tenure-track positions beginning this academic year. They span the disciplines of music theory , composition , trombone , and TIMARA —...
Bibbins Hall in early autumn.
View all Composition news