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 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 Type: Major, Minor
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- Bachelor of Music (BM)
- Division: Contemporary Music
Program Director
Stephen Hartke,
Professor of Composition
Quick Links
The conservatory provides opportunities for composition majors like Matthew Chamberlain ’13, MM ’14 to present their original works with a performance ensemble.
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-
Michael Frazier
Assistant Professor of Composition
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Stephen Hartke
Professor of Composition
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Jesse Jones
Associate Professor of Composition
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No Photo Available
Soomin Kim
Visiting Assistant Professor of Composition
Composition News
Conservatory Celebrates Standout Students for 2024
May 13, 2024
Annual reception held May 13 in Stull Recital Hall.
Oberlin Alumni and Faculty Celebrated for Composition Achievements
March 5, 2024
The American Academy of Arts and Letters awards prizes and funding to four alumni and a member of the Composition Department faculty.
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.
