Program Overview

Conducting

Conducting is a graduate-level program that includes courses in choral and instrumental conducting at the beginning and advanced levels. Baton and rehearsal techniques, score preparation, and interpretation are stressed. Participating in student ensembles and helping them prepare for public performance is an essential part of the conducting curriculum.

conductor leads an orchestral string section

Conducting student Matthew Straw ’20 led the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra during a performance in Finney Chapel. Straw completed double degrees earning a B.A. in philosophy and a B.M. in an individual major combining the study of conducting, piano, and voice.

Photo credit: Jack Lichtenstein '23

Program Facts

Program Director

Raphael Jiménez,
Ruth Strickland Gardner Professor of Conducting

Oberlin Orchestra in Finney Chapel

Oberlin Orchestra performance in Finney Chapel.

Photo credit: John Seyfried

Oberlin Orchestra

Oberlin sponsors approximately 500 concerts on campus each year, including recitals and concerts by the more than 25 student ensembles. From jazz to contemporary guitar, classical to popular, computer-generated to acoustic, and from time-tested compositions to newer works, the college and conservatory present performances to satisfy any musical interest.

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

  • APST 260 - Conducting I: Techniques of Conducting (2 credits)
  • APST 350 - Conducting III: Instrumental (2 credits)
  • APST 460 - Seminar in Choral Conducting and Literature (4 credits)
  • APST 561 - Seminar in Choral Conducting and Literature (4 credits)
Curriculum and requirements

Conducting Faculty

Conservatory faculty maintain active performance schedules while remaining accessible and committed to their students. Individual instruction is paramount to helping students develop their mechanical, technical, stylistic, psychological, and musical skills.

It is important that students are active in the process of creating music.

Raphael Jiménez, Ruth Strickland Gardner Professor of Conducting

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Conducting News

Conducting at Oberlin

February 17, 2023

When Maurice Cohn ’17 stepped off the plane to conduct the Cincinnati Symphony, he had only a few days to prepare. Strikes in France had grounded the orchestra’s regular maestro, Louis...

Maurice Cohn '17
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