Oberlin Conservatory of Music

Oberlin opens a world of possibilities: mentorship from esteemed faculty, exposure to transformative programs and visiting artists, access to exemplary facilities, and countless opportunities to perform⁠—virtually, on campus, and beyond!

Facts at a Glance

6:1 student/faculty ratio
540 conservatory students
180+ double-degree students
42 areas of private study

Latest Oberlin Conservatory of Music News

Field Finds His Pasture

March 3, 2023

After 26 years at Oberlin, innovative director Jonathon Field trades higher ed for Mister Ed.
Jonathon Field.

Oberlin Improv Fest 2023 Celebrates Range of Creative Practices

March 2, 2023

This year Oberlin students have had the opportunity for the first time to declare a minor in a new formalized course of study in improvisation. And from Thursday, March 2 through Saturday, March 4, they will have an immersive experience in the Oberlin Improv Fest 2023. All events of the festival are also open to audiences and are free.
Four guest artists of the Oberlin Improv Festival

Oberlin Opera Theater Presents "Candide" March 9-12

March 1, 2023

Candide is one of Leonard Bernstein's finer works. It’s a piece that transmits both hope and irony, and shows us the remarkable strength of the human spirit. It is a piece that is more of a musical than an opera, and it’s brought to life by our remarkable cast and production staff,” says director Jonathon Field.
Candide production graphic

Trailblazing Musician Wu Man in Residence at Oberlin

February 20, 2023

Wu Man, recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso and a leading ambassador of Chinese music, will be in residence at Oberlin February 24-25 and take part in three events across campus that culminate in a concert with Oberlin College quartet-in-residence, the Verona Quartet .
Wu Man and the Verona Quartet

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

Upcoming Events

Areas of Study

With majors ranging from historical performance to electronic music, and with 42 areas of private study, Oberlin Conservatory transforms talented undergraduate musicians into disciplined professionals.

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A student reviews a large book while comfortably seated. A travel mug sits on a small table.
A student reviews a music score in a quiet area of the conservatory library.
Photo credit: William Rieter

Double Degree Program

We’re the only major music school in the country that shares a seamless campus with a liberal arts college. This allows you to earn bachelor’s degrees from both the conservatory and the college in five years or fewer.

Explore the Double Degree Program

A student works on a laptop computer at a table, a pair of headphones resting around his neck
Eli Stine ’14 completed a double degree in technology in music and related arts (TIMARA) and computer science.
Photo credit: Mika Johnson ’00

On Stage

Performance is an integral part of Oberlin life. Each year, students, faculty, and guest artists present 500 concerts spanning five centuries of music. With more than two dozen large ensembles and a robust small-ensemble culture, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to perform in a variety of styles on campus—and around the world.

Explore our performance opportunities

Close-up of brass players in an orchestra
Ashley Hale ’16 performs on trumpet with the Oberlin Orchestra at Chicago’s Symphony Center.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Professional Development

Hone your intellectual and artistic passions—and put them into practice. The offices of Conservatory Professional Development and Creativity & Leadership present on-campus workshops and programs developed to bring your career into focus and offer guidance every step of the way.

Explore Professional Development

Two people have a discussion at a small table behind a glass door marked 'Office of Professional Development'
Conservatory Professional Development is conveniently located near the practice rooms in Robertson Hall.
Photo credit: Julie Gulenko ’15

Conservatory Complex

The conservatory boasts exceptional facilities: nine concert halls, 150 practice rooms, more than 240 Steinway pianos, and an incredible 32 organs for practice and performance. You’ll have access to important instrument collections, seven electronic music studios, and one of the nation’s top conservatory libraries, including Special Collections that are prized by music researchers around the globe and play an integral role in teaching and learning at Oberlin.

Explore our spaces

Exterior of Bibbins Hall under a bright blue sky
The main entrance to Bibbins Hall faces Tappan Square in the heart of campus.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Oberlin Conservatory of Music Faculty

Our internationally renowned faculty are dedicated teachers and communicative artists. They spend generous hours teaching lessons, coaching ensembles, and providing caring mentorship. Individual instruction is tailored to the needs of each student.

I think that there’s a new understanding that we are all humans and we can do our best work if we take care of ourselves and if we take care of each other, and I am happy to be teaching from that perspective.

Katherine Jolly, Associate Professor of Voice

Life After Oberlin

Oberlin fosters a culture of risk-taking that leads to high achievement. Our alumni earn top honors in major national and international competitions across the musical spectrum. They excel as performing artists and as conductors, composers, producers, theoreticians, entrepreneurs, historians, and educators. Think one person can change the world? So do they:

Explore Life After Oberlin

 

A row of students wearing graduation garb
Oberlin’s annual Commencement/Reunion Weekend ceremony signals the start of life after Oberlin.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko