Conducting and Ensembles

Our Division of Conducting and Ensembles is the home of Oberlin Conservatory's large performance ensembles and encompasses conducting instruction in instrumental and choral music.

We offer a five-year program combining graduate studies in conducting with an undergraduate major in performance, composition, electronic and computer music, or musicology.

Conducting courses are also available to students completing undergraduate degrees at Oberlin.

Graduate: Conducting

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Faculty

Oberlin's outstanding teacher-conductors maintain rigorous performance schedules, both on- and off-campus, bringing valuable professional perspectives to their instruction. They spend generous amounts of time with their students in group and private lessons, coaching, mentoring, and more.

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Overview

Large Ensembles

Performance is an integral part of Oberlin life, and with more than 30 large ensembles, you will expand your artistic flexibility and increase your exposure through music spanning a world of styles. Conservatory students play in these ensembles—ranging from orchestral to choral, from historic performance to new music, and from improvised to numerous world-music traditions—beginning in their first year on campus. Learn more about Oberlin Conservatory's large ensembles.

Conducting

The study of conducting is available to all students as elective courses. For students with a strong interest in conducting, study can also be pursued in a rigorous five-year program that leads to a bachelor's degree in an undergraduate conservatory major and a master's degree in conducting.

Graduate studies in conducting are structured around either an instrumental or a choral emphasis. Students interested in this program should consult with the director of the Division of Conducting and Ensembles during their first year. Upon successful completion of an audition, students formally enter the program at the end of their junior year. Once completed, students receive both B.M. and M.M. degrees.