Historical Performance

A course of study in historical performance requires students to not only study and perfect their chosen instrument, but also understand the cultural and musical history behind the pieces they perform. The program offers intense study of period instruments and a range of opportunities to perform on them.

Majors: Baroque Violin, Baroque Cello, Historical Performance, Harpsichord, Baroque Flute, Historical Oboes, Recorder, Viola da Gamba
Minors: Baroque Cello, Baroque Violin, Historical Performance, Harpsichord, Baroque Flute, Historical Oboes, Recorder, Viola da Gamba
Graduate: Baroque Cello, Harpsichord, Fortepiano, Historical Instruments, Historical Keyboard Instruments, Historical Oboes, Organ

Faculty

Our faculty is comprised of outstanding teacher-performers who are devoted primarily to undergraduate education. These highly skilled musicians maintain rigorous performance schedules yet provide individual instruction and spend generous amounts of time with their students via lessons, coaching, mentoring, and more.

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Overview

Historical Performance is a way of looking at music, one in which the performer takes on some of the responsibilities of a scholar. Our aim is to provide students with the tools needed to make historically informed decisions about the pieces they perform. This requires an understanding of the music’s cultural context, familiarity with the practical aspects of historical instruments and performing conventions, and an appreciation of how performance styles and traditions have changed over time. 

Oberlin offers degree programs leading to the BM, MM, or Artist Diploma in performance on historical instruments. Master’s students may elect to pursue a program combining the study of multiple historical keyboards. The program also offers a minor, as well as a five-year program combining the BM in a traditional conservatory major with an MM in Historical Performance.

Historical Performance News

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
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Historical Performance Facilities

Bibbins Hall

Oberlin Conservatory’s main teaching building has 40 studios and 10 classrooms. Private instruction, ensemble coaching, and classroom instruction take place here.
Bibbins Hall exterior under a bright sky.

Kulas Recital Hall

With seating for 148, intimate Kulas is ideal for chamber music performances and solo recitals.
Kulas Recital Hall