Keyboard Studies Curriculum
Program Requirements
Organ
The organ curriculum is enhanced by the offerings of other departments in Oberlin Conservatory. In addition to intensive private instruction and courses specifically related to their instrument, organ majors take courses applicable to church music such as choral conducting, music history, and music theory.
Organ faculty are prominent teachers, musicians, composers, performers, and church musicians. They teach a wide range of literature through private lessons, studio classes, and repertoire courses. Organ faculty offer courses in keyboard skills, organ improvisation, and organ literature, history, and design.
Many conservatory students elect the Double Degree Program, which leads to both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees that can be completed in as few as five years.
Many organ majors find employment in area churches while pursuing their studies. Participation in ensembles is required of all conservatory students each semester. A variety of choices exist, including vocal and instrumental ensembles, and Historical Performance Program groups.
Piano
In addition to intensive private instruction and courses specifically related to their instrument, piano majors receive instruction and mentoring through master classes, residencies, and visiting artists who present a variety of musical styles and experiences.
Piano faculty are internationally known performers, ensemble players, guest teachers, and lecturers, who teach a wide range of music through private lessons, studio classes, and repertoire courses. Two department members were formerly teaching members of the Leningrad Conservatory; others represent the Schnabel and Lhevinne traditions.
The faculty also includes a leading authority on group and private pedagogy of elementary piano methods and intermediate materials and a specialist on period instruments. Faculty-supervised student teaching gives piano majors firsthand pedagogical experience.