Music Theory

Music theory is a part of every area of study in the conservatory. We stress aural skills, critical thinking, analysis, and writing to help students find as many ways as possible to not only understand music but to also engage with it deeply.

Minors: Music Theory

Faculty

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

View Faculty

Overview

Studies in music theory are part of every program in the conservatory. The music theory program stresses both aural skills and studies in analysis and writing. The level of achievement required in each area is determined by the student’s major department.

Upcoming Music Theory Events

View all events

Music Theory News

Meet the Conservatory’s Newest Tenure-Track Faculty

October 4, 2023

Five members of the conservatory faculty have been granted tenure-track positions beginning this academic year. They span the disciplines of music theory , composition , trombone , and TIMARA —...
Bibbins Hall in early autumn.
View all news

Music Theory Facilities

Bertram and Judith Kohl Building

The Bertram and Judith Kohl Building is the home for the conservatory’s jazz studies division and programs in composition, musicology, and music theory, as well as the Clonick Hall recording studio.
exterior image and sign for the Kohl Building

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.

Conservatory Central Unit

The Central Unit is part of the Oberlin Conservatory’s main complex and includes classrooms, rehearsal rooms, studios, and more.
Conservatory Central Unit