Strings

Oberlin's Strings Division is centered on the broad experiences of our faculty who provide students with painstaking instruction tailored to their needs and goals as a musician. Our strings division seeks to develop students’ talents to the highest musical and professional levels. Students in this division can pursue instruction and performance in cello, double bass, guitar, harp, viola, strings, and violin. Broad exploration is available in the study of historical performance and contemporary music.

Majors:
Cello, Double Bass, Classical Guitar, Harp, Viola, Violin

Faculty

Oberlin's string faculty are outstanding teacher-performers who are devoted primarily to the education and preparation of undergraduate students. They maintain consistent performance schedules while providing generous and attentive individual instruction tailored to each student in weekly lessons and studio classes, as well as chamber music coachings and professional mentoring.

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Overview

The string curriculum aims to develop students’ skills and expression to the highest technical and musical levels in preparation for professional lives in performance and teaching. Graduates of this department have been enormously successful—attaining section and title positions in major orchestras; founding string quartets, historical performance ensembles, and new music collectives; and teaching in music schools, conservatories, and universities around the world.

In addition to coursework, the strings program exposes students to a broad range of repertoire, instrumental and performance techniques, master classes with guest artists, and exceptional opportunities to perform with small and large ensembles that include orchestras, new music ensembles, chamber music groups, Performance and Improvisation (PI) ensembles, Oberlin Baroque Orchestra, and Oberlin Opera Theater.

Upcoming Strings Events

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Strings News

Cooper Competition for Violin to Take Place in January 2025

August 20, 2024

The Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition will bring some of the world’s most talented young violinists to the campus of Oberlin College and Conservatory in January 2025. It features assistance for participants and a generous prize package.

young violinist in blue shirt playing onstage with orchestra and conductor
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Strings 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.

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

Kulas Recital Hall

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

Kulas Recital Hall

Warner Concert Hall

This 496-seat hall adjoins the Conservatory of Music and is used for numerous student and faculty recitals, as well as recording sessions.

Warner Concert Hall