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.

Strings News

This Week in Photos: Listening, bell

March 16, 2022

Eboni Johnson, outreach and programming librarian, holds a hand to her ear as a student across the room reads literature written by bell hooks. The public read-in at Mudd Center’s academic commons honors this prolific writter during Women’s History Month. It also serves as inspiration for this week’s photo series.
A woman holds her hand to her ear as if trying to listen.

This Week in Photos: Tiny, but Mighty

March 4, 2022

After a five minute delay to the start of the program, Public Services Librarian Kathleen Abromeit inches her way to the back of the conservatory library, then pauses. “Should we give it another five minutes,” she asks, looking around the room. She’s excited. After a two-year hiatus Abromeit will announce the library’s first Tiny Ref Desk Concert. The program’s return also serves as inspiration for this week’s photo series.
A violinist and guitarist play instruments in a library.
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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