Program Overview

Double Bass

Study of the double bass is centered on the broad experiences of our faculty, who provide students with rigorous instruction tailored to their needs and goals as a musician. Our goal is to develop students’ talents to the highest musical and professional levels through private lessons, coaching, instrumental technique, master classes, and a range of performance opportunities.

Students perform chamber music. Double bass, flute, clarinet, and harp students pictured.

Double bass student performs in a chamber ensemble for the annual Orientation Recital in Finney Chapel.

Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Program Facts

  • Program Type: Major
    • Bachelor of Music (BM)
  • Division: Strings

Strings Division Director

Sibbi Bernhardsson,
Professor of Violin

Five double bassists performing in an orchestra on the Finney Chapel stage.

The Oberlin Orchestra double bass section in a performance in Finney Chapel.

Photo credit: Larry Kasperek

Large Ensembles

Students have many opportunities to perform in ensembles large and small from the moment they arrive on campus. The conservatory's large instrumental ensembles include the Oberlin Orchestra, Contemporary Music Ensemble, chamber music ensembles, Performance and Improvisation Ensembles, Baroque Orchestra, and the Oberlin Jazz Ensemble. These and other groups contribute to the busy calendar of nearly 500 concerts presented on campus each year. You'll expand your artistic flexibility through music spanning a world of styles and you’ll perform for enthusiastic audiences, on campus and on tour.

Performance Ensembles

Winter Term

Oberlin’s four-week winter term in January encourages students to discover the value of self-directed education. You may pursue individual or group projects that are directly linked to your field of study or explore opportunities unrelated to your major. Complete your project on or off campus.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student Senate, Chess Club, Solarity, the Oberlin Review—these are among the more than 175 student groups and clubs available to you. From politics to faith and identity, and from special interest to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs eager for new members, new ideas, and new leadership.

Sample Courses

  • APST 285 - Orchestra Rep for Double Bass (2 credits)
  • APST 812 - Double Bass Ensemble (2 credits)
  • PVST 097 - Historical Basses (2 credits)
  • PROF 171 - Practicing Music Journalism (4 credits)
Curriculum and requirements

Double Bass Faculty

Conservatory faculty maintain active performance schedules while remaining accessible and committed to their students. Individual instruction is paramount to helping students develop their mechanical, technical, stylistic, and musical skills.

Explore Faculty within Double Bass

Double Bass News

Persistence, Practice, and Determination

February 2, 2021

Instead of an alarm clock, the sounds of Sergei Prokofiev and Chaka Khan would waft through Caylen Bryant’s childhood home every Saturday morning. Those early days served as inspiration for the jazz bass performance and Africana Studies major. After graduating from Oberlin in 2017, Bryant went on to perfect her own sound, and head a music program handed down to her by author and musician James McBride ’79.

A girl holds a bass guitar in a portrait.

Different Strokes

January 12, 2021

Conservatory bassist Joshua Rhodes ’21 pools his efforts with the Oberlin swim team.

swimmer in a pool.
View all Double Bass news