Program Overview

Fortepiano

Fortepiano is one seven period instruments offered in our Historical Instruments Program. Coursework includes applied study, music history, performance practice, and music theory. Students also will have a range of performance opportunities with a variety of student ensembles.

student performers
Students in the Oberlin Baroque Ensemble perform in Warner Concert Hall.
Photo credit: Dale Preston ’83

Program Facts

Program Director

David Breitman,
Associate Professor of Historical Performance

students perform on baroque instruments
Students in the Oberlin Baroque Ensemble perform on period instruments for an Opera Scenes show in Fairchild Chapel.
Photo credit: Dale Preston ’83

Oberlin Baroque Ensemble

Oberlin sponsors approximately 500 concerts and recitals on campus each year, plus dance and opera theater productions. Student musicians, vocalists, and others have many opportunities to perform in large and more intimate campus venues with the conservatory’s more than 25 student-led ensembles.

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.

Fortepiano 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, psychological, and musical skills.

Oberlin is really notable for having paid attention to this field earlier than virtually any school in the United States. Music students the world over are still eager to play old music. It’s really astonishing.

David Breitman, Associate Professor of Historical Performance

Explore Faculty within Fortepiano