A small jazz combo with trumpet, bass, and drums.
Double-degree alumnus Daniel Spearman ’16, a prolific trumpeter, pianist, composer, and bandleader, performs at an Oberlin Jazz Society jam session.
Photo credit: Jack Lichtenstein ’23

Musical Pathways

Eight minors and concentrations bridge the College and Conservatory.

Oberlin’s top-rated college of arts and sciences and conservatory of music combine to offer the best undergraduate education in music and the liberal arts.

Whatever the level or nature of your musical interest you can incorporate music into your educational experience—from one of 8 interdivisional programs described below to the musical studies major or the five-year Double Degree Program.

Program Administration

Oversight for these new minors and integrative concentration is with the Conservatory College Interdivisional Curricular Committee (CCICC).

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Program Descriptions

The synergy between Oberlin’s college and conservatory is one of a kind. Rooted in interdisciplinary research and multimedia practice, an array of curricular pathways invites students to explore the art, business, culture and technology of music. These specially crafted academic pathways draw on a range of disciplines and are open to students in both the college and conservatory. Each pathway offers a unique course of study encompassing both well-established and emerging fields.

Music Minor

The minor in music is designed for College students who want to structure and organize their studies in the Conservatory during their time at Oberlin.

More about the Music Minor

Music and Cognition Minor

For students interested in studying the science of how music gets inside our heads and influences our thoughts and feelings.

More about Music and Cognition

Music and Popular Culture Minor

For students interested in learning about how music, across history and across the globe, shapes and is shaped by the society.

More about Music and Popular Culture

African American Music Minor

This interdisciplinary minor examines the rich history, cultural significance, and musical styles and forms cultivated by the African American community.

More about the African American Music Minor

Interdisciplinary Performance Minor

What does it take to perform? What is the nature of a performance? Students will explore the experience and philosophy of performance by taking performance classes across the arts (music, theater, dance, creative writing) and athletics.

More about Interdisciplinary Performance

Arts and Creative Technologies Minor

For students eager to explore how past, present, and future technologies can inspire and be inspired by art. The fundamental question students will explore is how technology sparks the artist’s imagination and provide a medium of expression.

More about Arts and Creative Technologies

Arts Administration and Leadership Concentration

Whether you want to work in a museum or for an orchestra, start your own music ensemble or film company, or launch an arts-related organization or non-profit, this integrative concentration will give you foundational knowledge that you can apply broadly.

More about Arts Administration and Leadership

Concentration in Pedagogy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement

The PACE integrative concentration fosters the development of student musicians as artist-citizens who embrace their responsibility to connect with local and global communities through music.

More about the PACE concentration

Additional Resources