Program Overview

Piano

Piano majors at Oberlin study with faculty who are nationally known performers and soloists, ensemble players and guest lecturers. Private study, coursework, master classes, and recitals round out the undergraduate experience. Students also have access to any of Oberlin's 240-plus Steinway pianos, situated in practice rooms and in our performance venues.

Program Facts

  • Program Type: Major, Artist Diploma
    • Bachelor of Music (BM)
    • Artist Diploma (ADip)
  • Division: Keyboard Studies

Piano Department Chair

Alvin Chow,
Professor of Piano

Piano student Yihui Liu playing with the Oberlin Orchestra
Piano student Yihui Liu, a winner of Oberlin's Senior Concerto Competition, performs with the Oberlin Orchestra in Finney Chapel.
Photo credit: Walter Novak

Student Performances

Oberlin’s 500-plus concerts every year offer conservatory students a wealth of opportunities to participate in competitions and recitals, and to perform as soloists or accompanists. Use your talents to support one of the many performance ensembles, such as the Oberlin Orchestra and Oberlin College Choir, or a student group such as the Musical Theater Association.

See Performance Ensembles

Piano 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.

Explore Faculty within Piano

Upcoming Piano Events

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Piano News

2023 Cooper International Competition for Piano Opens

July 30, 2023

Nineteen young pianists from around the world have arrived in Oberlin and have drawn for their order of performance. They will take the stage July 31 through August 4 for the twelfth annual Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition. Each of them are vying for a share of $40,000—including a $20,000 first prize—and a solo appearance with The Cleveland Orchestra.
Cooper Competition yellow, red and white graphic with a violin set on a piano keyboard

Universal Languages

July 13, 2023

Kenji Anderson came to Oberlin to study English and piano—and left with a deepened love of Japan.
Kenji Anderson.
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