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Oberlin Conservatory students take part in a master class — Oberlin Conservatory students take part in a master class. Photo credit: Scott Shaw

Program Overview

Violin

Program Type: Major

Bachelor of Music (BM)

Division: Strings

Study of the violin 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, a range of performance opportunities, and more.

Oberlin Orchestra in Carnegie Hall — The Oberlin Orchestra performs in Carnegie Hall. Photo credit: Chris Lee

Oberlin Orchestra

Professor of Conducting Raphael Jiménez leads the Oberlin Orchestra, one of the conservatory’s premier large ensembles. The full-size undergraduate orchestra regularly performs in Finney Chapel, has embarked on national and international tours during winter term, and is heard on several recordings.

Performance Ensembles

Sample Courses

APST 121 - Performing Beethoven's Violin Sonatas 1 credit
APST 242 - Baroq Violin for Violinists 2 credits
MUTH 101 - Aural Skills I 2 credits
APST 284 - Orchestra Repertoire Violin 2 credits

Curriculum and requirements

Violin Faculty

Sibbi Bernhardsson
Professor of Violin
David Bowlin
Professor of Violin
Francesca dePasquale
Assistant Professor of Violin
Marilyn McDonald
Professor of Violin and Baroque Violin
Verona Quartet
Quartet in Residence
William van der Sloot
Associate Professor of Violin

Violin News

Asian girl in red dress plays a violin.

Winter Term: Recording the First Movement of Stravinsky Violin Concerto with Piano

September 10, 2020

Fourth-year violin major Peiwen Su took on the ambitious project to learn and record the entire Stravinsky Violin Concerto in D major. The project was both challenging and inspirational—and demonstrated to Su what is possible in this new reality.

four musicians holding their string instruments

Verona Quartet to Hold 2020-21 Oberlin Residency

July 17, 2020

Winner of Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award, rising ensemble will mentor college musicians through lessons, chamber music, and more.

four winners of the 2019-20 Senior Concerto Competition.

2019-20 Concerto Competition Winners to Return for Fall Performances

April 9, 2020

Scheduled spring appearances canceled amid Oberlin’s transition to remote learning.

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