Why Oberlin Conservatory?

At Oberlin Conservatory opportunities for you to grow creatively and develop lifelong skills are everywhere—from performances to your work with faculty, collaboration with visiting artists, and connection to students who are as motivated as you. See what we mean, below.

Learn more about how to engage with us

Already Chosen Oberlin?

Secure your spot.

Enroll now

Why Peyton Chose Oberlin

“…the drive to connect with the community is something Oberlin has really pulled out of me.”

Why Saige Chose Oberlin

“…Oberlin is an all undergraduate program and because of it’s lack of grad students undergraduates get to perform much more.”

Why Milei Chose Oberlin

“…at Oberlin I’m able to find myself and find my sound, I feel very prepared to enter a bigger space.”

Hot Takes on Conservatory Life

I knew when I was looking at colleges that I wanted the institution to be either undergrad only, or undergrad-focused. I didn’t realize just how much this would actually mean in my development until I got to school.

Rebekah Grande ’27
Buffalo, New York

Read Rebekah’s story

Winter Term in Southeast Asia

Winter Term is one of my favorite parts about Oberlin. For a month in January, all students get off of school to pursue any project that they want, which could be in Oberlin, at home, or abroad, related to their major, or completely different from anything they’ve ever done before.

Ilana McNamara ’24
Omaha, Nebraska

Read about Ilana’s Winter Term trip

Practicing Performing

Performance opportunities can take shape in a number of ways at Oberlin: departmental recitals, studio recitals, ad hoc recitals, student composer recitals, first- and second-year juries, junior recitals, senior recitals, ChamberFest, opera performances, large ensemble concerts…I think that’s all of them?

Ben Smith ’24
Monroe, Georgia

See more from Ben

The Oberlin Experience

In your first semester at Oberlin Conservatory you'll perform. That's because Oberlin Conservatory is undergraduate-focused, no competing with graduate students for roles, ensemble assignments, or stage time. This means you can earn roles in fully staged operas, achieve a soloist position in an ensemble performance, and work directly with esteemed guest artists who visit campus throughout the year. If you're looking to have your work performed, Oberlin students actively collaborate on new and interesting work—from peers, faculty, and visiting artists. These videos and others may help you form a more complete picture of your life as an Oberlin Conservatory student.

Oberlin Orchestra performs “Kikimora, Op. 63” by Anatol Liadov

Inside Oberlin Opera Theater

Oberlin Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Studies Professor Receives Mellon Foundation Fellowship

march 6, 2025

Considered to be one of the most sought-after drummers of his generation, Oberlin Professor Billy Hart received a Mellon Foundation fellowship and was recognized as a “hero of jazz rhythm and an esteemed mentor.”

Poetry in Resonance With Music: Midori

February 28, 2025

Visionary artist, global cultural ambassador, and dedicated music educator, Midori will be in residence to give masterclasses in violin performance and chamber music, and perform as part of Oberlin’s Artist Recital Series.

International Contemporary Ensemble Residency

January 15, 2025

The International Contemporary Ensemble, co-founded by conservatory alumni, is a multidisciplinary collective of musicians, digital media artists, producers, and educators, committed to building and innovating collaborative environments.

Spend Some Time With Us!

We’ve developed a variety of events to help you explore life at Oberlin and picture yourself here. Schedule an in-person campus visit, ask questions at a webinar, and engage with current students.

Learn More about events and visiting

Conservatory Academics

At Oberlin Conservatory your core musicianship courses encompass music history, theory, and aural skills, as well as open electives in subjects like improvisation, community engagement, pedagogy, and arts management. If you choose to add a minor, you can tap into Oberlin’s minors in departments throughout the college and in eight interdisciplinary programs.

Double Degree

Oberlin is one of the first conservatories to offer the option of earning both a BM and a BA degree—all due to the seamless connection to the intellectual ecosystem of a liberal arts college. This means you can earn degrees from both the College and Conservatory in five years or fewer. When you participate in Oberlin’s renowned Double Degree Program you’ll join more than 200 students who earn degrees in both the College and Conservatory.

How you’ll spend your time as a Conservatory student

60% Courses related to your major

Ensembles, private study, and specific electives for your major

20% Core musicianship

Classes in music theory, aural skills, and music history

20% College electives

32 credits in the College of Arts and Sciences—about one course per semester

Experience the Music Live!

Oberlin Conservatory produces nearly 500 hundred concerts every year.

These include student recitals in every area of study; chamber music, orchestral, choral, and opera performances; new music ensemble and composer forum concerts; performances by small and large jazz ensembles and improvisation groups; as well as recitals featuring faculty and guest artists.

And many are live-streamed, including broadcasts of student junior and senior recitals from every department.

Make plans for your visit using our Events Calendar!

Browse Upcoming Webcasts

A row of bassists performing. — The Oberlin Orchestra performing in Finney Chapel. *Photo credit: Scott Shaw*

After Oberlin

Our alumni earn top honors in major national and international competitions across the musical spectrum. They perform in the world’s foremost concert halls and opera houses and with highly acclaimed orchestras. They excel as conductors, soloists, composers, producers, theoreticians, entrepreneurs, historians, and educators. The stories below highlight achievements of Oberlin graduates in wide-ranging careers.