Apply

Oberlin has worked with seven other premier conservatories in the United States to produce the online Unified Application for Music and Performing Arts Schools. Applicants to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music must use this application. The Unified Application for Music and Performing Arts Schools is available online only.

Separate applications are required for the Conservatory of Music and the College of Arts and Sciences. Applicants who wish to prepare for careers as professional musicians need to only apply to the Conservatory of Music. Students who wish to enroll in the double-degree program must submit applications to both divisions. Double-degree applicants must also complete the College of Arts and Sciences Application, available on the Arts and Sciences Admissions web site. A student may apply to both divisions and await the outcome of both applications before deciding in which division(s) to enroll.

The Conservatory application consists of:

• Unified Application for Music and Performing Arts Schools
• Two music teacher recommendations
• A secondary school report
• Academic transcripts
• Standardized test scores
• TOEFL (international students)
• Theory test (will be e-mailed once the application is submitted)
• Supplemental forms/supporting documents (if required)

Using the Unified Application for Music and Performing Arts Schools, an applicant will request an audition appointment. Auditions will be heard one of three ways: on-campus, regionally, or through the submission of a high quality DVD or VHS.  Confirmation of the audition appointment is sent by e-mail following submission of the application.

Review the Application Checklist to ensure that all necessary documents have been compiled.

Please note: If you are applying to the Conservatory, please submit your $100 fee as part of the Unified Application for Music and Performing Arts Schools. If you are applying to the Double-Degree program (both the Conservatory and the College of Arts and Sciences), please pay the $35 application fee for the Arts and Sciences to the College of Arts and Sciences and the $100 Conservatory application fee as part of the unified application.

Remember: If you are applying to the Conservatory only, it is not necessary to apply to the College of Arts and Sciences. Therefore, in this case, do not submit a $35 payment or Part I of the application for the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Conservatory enrolls new students twice a year, in September and February. There are normally about 150 places available in September, and most new students enter at this time. A limited number of openings generally occur in February in the larger departments, such as voice, piano, organ, and strings. Applicants interested in February entrance in other private study areas should inquire as to whether vacancies are anticipated in their instruments. Late applications for both semesters are considered if an opening still exists in the appropriate private study area.  Please note: financial aid will be limited in February.