Topics:
AUDITION
What is best a campus audition or a regional audition? Of course whenever possible it is advantageous to come to campus for your audition so you have the opportunity to meet with faculty, current students, and to get a sense of whether or not Oberlin College and Conservatory is a good fit for you. If you are not able to come to campus for your audition, a regional audition is another option. The Director of Admissions will administer the regional audition and gather information to reveal your musicianship skills. Additionally, our faculty takes great care to consider everyone equally whether they come to campus to audition, audition regionally, or submit a recorded audition.
Do I need to provide an accompanist for my instrumental audition? No, the only applicants who need an accompanist are voice applicants. Voice applicants auditioning on campus will have a professional accompanist provided for them on the day of the audition. If a voice applicant is auditioning regionally, they will need to provide their own accompanist.
Is it possible to audition for two different instruments or areas of concentration? The Conservatory offers a double Major program that allows students to study two primary instruments and, in some cases, complete both major requirements in four years. Students also have the option of majoring in a primary instrument, and majoring in another concentration such as Composition, TIMARA, Music History, or Music Theory. Aside from that, there is a secondary lesson program that allows students to continue to study an instrument area they have interest in outside of their primary degree curriculum.
I am interested in composition and/or TIMARA (Electronic and Computer Music), but I don't have (much or) any background in this area...just an interest in exploring this realm if I come to Oberlin. Should I select Composition and/or TIMARA in addition to indicating my interest in auditioning on an instrument or voice for Performance admission? The answer is, do not select Composition and/or TIMARA unless you wish to be considered for possible admission in these areas and can submit scores and a portfolio of works as outlined on our website. If you are accepted in an instrument or voice, you will have the opportunity to explore these areas and others as "music electives" if you matriculate in the Conservatory.
How do I submit my recorded materials for audition, either as a screening, final, or supplemental recording? This year, we would like applicants who are submitting recorded auditions (either screening, final or supplemental, audio and/or video) to upload their recordings directly to our fileserver. In other words, we don't want you to send physical media (CDs or DVDs) in the mail, if it can be avoided. We have a website/server called the Oberlin Conservatory Audition Dropbox set up, and it is very easy - even fun! - to upload your audio and or video files directly from any computer to the site. It is so much more efficient for applicants and for us in the review process, and the sound and video quality is excellent. Please refer to this page http://new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/admissions/auditions/ and find the link to the Dropbox. You can look at it, and upload your recordings when you are ready. If students end up sending us the physical discs, we will upload them ourselves in our office and never touch the disc again, once the audition is on the server. Doing this insures that our applied faculty have access to the auditions from wherever they happen to be.
How do I download the jazz audition MP3 files? Jazz Audition MP3 files can be found at this website: http://new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/admissions/auditions/cmd.dot#jazz.
A. Jazz applicants performing on-campus auditions must submit a screening recording. The screening recording should be submitted using the same guidelines as a recorded audition. The only difference is that the screening can be in audio or video format. Additionally, on-campus auditions will be performed with a live accompaniment.
B. Applicants who perform regional auditions should practice with the background recording. Regional auditions will be performed with a background recording provided by the Oberlin Conservatory admissions staff. Please note: regional auditions are not offered in jazz percussion.
C. Recorded auditions must include a recording of the applicant playing with the background recording. The applicant should check that the background recording is played at an appropriate volume.
I performed my regional audition in Asia in October. How do I respond on the Audition Request page? Just indicate that you would like a live audition in the regional Asian city of your choice (even if you have already done it).
APPLICATION
How do my teachers submit their recommendations to Oberlin Conservatory? We prefer to receive the two required music teacher recommendations electronically, via the UA website. Once you submit your UA application to Oberlin Conservatory, the two individuals you list as recommending you, will be sent an email containing a secure link to the website.
Are there minimums or maximums for the essay questions? The answer is, no. Just take the space you need to say something interesting and revealing.
Is there a theory test? Does it affect my admittance to the school? As part of the application and audition evaluation process, the admissions committee considers your music theory knowledge. Once you have submitted the Unified Application for Music and Performing Arts Schools, you will receive an email with a link to take the theory test online. The test will run approximately 60 minutes and you are only allowed to take it once. This test will also serve as a basic placement test for the Department of Music Theory should you be admitted to Oberlin and choose to enroll. Students who achieve a high score will be invited to take additional tests in theory during the summer for possible placement in a more advanced class. Theory Test Deadlines: December 1 at midnight - early review applicants February 15 at midnight - regular review applicants (this includes on campus, regional, and recorded audition applicants)
Note: The deadline for early review is November 1, and necessitates auditioning in Oberlin on the first December audition weekend. To be able to request the December audition date in Oberlin you should respond to the Expected Semester of Entry question on the Program Page, "September 2012 - Early Review (Deadline: November 1)".
Note: If you are experiencing difficulty in indicating that you wish to audition on a later date in Oberlin or regionally, in January, February or March, you need to make sure that, on the "Program Page," where you are asked "Expected Semester of Entry," you respond "September 2012 - Regular Review (Deadline: December 1)". That response among others on the Program page "control" the audition options you are presented on the Audition Request page.
VISITING CAMPUS
How can I set up a campus visit and tour? Does the campus tour include the conservatory? The Conservatory offers an information session and tour Monday – Friday at 11AM and 3PM. It can be set up by calling the Conservatory Admissions office: (440) 775-8413 or by sending an email to Conservatory.Admissions@oberlin.edu. The tour will cover the 4 main Conservatory buildings. The College of Arts and Sciences runs general campus tours through their office Monday – Friday at 10AM, noon, and 2:30 PM (noon on Saturday). They can be reached at (440) 775 8411 or by sending an email to College.Admissions@oberlin.edu. The following link will also help you make the most of your campus visit: http://new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/admissions/campus-visits.dot.
Can I stay with a current student of my area of study and attend classes? Overnight stays must be reserved at least 2 weeks in advance by calling the Campus Visit Office at 1-800-622-6243. After your appointment is made, you will receive confirmation by e-mail and further details about your upcoming visit.
How can I set up lessons with a studio faculty member? We encourage you to contact a professor or faculty member in your field of interest. You can find biographies and contact information on the Conservatory faculty and departments website. To schedule a lesson or a meeting with a professor, it is recommended that you email them directly. Please note: During breaks, regular classes are not in session and many professors may be off campus.
Where can I find a schedule of Conservatory events to see while visiting? The online Events Calendar can be found at this website: http://new.oberlin.edu/events-activities/. There are approximately 500 concerts on campus each year, including performances by the more than 25 student ensembles, and performances and master classes by guest artists. Faculty members perform on campus and throughout the world. Oberlin's Artist Recital Series includes on-campus performances by premier national orchestras and internationally acclaimed soloists. Check for a list of concerts, recitals, and campus events. This will help give you an idea of when you would like to visit campus. It will help you plan some of your activities when you arrive.
OBERLIN STUDENT/CAMPUS LIFE
Where would I, as a conservatory student, live? Is there a music only dorm? The Conservatory and College student life is fully integrated. There are no specific music dorms or music dining halls. Students have a wide array of different housing and dining options ranging from traditional dorms to program houses to our Co-Op system. All of these are available to students whether they are freshmen or seniors.
Are there any freshmen dorms on campus? Yes. Oberlin has 3 First Year Experience dorms on campus. Each of these dorms has Resident Assistants who are specially trained in helping first year students become acclimated to the College environment and establish a warm and welcoming sense of community.
What kind of courses would I be taking as an Oberlin Conservatory student? The following link has course information for each major. Course requirements
As a conservatory student, can I take college courses? As a conservatory student you are required to take college courses. As part of the degree requirements you must take 24 Liberal Arts Credits (roughly 6-8 classes). There is no distribution requirement or core curriculum for these courses so students will be able to choose from the wide variety of classes offered, and never take a course they aren’t interested in.
FINANCIAL AID
How is Need Based Financial Aid assessed at Oberlin? We meet 100% of demonstrated need. You fill out the FAFSA and the CSS Profile, and our financial aid office calculates your estimated family contribution. Any difference between that amount and the total cost of attendance, we will meet 100% with financial aid. Typically 70-80% of an aid award is comprised of grants or scholarships, with loans and work study funds making up the remainder.
How many students receive scholarships within the Conservatory? About 90% of Conservatory students receive some form of Talent-based or Merit-based Scholarship. These gifts range anywhere from $2,000-$20,000 a year.
What is Work-Study and how do I apply? Work-Study allows a qualified student to hold a job on-campus and the money they earn goes toward their cost of student living or tuition.
How can I be considered for Oberlin grants? As an applicant, you are automatically considered for all forms of financial assistance at Oberlin.
How does Financial Aid work for an international student? As an international student there are different forms to submit. They all can be found at this website: http://new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/admissions/finances/international-students.dot.
