Divisions and Departments
Conducting and Ensembles
For students with a strong interest in conducting, Oberlin offers a five-year program combining graduate studies in conducting with an undergraduate major in performance, composition, music education, electronic and...
Learn about the Conducting and Ensembles Division
CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
The Contemporary Music Division encompasses three areas: Composition, Jazz Studies and Technology in Music and Related Arts (TIMARA).
Composition
Production, performance, and critique are primary instructional vehicles of the program. In each Composition and TIMARA course, the focus is always on compositional productivity, new compositions being the primary course output, with works being performed...
Learn about the Composition Department
TIMARA
The major in Technology in Music and Related Arts is intended for those students who desire a career where traditional musical skills and understanding are combined with the exploration of the very latest techniques for musical expression. It is expected...
Learn about the TIMARA Department
Jazz Studies
The Conservatory incorporated jazz into its curriculum in 1972 and began offering a major in jazz studies in 1989. The program prepares students for careers as professional jazz musicians and for advanced study in...
Historical Performance
The historical performance program offers degree programs leading to the B.Mus., M.M., or Artist's Diploma in performance on historical instruments. Master's students may elect a program combining the study of several historical ...
Learn about the Historical Performance Division
KEYBOARD STUDIES
Keyboard Studies encompasses organ and harpsichord as well as piano.
Organ
Long recognized as one of the world's leading centers for organ instruction, Oberlin has graduated musicians who have become professors of music, church musicians, university organists and scholars-and winners of national and international awards. Oberlin's...
Learn about the Organ Department
Piano
An especially strong keyboard faculty, many opportunities to perform, superb facilities, and an active schedule of master classes and residencies by visiting artists - these are the components that make an Oberlin ...
Music Education
This is a 14-month Master's degree program leading to initial teaching licensure in PreK-12 Music Education, with field experiences focusing on public school and community music school teaching. The program consists of ...
Learn about the Music Education Division
Musicology
The study of musicology draws on historical investigation and various modes of criticism and analysis in the thoughtful consideration of music as both a liberal and a performance art. Long a part of the Conservatory’s curriculum&mdash...
Learn about the Musicology Division
Music Theory
Studies in music theory are part of every program in the Conservatory. The music theory program stresses both aural skills and studies in analysis and writing. The level of achievement required in each area is determined by ...
Learn about the Music Theory Division
Strings
The string curriculum aims to develop students' talents to the highest musical and professional levels. String students have been enormously successful in the musical world. Some hold positions in major orchestras and chamber ...
Learn about the Strings Division
Vocal Studies
Every year, between 20 and 30 gifted singers enter degree programs in the Conservatory of Music. Taught by faculty members with impressive performance and pedagogical attainments, these students take courses covering technique...
Learn about the Vocal Studies Division
Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion
The woodwinds, brass, and percussion curricula are both intense and stimulating. The full-time resident faculty includes nationally recognized teacher-performers committed to providing careful, rigorous instruction. Highly...
