Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines
Oberlin Conservatory first year applicants should be seeking their first Bachelor of Music degree and not currently enrolled at another college or university. Students who are seeking a second bachelor’s degree (the first not being a Bachelor of Music) should also apply as a first year student. In addition to the Common Application, first year applicants are required to submit all academic transcripts, two music teacher recommendations, a music theory placement exam, music background information, and perform an audition. Information about these items can be found on the admissions website.
Oberlin Conservatory transfer applicants should be currently enrolled at another college or university or have completed an associate’s degree and be seeking to transfer applicable credits. In addition to the Common Application, transfer applicants are required to submit all academic transcripts, a confidential transfer report, two music teacher recommendations, a music theory placement exam, music background information, and perform an audition. Information about these items can be found on the admissions website.
We recommend visiting during a time when we are in session to better experience what being an Oberlin student is all about. Visiting students are encouraged to attend rehearsals and classes, meet with faculty, and register for information sessions and tours. Close mentoring relationships are a cornerstone of our conservatory experience. We encourage you to contact a professor or faculty member in your area of interest prior to your arrival to schedule a lesson or a meeting. You can find more information about prospective student visits here.
The level of musicianship, the honesty, the purity, the studied skill and talent of those Oberlin students far surpassed anything I’ve ever seen on the collegiate level. They played as students who understood the deeper purpose of music.