Oberlin Conservatory of Music

Oberlin Conservatory of Music

Oberlin Conservatory of Music is the only major music school in the country that focuses on undergraduate education. Oberlin's seamless campus is shared with a preeminent liberal arts college that supports a renowned double-degree program proven to open a world of professional possibilities. The conservatory offers the essential components of world-class musical training: an outstanding faculty of teacher-performers who remain accessible and committed mentors, the best facilities available, a dynamic curriculum, and a vibrant cultural life. Students also benefit from regular exposure to resident and guest artists, and countless opportunities to perform on campus and beyond.

Academic Programs

  • Liberal Arts
  • Music
  • Performing Arts

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Disability Services
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

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.

Transfer

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.

Additional Information

Audition Information and Requirements
Audition Dates and Locations
Campus Visits for Prospective Students

Experience an Oberlin Concert
Music permeates just about every corner of life here at Oberlin. Each year, in fact, we produce more than 500 concerts on campus, in addition to performances of all kinds that take place across the country and around the world. We hope you'll be able to visit campus to experience it all firsthand. But thanks to the many concerts we stream live, you can join in the excitement from wherever you are.

Upcoming Live Streamed Concerts

Visit us

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.

James McBride, Musician and Author, Class of '79
School seal

Admissions office

Visit us

Address

39 W College Street
Oberlin, OH 44074, United States of America

Phone number

(440) 775-8413

Region

Midwest

Midwest