Conservatory Week 9: Oberlin's Musical Education
Oberlin College, renowned for its rich musical heritage, offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of music. The Oberlin Conservatory, at the heart of this institution, provides a nurturing environment for both budding and seasoned musicians.
New students can register for Conservatory courses as early as August, and music is deeply ingrained in the college's culture. The Conservatory offers performances and guidance for students, with some ensembles requiring an audition and faculty consent.
Upon admission, practice space access is coordinated internally, with facilities like the Kohl Building and Hale Annex dedicated to student use. However, the specific policies or processes for instrument loans or practice space reservations are not explicitly detailed. For these details, prospective students should contact the Conservatory administration or admissions office directly.
Instrument borrowing policies are not explicitly detailed, but direct contact with Conservatory staff is advisable to understand options for loaner instruments. Students can expect to receive instructions on reserving practice rooms and borrowing instruments upon admission.
The Oberlin Conservatory also invites students to explore music through various avenues. There are two fully-staged opera productions each year, as well as numerous solo and ensemble performances covering five centuries of music. During Orientation, students can learn about practice space or borrowing an instrument at the Academic, Community, and Music Resource Fair.
Oberlin College welcomes both Conservatory and Double Degree students, and students can get involved with groups like the Oberlin Jazz Society, Oberlin College Black Musicians Guild, Latinx Music Union, and Modern Music Guild. All students can access free tickets to every concert on the 2025-2026 Artist Recital Series.
Bill Quillen, the Dean of the Oberlin Conservatory, extends a warm welcome to students joining the Conservatory. He looks forward to seeing students in the fall at Oberlin Conservatory. Notable alumni include Rhiannon Giddens '00, Jeremy Denk '90, Steven Isserlis '80, Chris Eldridge '04 (Punch Brothers), Courtney Bryan '04, and Sullivan Fortner '08.
In conclusion, Oberlin Conservatory offers a comprehensive music education, providing students with access to practice facilities and instruments during their studies. For specific questions about instrument loans or reserving practice rooms, prospective students should contact the Conservatory administration or admissions office directly.
Students at Oberlin College can supplement their music education with online courses in addition to the traditional education-and-self-development opportunities offered by the Conservatory.With the advent of technology, online-education platforms have become a valuable resource for learners, allowing them to expand their understanding of music beyond the Conservatory walls.
