As a seasoned observer of music education, I’ve found that the Oberlin Conservatory of Music offers student musicians a compelling college experience.
With a student body of just 600 and a remarkable 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Oberlin provides an intimate learning environment that’s hard to match.
The conservatory’s resources are equally impressive. With 240+ Steinway grand pianos and 150 practice rooms with windows, students have access to top-notch facilities for honing their craft.
Oberlin’s focus on undergraduate education sets it apart from many other conservatories.
This means less competition for performance opportunities and more personalized attention for students in classical performance and composition majors.
The school’s commitment to innovation is evident in initiatives like the XARTS fund, which supports student creativity through financial and hands-on assistance.
Founded in 1865, Oberlin holds the distinction of being the nation’s oldest continuously operating conservatory. It has a rich history of pioneering music education, including introducing the Suzuki method to the United States.
The conservatory offers a wide range of majors, from performance and composition to music education and jazz studies.
For those seeking a broader education, Oberlin’s five-year dual degree program with its renowned liberal arts college is an attractive option.
Oberlin’s performance spaces are as impressive as its programs. From the innovative Kohl Building to the Kulas Recital Hall, these facilities provide students with professional-grade venues to showcase their talents.
It’s worth noting that admission to Oberlin is highly competitive, reflecting its status as one of the top music schools in the country.
Acceptance Rate (2024)
Oberlin Conservatory of Music’s acceptance rate in 2024 is 35%.
In the most recent applicant class, 1,240 students applied, and 430 were accepted.
Of note, over 1/3rd of the accepted class attending Oberlin has chosen to pursue a double major at Oberlin’s College as well, reflecting the school’s commitment to students interested in both music and academics.
Oberlin Conservatory Facts & Statistics
Here are some good statistics to know about Oberlin’s music program.
Number of students: 540 (source)
Number of dual degree students: 180
Performances per year: 500
Tuition: $66,410/year (source)
Scholarships: Every student is awarded a minimum of $10,000 merit award
Oberlin Conservatory of Music Alumni
Oberlin Conservatory of Music boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have made significant contributions to the world of music and beyond. Let’s highlight a few standout graduates:
Robert Spano, both an alumnus and current faculty member, is one of the most accomplished conductors of our time who was the director of the Atlanta Symphony for 20 years.
George Theophilus Walker’s legacy as a composer is groundbreaking, having won a Pulitzer Prize in 1996 for his work Lilacs.
Another notable alum is James McBride, an accomplished tenor saxophonist and composer who is also an accomplished author. He earned National Book Award for his novel “The Good Lord Bird.”
Denyce Graves, an American operatic mezzo-soprano, has graced the world’s most prestigious stages. Her 1995 debut at the Metropolitan Opera marked the beginning of a stellar career.
Other notable alumni include Jennifer Koh, a violin virtuoso known for her innovative programming and technical brilliance. She has premiered over 100 works and received numerous accolades, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant.
Another notable alum is Du Yun, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, multi-instrumentalist, and performance artist.
Rhiannon Giddens, a singer, violinist, and banjo player, has made waves in the folk and Americana scenes. Her work with the Carolina Chocolate Drops and as a solo artist has earned her a Grammy Award and a MacArthur “Genius” Grant.
These alumni represent just a fraction of the talent that has emerged from Oberlin.
Oberlin Music Faculty
Among the illustrious faculty, you’ll find Grammy Award winners like Stephen Hartke, recognized as a leading classical music composer.
Jamey Haddad, an accomplished jazz percussionist who has performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Joe Lovano, and other noted musicians, joined the conservatory faculty in 2011.
Tim Weiss stands out as an innovative conductor whose career includes both contemporary and traditional music programming.
Many renowned classical performers teach here, including piano faculty member Angela Cheng, a notable 21st-century pianist who has soloed with notable ensembles, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
In the realm of voice, Salvatore Champagne, a tenor with extensive operatic and concert experience, has taught countless classical vocalists.
Requirements & Admission Tips
At Oberlin, the application process is tailored to each program, with prescreening recordings being a crucial first step for most majors.
Composition majors face a specific requirement: a prescreening portfolio consisting of three original scores, with recordings if available. This gives faculty a clear picture of the applicant’s compositional abilities and style.
Oberlin is test-optional; you don’t need to submit SATs or ACTs to get accepted.
For those pursuing a double major, it’s important to note that you’ll need to submit separate applications to both the Conservatory and the College of Arts and Sciences. This dual application process ensures that you meet the requirements for both programs.
If you’re invited to audition at Oberlin, you’ll need to prepare an in-person audition repertoire. Composition applicants, on the other hand, will undergo an in-person interview.
I highly recommend scheduling a lesson with a faculty member in your intended department prior to your audition. This can give you valuable insight into the teaching style and help you determine if Oberlin is the right fit for you.
Oberlin Music Ranking
Oberlin is typically ranked among the top 25 music colleges in the country.
Here are some publications that rank Oberlin highly:
- Niche ranks Oberlin as the #22 best music school.
- Careers In Music ranks Oberlin as the #8 best music school.
- PrepScholar ranks Oberlin Conservatory at #7.
All rankings should be a starting point, and in my opinion, most rankings systems hardly tell the whole story of a school.
That being said, Oberlin’s high rankings point to it being considered by others amongst the best music schools in the nation.
Is Oberlin the Right-Fit College for You?
Let me break down who might thrive at Oberlin, and who might want to look elsewhere.
Oberlin is ideal for students seeking a liberal arts college experience combined with top-tier musical training.
Its size strikes a balance between the intimacy of an independent conservatory and the resources of a larger university.
Oberlin shines for those interested in pursuing dual passions. About one-third of students opt for double majors, allowing them to blend their musical studies with other academic interests.
Oberlin’s scholarship opportunities are particularly attractive. All accepted students receive at least a $10,000 annual merit credit, which can significantly ease the financial burden of higher education. Many students who get accepted are ultimately awarded more than $10k/year in scholarships.
Oberlin’s programs for students focused on classical and jazz performance, composition, or electronic music are especially strong. The school’s emphasis on these areas creates a rich environment for growth in these fields.
However, Oberlin may not be the best fit for everyone. Those dreaming of a big-city experience might find the small-town setting challenging, despite Cleveland being only 40 minutes away.
Students interested in contemporary pop music or songwriting might struggle to find their niche, as Oberlin doesn’t offer a dedicated pop music major. Similarly, those seeking a large university atmosphere should probably look elsewhere.
One of Oberlin’s strengths is its focus on undergraduate education. This means less competition from graduate students for performance opportunities, which can be a significant advantage.
From my conversations with students, I’ve gathered that the overall environment at Oberlin is friendly, supportive, and community-oriented. This positive atmosphere can greatly enhance the learning experience for many students.
Ultimately, Oberlin Conservatory of Music is an outstanding choice for the right student. It offers an ideal blend of rigorous musical training, a liberal arts education, and a supportive community that can set the stage for a successful and fulfilling career in music.
PS
Are you interested in attending a school like Oberlin?
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you find and get accepted into the best college program for you, schedule a 100% free, zero-obligation consultation with us. We’ve helped many students gain admission to Oberlin and other similar programs.
We’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you and tell you about how we can help you, or the musician in your family, gain admission into the best college for your future.
