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Oberlin Conservatory of Music • Oberlin, Ohio
Quick Take
Oberlin Conservatory is among the world's finest, combining elite classical, jazz, and new music training with a renowned liberal arts college through Oberlin's celebrated double-degree program in Ohio. The conservatory's combination of small class sizes, distinguished faculty, and a culture of musical experimentation has made it a defining institution in American classical music for over 150 years.
Oberlin College at a Glance
| Program | |
| School / Division | Oberlin College Oberlin Conservatory of Music |
| Setting | private |
| Program Size | medium |
| Genres / Styles | classical, contemporary, early music, electronic, jazz, opera |
| Primary Instrument | bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, harp, harpsichord, horn, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice |
| Areas of Study | composition, conducting, ethnomusicology, historical performance, jazz, music education, music theory, opera, performance |
| Musical Selectivity | elite |
| Admissions | |
| Academic Selectivity | highly selective |
| Average GPA | 3.8 |
| Application Deadline | 2026-12-01 00:00:00 |
| Auditions | |
| Audition | is required |
| Audition Competitiveness | highly competitive |
| Audition Window | Jan–Feb |
| Prescreening | is required |
| Location | |
| City / State | Oberlin, Ohio |
Always confirm deadlines and requirements directly with the Oberlin College website
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Program Overview
The music program at Oberlin College is medium in size and a .
Music Genre/Style Strengths
Oberlin College supports the following musical genres/styles: classical, contemporary, early music, electronic, jazz, opera. At some schools, students can explore multiple styles while developing strong technical and artistic foundations within their primary genre.
Visit the Oberlin College website for more specific information on the music genres/styles it supports.
Primary Instruments
Students at Oberlin College can pursue study across a range of instruments, including bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, harp, harpsichord, horn, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice. Students study privately with faculty on their primary instrument while participating in ensembles and collaborative performances.
Visit the Oberlin College website for more specific information about their support for studies on specific instruments.
Music Studies Offered at Oberlin College
Students at Oberlin College can pursue degrees focused on composition, conducting, ethnomusicology, historical performance, jazz, music education, music theory, opera, performance. Music degree programs typically combine private instruction, ensemble participation, music theory coursework, and performance opportunities designed to prepare students for careers in music.
Visit the Oberlin College website for more specific information on the programs of study it offers.
Acceptance
Musical acceptance at Oberlin College is elite. Academically, it is highly selective, with accepted students having an average GPA of 3.8. (Unlike academic programs, music admissions typically emphasize performance and artistic potential.) The application deadline for Oberlin College is 2026-12-01 00:00:00 of each year.
Visit the Oberlin College website to confirm acceptance information and deadlines.
Auditions
An audition is required at Oberlin College, and the school's auditions are considered to be highly competitive. The audition window is Jan–Feb of each year. A pre-screening video or portfolio is required.
Visit the Oberlin College website for more specific information on auditions.
Location and Music Scene
Oberlin Conservatory sits in its own small Ohio town, an extraordinary musical environment where the school effectively is the local arts scene, with a legendary faculty and globally competitive culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oberlin College hard to get into?
Admission to Oberlin College is considered elite for music and highly selective academically. At most schools, the audition carries significant weight. Admitted students need to demonstrate performance ability and artistic potential in addition to meeting academic requirements.
Do I need a prescreening video to audition at Oberlin College?
A prescreening video or portfolio submission at Oberlin College.
Prescreening requirements vary significantly from school to school, and sometimes by instrument or area of study, so it's worth checking directly with the admissions office to confirm what's expected for your specific application.
What instruments can I study at Oberlin College?
supports study across a wide range of instruments, including bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, harp, harpsichord, horn, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice. Students typically study privately with a faculty member on their primary instrument while also participating in ensembles and collaborative performance opportunities.
Instrument availability and faculty depth can vary. If you play something less common, it's worth reaching out to the department directly to confirm faculty availability before you apply.
What GPA do I need for Oberlin College?
Admitted students at Oberlin College have an average GPA of 3.8. Keep in mind that this is an average. Some admitted students come in above it, some below, depending on the strength of the overall application and, especially, the audition.
Music programs tend to weigh audition performance heavily, which means a particularly strong musical candidate may be admitted even if their GPA is below the typical range. The reverse is also true. Academic strength alone won't compensate for a weak audition.
What is the application deadline for Oberlin College?
The application deadline for Oberlin College is 2026-12-01 00:00:00, with live auditions typically held Jan–Feb. These dates can shift year to year, so it's important to verify directly with the admissions office well in advance.
Music school deadlines often arrive earlier than general college application deadlines, and audition slots can fill up quickly, especially at competitive programs. Getting your application in early is rarely a bad idea.
Information on this page is updated periodically. Always confirm details directly with the school's admissions office.
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