The Oberlin Conservatory of Music, an integral part of Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, stands as a distinguished institution with a rich history in musical education. Founded in 1865, it holds the distinction of being the second oldest conservatory and the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States. What makes Oberlin unique among American conservatories is its complete integration with a liberal arts college. This affiliation
offers students an exceptional opportunity to pursue a five-year double-degree program, allowing them to earn both a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts, thereby combining intensive musical training with a broad liberal arts education. The conservatory's student body, like that of the college, is almost exclusively undergraduate.
A Pioneering Spirit in Music Education
From its inception, the Oberlin Conservatory mirrored the progressive spirit of its parent institution. It was notable as one of the first conservatories in the United States to regularly admit African American students, a commitment that aligns with Oberlin College's broader historical role in educating African American students both before and after the Civil War. This dedication to inclusivity has been a cornerstone of the conservatory's values, emphasizing freedom, social justice, and service within the realm of music. The conservatory's legacy includes the education of figures like William Grant Still, who became widely recognized as the "dean of African-American composers," further solidifying its historical significance in fostering diverse musical talent.
Admission to the conservatory is highly competitive, primarily based on a rigorous audition process. Each year, over 1,400 musicians from around the globe apply for a freshman class of approximately 120 students, highlighting the institution's prestige and the caliber of its programs. Students can choose to enroll solely in the conservatory or opt for the five-year Double-Degree program, which provides a comprehensive academic experience across both music and traditional liberal arts disciplines.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Resources
The Oberlin Conservatory has evolved significantly in terms of its physical infrastructure. Initially housed in Warner Hall, the conservatory now occupies four interconnected buildings situated on the south side of Tappan Square. The original complex of three large white buildings was designed in 1963 by the renowned Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki, whose work also includes the later design of the World Trade Center in New York City. A vertical expansion completed in 2010 enhanced the buildings' acoustics and introduced a double-height recital room, further improving the learning and performance environment.
In 2010, the Bertram and Judith Kohl Building opened, providing a new home for the Jazz Studies, Music History, and Music Theory departments. This building is connected to the Robertson Building via a third-floor enclosed bridge, which also features the Sky Bar, named after an iconic Cleveland jazz club. The Robertson Building itself is a hub of activity, housing around 150 practice rooms, many with windows, along with the Otto B. Schoepfle Vocal Arts Center, Career Resource Center, Kulas Organ Center, reed-making rooms, computer labs, faculty studios, and staff offices. Additionally, the Conservatory East Studios, located adjacent to the Hotel at Oberlin, opened in 2025 to accommodate the newly established Music Theater program, offering dance studios, faculty studios, and practice rooms. The William and Helen Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space, located in the lower level of the Hotel at Oberlin, is also accessible through an internal connection.
Oberlin's commitment to excellence extends to its instruments; it has been an all-Steinway school since 1877 and boasts one of the world's largest collections of Steinway & Sons pianos, comprising over 240 instruments. This dedication to providing top-tier resources underscores the conservatory's mission to cultivate exceptional musical talent.
