Bachelor of Music: Performance (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)

Major Status

Sophomore Major Status is attained upon completion of:

Principal Private Study II on the student’s major instrument
The First Major Committee Examination
Secondary Private Study II (Piano)

Junior Major Status is attained upon the completion of:

Principal Private Study IV on the student’s major instrument
The Second Major Committee Examination
Student recital (division, studio, or honors recital) appearances one and two

Senior Major Status is attained upon completion of:

Principal Private Study VI on the student’s major instrument
The junior recital or student recital (division, studio, or honors recital) appearances three and four

Music Theory and Aural Skills Requirement

Students are expected to register for Music Theory and Aural Skills courses each semester until they have completed the requirements. Part or all of these requirements may be waived by placement examination when the student enters Oberlin.

Music Theory I-IV and Aural Skills I-IV must be taken concurrently, e.g., a student will register for Music Theory I (MUTH 130 or 131) and Aural Skills I in the same semester. Under certain circumstances, with the permission of the appropriate division director and the Music Theory division director, students will be allowed to take Aural Skills IV and Music Theory IV separately. A student’s aural skills requirement must be completed before the senior recital can be scheduled. Double-degree students will resolve any conflicts with these expectations in consultation with their advisors.

Electives

A student should select electives based on the following: a minimum of 76 hours of Conservatory coursework is required; a minimum of 24 hours of liberal arts is required.

Related Programs

For a description of the majors in Baroque violin, Baroque cello/viola da gamba, see the Historical Performance Program.

Expository Writing Proficiency

Students with an SAT verbal score below 580 or an ACT score below 24, or a TOEFL score below 600 must complete one course chosen from RHET 101 or 102.