Music Minor

The minor consists of a minimum of 5 full courses (or the equivalent).

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the minor.

View the catalog page for the music program.

The minor in music is designed for College of Arts and Sciences students who want to structure and organize their studies in the Conservatory of Music during their time at Oberlin. The specific requirements provide basic guidance while also allowing students to explore and pursue a variety of music-focused classes and activities and to follow their own interests.

Summary of Requirements

Five full courses (or the equivalent) must be taken in at least three of the following four distribution areas:

Academic
Applied Practice and Performance
Creative Practice
Musical Communities and Professional Practices

Note(s) on Requirements

If a student is enrolled in or has completed a course that is not listed below, they can petition the curricular committee to apply the course toward the minor.

Transfer of Credit Toward the Minor

Two types of approval are needed to transfer credit to count toward the music minor requirements. (1) Approval from the Office of the Registrar that the transfer course meets Oberlin’s transfer-of-credit eligibility standards and (2) approval from the department/program chair that the course(s) may count to the minor. Current students taking post-matriculation credit must secure this approval before registering for course(s). Students who enter Oberlin as transfer students will have their pre-matriculation credit evaluated by the Office of the Registrar for elective credit, and they can later seek approval from the department/program for applying coursework to minor requirements.

Detailed Minor Requirements

Music Minor Course Lists

Academic Courses

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The academic area typically includes music theory (MUTH) and musicology (MUSY) courses. Any course in these disciplines can count for this requirement. With approval from the committee, one music/sound-focused course from the college may also count for this area.

The following courses may be of particular interest for students pursuing this minor.

Applied Practice and Performance Courses

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Applied practice and performance can include any large or small ensemble experience or solo performance that takes the form of private lessons (typically secondary lessons) on an instrument or voice. Up to four credits of lessons and up to four credits of ensembles may count toward the minor. Signups and auditions take place each semester during the first week of classes.

View more information about secondary lessons here.

Click here to access the full list of ensemble performance courses.

The following courses may be of particular interest for students pursuing this minor.

Creative Practice Courses

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Creative practice courses include all courses and/or lessons in TIMARA (TECH) and composition (COMP) and jazz composition/arranging. With approval from the committee, one music/sound-focused course from the college may also count for this area.

The following courses may be of particular interest for students pursuing this minor.

Musical Communities and Professional Practices Courses

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Any course or credit-bearing project with the PACE or PROF subject code can count toward this requirement.

The following courses may be of particular interest for students pursuing this minor.