About the Performance Diploma

This four-semester program, offered only in certain performance departments, is designed for the very small number of gifted performers who have not yet completed the Bachelor of Music or its equivalent and who are seeking a very narrowly focused program of study leading to a performance-oriented career.

Students in the Performance Diploma program may not concurrently pursue another degree or non-degree music program.
Students who have completed requirements for both the Bachelor of Music degree and the Performance Diploma will receive only the Bachelor of Music degree.

Advising for Performance Diploma Students

For a performance diploma student, the principal applied study teacher is normally the student’s faculty advisor.

Questions about advising in the Conservatory of Music may be directed to Conservatory Student Academic Affairs.

Types of Study Within the Performance Diploma

Students wishing to declare a specific path of study must do so before graduation by the deadline published in the academic calendar. Majors or concentrations may not be declared after a student’s degree is conferred, even if all the requirements were met before graduation.

Major Study

The major in performance is the only major applicable to the Performance Diploma. There are 16 available concentrations attached to the performance major.

Concentration Study

Students declare one concentration. Requirements for each concentration are described in the Oberlin College and Conservatory Course Catalog each year.

Students are responsible for compliance with the concentration requirements as stated in the course catalog in effect when they first matriculate at Oberlin, unless action by an appropriate faculty body specifically directs otherwise. Unless so directed by the faculty body, the student may elect to follow either the requirements in effect when entering Oberlin or those in effect in any subsequent year; however, the student must follow one complete set of requirements.

Concentration requirements generally consist of course requirements and non-course requirements (such as committees, hearings, portfolio submissions, departmentals, recitals, etc.), which may vary by concentration.

Any student who returns to Oberlin to complete a concentration after more than four semesters away may be required to follow the requirements in effect at the time the student reenters Oberlin. These requirements may be altered as necessary in individual cases by the departments or programs. The completion of a concentration is included on the transcript.

Concentrations Available to Students Pursuing a Performance Diploma

Minor Study

Performance Diploma students are not eligible to pursue a minor.

Integrative Concentration Study

Performance Diploma students are not eligible to pursue an integrative concentration.

Degree Requirements

See detailed degree requirements for the Performance Diploma.