About the Artist Diploma

This four-semester program, offered only in certain performance departments, is intended for a limited number of exceptionally gifted performers who have completed the Bachelor of Music or its equivalent, or who have acquired extensive musical experience or training through institutional or private studies or through unusual performing experiences, and who wish to concentrate on private applied study without additional course requirements.

Students in the Artist Diploma program may not concurrently pursue another degree or non-degree music program.
Students in or graduates of the Artist Diploma program may not transfer to the Bachelor of Music degree program.

Students enrolled in the Oberlin Bachelor of Music degree program who wish to be considered for the Artist Diploma program must complete an abbreviated application from the Conservatory Admissions Office, due at the same time as external applications, and perform an audition before the appropriate department. Oberlin Bachelor of Music students are only allowed to apply to the Artist Diploma program with the recommendation of the department and approval of the Office of the Associate Deans of the Conservatory.

Advising for Artist Diploma Students

For an Artist 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 Artist 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 Artist Diploma. There are 18 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 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 an Artist Diploma

Minor Study

Artist Diploma students are not eligible to pursue a minor.

Integrative Concentration Study

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

Degree Requirements

See detailed degree requirements for the Artist Diploma.