Oberlin Conservatory Information

The Oberlin Conservatory is an incredible institution. There are many attributes that make this conservatory an exceptional place to study: -The flute studio is usually comprised of around 14 undergraduate students. -There are no graduate students majoring in flute (In bigger schools with graduate programs, grad students can crowd undergrads out of ensembles and other playing opportunities) -The numbers of students are controlled across all departments of the conservatory in order to provide balanced numbers in all ensembles, meaning that every flute student should be continuously involved in ensembles. -All of the ensembles function in a professional manner: only one person per part, frequent concerts requiring efficient rehearsal, an expectation of thorough preparation in advance of rehearsals, no chatting during rehearsals etc, and rostering auditions are held behind the screen every semester. -Oberlin has amazing facilities! There are LOTS of practice rooms, all with windows etc., and some even include recording equipment. There are Steinway pianos everywhere you look, a new state-of-the-Art recording studio, and several concert halls. Aside from the largest auditorium (Finney chapel), all facilities can be booked and used by students. Oberlin is a small, cute and very friendly town. Everything is close, so it easy and convenient to get around. Many students talk about rolling out of bed and being in their morning class or practice room inside 5 minutes. The terrain is also very flat in this part of Ohio. Many students use bicycles (these can even be rented from the bicycle co-op for a meager fee). Because everyone lives right here, the intensity of activity 24/7 is extraordinary. For example, it is quite normal for students to be practicing at 8am, busy all day and then rehearsing chamber music at 11pm. The local retail stores provide most of what a student needs. There is one supermarket in walking distance (IGA on East Lorain street). There is also a store specializing in vegetarian and organic produce (Oberlin Market) adjacent to the conservatory, and an Asian foods specialist store 2 blocks away. There are two excellent expresso coffee shops off campus with free wifi; Slow Train café and The Local. Walmart is about 10 minutes drive south of campus. The city of Cleveland is between 35 and 45 minutes depending on where you want to go. Many students routinely attend Cleveland Orchestra concerts. Oberlin has a very long and very rich tradition. Obie grads find themselves members of an exclusive network of well-educated and socially aware individuals. Obie conservatory grads include many elite soloists and can be found everywhere in the top music institutions, orchestras and ensembles. Considering Oberlin? PLEASE try to come to Oberlin to see this place for your self! Alexa sets time aside for meeting with prospective students on Mondays during the academic year. She is more than happy to give prospective students lessons at no charge on Mondays, either before the 3:30pm flute studio class or later in the evening. Besides meeting with Alexa, prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend studio class. This is a great way to get a feel for Oberlin's environment, the attitudes amongst students, and the general standard of playing. Please contact Alexa directly to book a time. The conservatory's admissions office is eager to help with great information about scheduling tours, catching classes, ensemble rehearsals and concerts, and accommodation and transport. If you plan to visit Oberlin during the summer months, please be aware that Alexa is often touring and teaching elsewhere and that you will not be able to attend normal classes when the conservatory/college is not in session. However, The Oberlin Flute Academy is a 5 day summer program for 18 high school students who want to spend a longer period of time getting to know Oberlin and Alexa. This program is advertised on the: Live Auditions: Applicants have full half-hour auditions with Alexa, in her office, on Oberlin's specified audition days in December and February (sometimes going into the first week of March). In case of scheduling conflicts, special times can be arranged. Oberlin also holds regional auditions around the country and overseas, and also accepts uploaded recordings with the applications. The 30-minute live audition allows for substantial performance, time to work on a few things, and to discuss whatever questions the applicant may have. The required repertoire is specified only as two contrasting pieces. Applicants are welcome to present more if they choose. Alexa is interested in hearing applicants at their best, using whatever repertoire suits. On Friday afternoons before the live audition Saturdays, applicants can register, attend a reception where current students are available to chat with, and over the Friday-Saturday audition period there are presentations for family members on the financial aspects of college applications and much more. For further questions specifically about studying flute at Oberlin, please contact Alexa.