Present Students at Oberlin College
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At the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, current students who wish to change or add a major, such as Technology in Music and Related Arts (TIMARA), Composition, or other areas, must follow a formal application process. While the exact steps for changing or adding a major within the Conservatory are not explicitly outlined, it is standard to discuss changes with academic advisors and possibly meet certain requirements or audition for artistic majors.
Audition Requirements
For performance-based areas, including TIMARA ensembles and Composition performance components, auditions or portfolio-like evaluations are competitive and are a prerequisite for ensemble participation. Roy Fuccio, Director of Ensemble Operations, or Conservatory staff during orientation events, are primary contacts for audition information and guidance.
Change of Major Process
To change or add a major, students should likely consult with Conservatory advisors and submit a formal application through the Conservatory or college administration. For students pursuing a College of Arts & Sciences degree who wish to apply to the Conservatory or pursue dual degrees, such as BA+BFA, this process is presumably similar or overlaps with the major change process within the Conservatory itself, requiring formal submission by an established deadline.
Deadlines
Specific deadlines for major changes within the Conservatory are not publicly listed. It is recommended that students contact Conservatory staff or academic advisors promptly, especially around the start of terms, for current information.
How to Apply for TIMARA
TIMARA applicants should schedule a consultation with Professor Tom Lopez, begin the change of status review process, and complete steps 1-4.
Steps for Changing or Adding a Major
- Schedule an appointment with Leah Brockman, Associate Dean for Student Academic Affairs, via the link on the Conservatory Student Academic Affairs webpage.
Exceptions
Arts and sciences students interested in declaring the Musical Studies Major should schedule an appointment with Director of Musical Studies, Kathryn Metz, or Musical Studies co-chairs, Aurie Hsu or Elizabeth Hamilton, or the Office of the Registrar.
Screening and Review Process
After meeting with the Conservatory Associate Dean and completing an audition or interview, a student will be reviewed for admission. Instructions for submitting screening materials will be sent once the application is submitted. Screening requirements for each department can be found on the individual departments' audition pages.
Change of Status Application
The Change of Status Application must be completed and submitted, with deadlines varying by area. For detailed and up-to-date information, students should contact the Conservatory’s academic advising office or the Director of Ensemble Operations directly. These offices provide personalized guidance and current deadlines, including audition scheduling.
Education and self-development play significant roles in navigating major changes at Oberlin Conservatory of Music. To change or add a major, students should likely consult with Conservatory advisors and submit a formal application through the Conservatory or college administration, following the Change of Status Application process with deadlines varying by area. For example, TIMARA applicants should schedule a consultation with Professor Tom Lopez, begin the change of status review process, and complete the steps outlined.
