theorygeek

This is a pretty specific question, so I won't be suprised if no one really knows the answer:

After looking through the Oberlin Conservatory Website, I noticed they offer Music Theory only in their double degree program. Is it possible to major at the conservatory in theory, and at the college in another degree, or is theory only allowed if you already are majoring at the conservatory? To rephrase the question, does anyone know if you could major in theory at the conservatory and another subject at the college? I realize the conservatory doesn't offer theory as a sole major, so I don't know if it's offered to college students.

violadad

The exact wording from Oberlin Conservatory's website is:

<A major in music theory is offered as part of a double major within the Conservatory. A major in music theory can complement a major in performance, composition, electronic and computer music, music education, or music history. A minor in music theory also is available. >

I'm scratching my head on this one. It seems odd that Oberlin would not offer a BM in theory as a single degree and only in conjunction with a dual music degree.

I would suggest talking to someone in the department for clarification. It just seems odd.

BassDad might be able to shed some light.

BassDad

Actually, the Theory option is available as part of a double MAJOR program within the conservatory. That is different from the double DEGREE program that is coordinated between the college and the con.

There are several possibilities. First of all, there is the BA in Music with emphasis in History and Theory through the College. There is no entrance audition required for this, but you do eventually need to audition into a teacher's studio for secondary (i.e. half hour per week) lessons in order to satisfy all degree requirements. If you have taken two or three years of private lessons on voice or an instrument, you should have no trouble getting secondary lessons. People who do this major cannot also major in the Conservatory. It may be possible to double major within the college, in which case you would get a single BA degree with two majors.

The Conservatory offers Music Theory as a second major within the conservatory. More details are available at http://catalog.oberlin.edu/preview_p...d=15&poid=1765
The program only requires 12 additional semester hours beyond the basic music theory courses that all conservatory students take and it is possible to declare as a Theory Major as late as the second semester of Junior year. The result would be a BM degree with two majors.

It gets a little complicated if you want to do a Double Major in the Conservatory combined with the Double Degree program in the College and Conservatory. It is possible, but you may need to extend to an eleventh semester or take a couple of courses elsewhere over the summer and transfer them to Oberlin. The result would be two degrees - a BA in the college in a single major plus a BM in the conservatory with two majors.

It is not possible, as far as I know, to get a BM in Music Theory alone combined with a BA in something else at the college. I think the Conservatory reasons that a major solely in Music Theory really belongs in the context of a BA program. Since that is available through the College, there is no need for them to duplicate it.

violadad

BassDad caught me. I inadverently wrote double degree as opposed to the correct dual/double major nomenclature. You'd think I would know better, with my own son doing a five year double major program.

Mea culpa.

Must be old age. I wonder where I left my hairshirt?

theorygeek

Thank both of you so much for the help!!!