<p>Our S is also considering Oberlin, but is concerned about availability of music opportunities for non-Conservatory students. There are some other CC threads on this topic and what I have gleaned from them is this: If you just want to go to concerts and listen to music, Oberlin is a great place. But if you are not in the conservatory and you want to perform music, take music classes or take music lessons, it may not be so great. </p>
<p>I do not believe that Convervatory music ensembles are open to liberal arts students. In recent years, they have created an orchestra just for liberal arts students (conducted by a Conservatory student). However, my S plays jazz and, as far as I know, there are no jazz ensembles set aside for liberal arts students. Regarding music lessons – except in unusual circumstances, liberal arts students cannot take lessons from Conservatory professors; they can take lessons from Conservatory students. Regarding music courses – Conservatory students get top priority in registering for music classes, so liberal arts students may get shut out of many of them. There are, however, a few sections of the introductory music courses reserved for liberal arts students. Majoring or minoring in music is not an option for liberal arts students. </p>
<p>I’m sure that there are plenty of opportunities for amateur musicians to jam together informally, create their own bands etc. But I don’t think they should expect any musical guidance or support from the college.</p>