Oberlin

ConNotations

Introduction to Music Criticism was first offered in the fall of 2011 to prepare students to participate in the first Rubin Institute for Music Criticism in January 2012.

The objective of the course, now in its third year, is to train young writers in the art of informed musical criticism through exposure to great critics of the past and the work of contemporary critics. Students gain practical experience in writing about live performances using the rich resources of Oberlin's numerous public concerts and recitals. Additionally, students have the opportunity to review recordings and to write about musical topics of their choice.

The course operates as a seminar where reviews and in-class listening exercises are shared and discussed by professors and students in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect for all opinions. Guest speakers offer additional insights into upcoming performances.

Ultimately, the course aims to prepare students to be leaders and entrepreneurs in the rapidly changing profession of music journalism in the 21st century.

Latest Posts

A Lone Man and His Guitar
by Monica Hunter-Hart
Most music these days lacks courage. Songwriters labor to cover up genuine, simple emotions with stimulating poetry, all as a...
››› December 21, 2014

REBEL in Kulas Recital Hall, Oberlin (November 23)
by Jeremy Reynolds
With six sonatas from the baroque era on the program, all titled Sonata, one might have expected the music to...
››› December 21, 2014

La Bohème DVD
by Elissa Pfaender
From the stage, to the recording studio, and finally to the big screen, La Bohème has now been brought to...
››› December 21, 2014

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