Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute

Dear Music Teacher,

I am pleased to tell you about a unique summer program for aspiring young piano and organ students – “Discover the Harpsichord.” As part of the world-renowned Baroque Performance Institute at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, this intensive two-week course is designed specifically for enthusiastic and motivated high school students who are eager to broaden their musical horizons.

Although the harpsichord has been regarded as an antiquated and esoteric member of the keyboard family in the past, recent decades have seen its return to a place of prominence alongside the piano and organ. Indeed, today’s musical community not only welcomes familiarity with period instruments and an awareness of performance practice, but increasingly expects it. With this in mind, we have created “Discover the Harpsichord” as a way for young musicians to become familiar with the quintessential keyboard instrument of the baroque. This introduction not only provides students with the fundamental skills unique to harpsichordists, but also enables them to return to the modern piano with a heightened understanding of baroque keyboard repertoire and the instrument for which it was originally conceived.

The larger framework of the Baroque Performance Institute offers participants a wide range of enriching activities outside of the daily masterclasses, including lectures, concerts, baroque dance classes, chamber music sessions, and more. Finally, “Discover the Harpsichord” provides an excellent opportunity for high school students contemplating future musical studies to become acquainted with one of North America’s preeminent conservatories.

Please let your students know about this unique program, especially those who already have an interest in baroque music. The enclosed flyer and application form provide additional details about the course and how to apply for half-tuition scholarships. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,
John McKean

OBERLIN
Conservatory of Music • Summer Programs Office
77 West College Street • Oberlin, OH, 44074-1588
440-775-8044
anna.hoffmann@oberlin.edu

PDF Attachments:

Description Letter
Additional Details Page
Scholarship Information
Application Form