Overview

Under the direction of concert technicians and rebuilders John Cavanaugh and Robert Murphy, students of the Piano Technology at Oberlin College & Conservatory gain intensive training in core concepts of piano technology and build upon that knowledge throughout their first year.

By the second year of study, they develop proficiency in applying advanced techniques on New York and Hamburg Steinway pianos of all vintages in the shop, on stage, and in the recording studio.

The Oberlin Difference

Oberlin’s emphasis on developing technicians into concert‑level specialists in tuning and voicing distinguishes the program from traditional piano technology training. Students engage in guided interaction with conservatory piano faculty and visiting concert artists, learning to translate each artist’s intentions into technical plans that address their specific needs.

Curriculum

The MFA in Piano Technology curriculum consists of four semesters of study with piano tech faculty John Cavanaugh and Robert Murphy, as well as immersive training with Patrick and LuAnne DeBeliso of PianoCrafters Inc. in Plymouth, Michigan, and instruction with Steinway factory technicians. Additional applied study includes dialogue with concert artists and hands-on training by world-class concert piano technicians.

The teaching faculty provides daily mentoring, works alongside the student, assesses the student’s work, and provides feedback. Special attention is devoted to understanding tuning theory in equal and historical temperaments, with emphasis in the first year on tuning with accuracy and speed. Students learn to work independently on assigned projects and have opportunities to discuss their work with a supervisor.

Although the program emphasizes concert prep skills, its scope is much broader. In addition to training students in concert tuning and preparation, instructors and staff help students develop rebuilding and shop skills. This includes installing a new pinblock in the Steinway tradition, replacing bridge caps, soundboard repairs, and complete regulation of the action and damper action. At the end of the first year, each student is evaluated by a representative of the Steinway factory.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Continuo Accompanying
Historical Performance
Music Research and Writing
Musicology
Music Theory
Piano Technology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Oberlin, United States

Disciplines

Music View 1019 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Audition required; musical ability demonstrated in the audition is the primary factor in admission.
Submission of TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores is required for applicants whose first language is not English.
Screening materials (recordings) are required before an audition for all Historical Performance graduate applicants.
Placement exams in music history and music theory occur after admission and are required for proper placement.
A completed bachelor’s degree (or acceptance into the five‑year BM+MM pathway) is required for admission to the Master of Music program

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

68340 USD / year

≈ 68340 USD / year
Out-of-State

68340 USD / year

≈ 68340 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

68340 USD / year

≈ 68340 USD / year

Living costs

Oberlin

United States

1070 - 1765 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Piano Technology.

Available Scholarships

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