Oboe
If you play oboe seriously, it can be part of your college path even if you don't plan to major in music.
Your options
Major in music
Apply to the college and audition for its school of music, or apply to a conservatory. Your playing carries the most weight.
- Regular application
- Music supplement
- Prescreen video at some schools
- Live or recorded audition
Double or dual degree
A music degree plus a second degree, usually over five years. Some universities partner with conservatories, such as Harvard with NEC.
- Applications to both schools
- An audition
- Each school admits you separately
Major in something else and keep playing
Apply normally. Many selective colleges accept an optional arts supplement, though some review it only when the rest of your application is already strong. Once you enroll, many schools offer lessons and ensembles to non-majors.
- Regular application
- Arts supplement where accepted
When it happens
- 19th–10th
Private lessons; youth orchestra, honor band or all-state; start standard repertoire.
- 211th
Research schools by their oboe teacher; summer music program; practice recording.
- 312th fall
Regular application plus music supplement; prescreens and arts supplements often due around Dec 1, some earlier.
- 412th winter
Live or recorded auditions, usually Jan–Feb; some schools add sight-reading.
- 512th spring
Decisions by about April 1; compare music awards with financial aid; deposit by May 1.
What you'd need
- A private teacher who knows college audition repertoire
- Ensemble experience
- Prepared pieces: a concerto or sonata, etudes, orchestral excerpts
- A clean video recording
- Strong grades, since music adds to the application but doesn't replace academics
Myth vs. what's true
“Every music school wants an oboe prescreen by Dec 1.”
It differs by school and instrument. Some don't require one for undergraduate oboe.
“Oboe can get me a scholarship at an Ivy.”
Ivies give no music or merit scholarships. Aid is need-based only.
“A music scholarship means a full ride.”
Award sizes vary by school. A few conservatories, such as Curtis, give every student full tuition.
“If I'm not a music major I'll have to stop playing.”
Many colleges offer lessons and ensembles to students in any major.
Where to look
| Official page | Last checked |
|---|---|
| Eastman Oboe | Oct 2026 |
| NEC Oboe | Oct 2026 |
| Indiana Jacobs Auditions | Oct 2026 |
| Harvard–NEC Dual Degree | Oct 2026 |
| Yale Supplementary Materials | Oct 2026 |
| Indiana Jacobs: music for non-majors | Oct 2026 |
| Harvard: how aid works | Oct 2026 |
| Yale financial aid | Oct 2026 |
| Curtis: financial aid & tuition | Oct 2026 |