Oberlin College is an integral part of the city of Oberlin, a town of about 8,100 residents located 35 miles southwest of Cleveland. The town is primarily residential, with tree-lined streets and fine old clapboard houses. The College is located in the center of town, close to the business district, and virtually everything a student needs is within walking or biking distance.

The Conservatory of Music contains 153 practice rooms—all with windows—and houses 168 Steinway grand pianos and eighteen uprights. The conservatory also has two concert halls, numerous instrument collections, state-of-the-art electronic music studios, and recording facilities.