hotsoup

I've heard very good things about the conservatory... however, how is the music program not at the conservatory? I'm interested in jazz piano, and jazz is not an offered major at the conservatory I don't think. Help?

N8Ma

Hello hotsoup.

There are outstanding jazz performers/composers teaching at Bard: Erica Lindsay, John Esposito, and Thurman Barker.

There are two ways to study music at Bard--through the Music Program, which rests within the Arts Division of the College and thus grants a BA, or through the Conservatory, which stands apart from the four academic divisions and grants a BM. You can read more here about the two on the FAQ page for the conservatory:
Bard College Conservatory of Music | Frequently Asked Questions

sopranomom92

Question: Do the students applying to music in the college, not conservatory, audition for admission? Or, do they send a supplemental CD only? Also, must they do the complete arts supplement, or is a supplemental CD enough. For voice, is a DVD preferred?

SpiritManager

Admission to the music program in the college itself is not audition based. I'm sure N8Ma will chime in - but he is in charge of admissions for the Conservatory not the college program. I would suggest contacting James Bagwell who is the chair of the music program regarding dvds vs. cds for your supplemental material. My son, who is in the conservatory did fill out the Common app arts supplement in addition to the application for the conservatory.

Proud Dad

My DD applied with a voice CD (soprano) but since Music wasn't her choice of major I have no idea if anyone listened to it, or not. It is just such a big part of who she is she wanted to include it. She also submitted a studio-art portfolio (slides) but isn't an art major, either. She currently takes more music courses than almost anything else, enjoys the classes, and has found wonderful opportunities to further her vocal interests at Bard, even as a non-music major. I don't see how it could have worked out any better for her anywhere else, and the music department couldn't have been more accommodating—other than not being able to find anyone in the department to talk to in three visits before and after applying. FWIW

lilygraces

Music majors applying do not have to audition. Sending in CDs DO help your application and give them a sense of who you are as a musician. However to get into the orchestra and other groups, you do have to audition.

From what I've heard from my friends who are music majors (not conservatory), the music program is really good, however, like all arts at Bard, it's competitive, especially getting lessons (this year, I know many freshmen voice majors had difficulty getting lessons because they were filled up by upperclassmen who had registered in May).

stradmom

D is a sophomore at Bard, not a music major, but takes music lessons (sorry, not jazz, so no specific info for you there!). She's found the music department to be very supportive and helpful....best of luck to you!