<p>Worldrummer - N8Ma is no longer associated with Bard - he’s getting his doctorate in conducting in Texas right now! However, I have a son in his third year at Bard Conservatory (as a composer) and I’m always happy to answer questions about the program - and about the college itself. Margun’s son just decided this week to attend the conservatory for percussion - so she has a lot of recent knowledge gathered from her son researching and auditioning at a number of great percussion programs.</p>
<p>I can tell you that the percussion department in the conservatory is not open to the regular college students. They can attend concerts, of course, and possibly master classes, if there are some - but the So Percussion led program is exclusive to the conservatory students.</p>
<p>There are lots of opportunities outside of the conservatory for percussion, however - music is everywhere at Bard. All kinds, which I know your son is interested in. There is jazz drumming, world drumming, and bands of every sort and flavor. There is also the New Music ensemble, Contemporaneous which is formed of musicians both in and out of the conservatory, as well as outside of the college itself.</p>
<p>I would recommend writing to James Bagwell, who is the head of the college music program and ask about percussion opportunities outside of the conservatory.</p>
<p>As for creative writing, Bard is one of the best choices out there.</p>