<p>MAasamom,</p>
<p>I’m sorry to be late in seeing your message but figured it would be worth replying anyway. Longy has been going through a merger process with Bard College, and we are extremely excited about the future. Our relationship with Bard will open new opportunities for our students and alumni, and it will make possible many things that a small, independent conservatory cannot always do by itself. In becoming the Longy School of Music of Bard College, we have no plans to move from our wonderful location near Harvard Square, and Longy will maintain a distinct student body, faculty, staff, and board. I hope that you will stay tuned to further developments regarding the merger.</p>
<p>Longys faculty did choose to form a union last year, and a new contract has already been successfully negotiated. The level of teaching and collaboration here has never been higher.</p>
<p>The piano sale is an annual occurrence based on a relationship with Kawai; they provide new pianos for our practice rooms and then sell them once they have had a few years of use. Longy has a mix of Steinway and Kawai pianos which are kept in great shape by our staff piano tuner.</p>
<p>Our joint BM program with Emerson remains an option for our undergraduates, although we are already exploring other possibilities with Bard College at Simons Rock.</p>
<p>Longy sets our deadlines early in order to leave plenty of time to schedule live auditions, set up student files, gather supporting documents, etc. We certainly have flexibility regarding this and are happy to make individual arrangements if necessary; all you need to do is ask. We are a small school that prides itself on individualized attention, and we try to get to know our applicants throughout the admissions process. The Longy staff (including the Dean) know each of our students by name, and we strive to provide a supportive atmosphere that promotes excellence, exploration, creativity, entrepreneurship, and complete musicianship. In my experience (having studied at four other schools for my BA, MM, GD, and DMA), very few schools allow students to have a voice in their own education in the way that Longy does.</p>
<p>I would be happy to answer any questions any of you may have about Longy. I truly believe in the school and know that it has a very bright future. Please feel free to contact me at <a href=“mailto:alex.powell@longy.edu”>alex.powell@longy.edu</a> or 617-876-0956 x1521. </p>
<p>Best,
Alex Powell
Director of Admissions and Student Services
Longy School of Music</p>