Graduate Vocal Arts Program
Admission
Application Deadline: December 1
VOCAL ARTS PROGRAM APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The Vocal Arts Program processes all applications online.
Click here to apply. (This will take you to an external site)
A complete online application will contain:
1. A detailed repertoire list of works studied (Please asterisk those works you have performed)
2. Two letters of recommendation (see below for instructions on how to register your recommenders using Embark).
3. A nonrefundable application fee of $75.00, payable online with a valid credit card or electronic check
The following should be sent under separate cover:
1. A head shot
2. Official transcripts from all post secondary institutions attended.
Please note: Copies are considered official only if they are sent directly to the VAP Admission Committee from the issuing institution. Unofficial transcript copies sent by the applicant will not be accepted.
Please note: Copies are considered official only if they are sent directly to the VAP Admission Committee from the issuing institution. Unofficial transcript copies sent by the applicant will not be accepted.
3. A prescreening CD of applicant's singing, which includes the following:
- Three selections in varying styles
- Include at least one selection from the art song repertory
- Include at least one operatic aria
- One must be in English, the others in two different languages, and
- One must be a contemporary work
Auditions for the Vocal Arts Program will be held February 26, 2010 at Bard College, and February 27, 2010 in New York City. Shortlisted applicants will receive an invitation to audition no later than January 15.
Letters of Recommendation
The Graduate Program in Vocal Arts accepts letters of recommendation through the Embark online application system. When prompted, enter the recommender’s name and email. The recommender will receive an email with details instructions on how to submit his/her recommendation online. The status of recommendation letters can be viewed by logging back into Embark once the application is submitted.
Letters of recommendation are also accepted on paper, on official forms. The letters should be addressed to the Graduate Committee, signed across the sealed flap of the envelope, and sent directly to the address above.
Non-Native Speakers of English
Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate proficiency in English and should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL scores should be sent to the Graduate Program in Vocal Arts by the Educational Testing Service. The Bard College school code is 2037. A minimum score of 600 on the written test or 250 on the computer-based test is required for admission.
Other evidence of English-language proficiency will be accepted only with the approval of the Graduate Admission Committee. An application is considered incomplete and cannot be acted upon until all the materials listed above are received.
Other evidence of English-language proficiency will be accepted only with the approval of the Graduate Admission Committee. An application is considered incomplete and cannot be acted upon until all the materials listed above are received.
Financial Aid
Tuition for the 2010-2011 academic year is $32,813.
The graduate program is able to provide financial assistance, in the form of scholarships and fellowships, to students whose personal financial resources are insufficient to meet the expenses of graduate study. Funds for scholarships and fellowships are limited, and awards typically will apply only to tuition and cannot cover living expenses.
Students may also apply for Federal Stafford Loans, and those who are New York State residents may apply to the New York State Tuition Assistance Program. These loan and grant programs are briefly described below. More detailed information about applying for financial aid can be obtained from the Conservatory. Financial aid is administered by the Bard College Office of Financial Aid.
Eligibility for financial aid is determined each year by the demonstration of financial need. Financial need is assessed by a uniform method from financial data provided by the student on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, for international applicants, the International Student Financial Aid form and Certificate of Finances. The FAFSA form should be sent to the federal processor as soon after January 1, 2009 as possible.
To be eligible for federal student aid, applicants must not be in default of repayment of federal student loans or owe refunds on federal student grants. Awards of financial aid are made without reference to age, color, ethnic or national origin, gender, handicapping conditions, marital status, race, or sexual orientation. International students, although not eligible for financial assistance from the federal government of the United States, may qualify for aid administered by Bard College.
Applying for Financial Aid (U.S. citizens)
All students who are U.S. citizens seeking financial aid should complete the FAFSA form, available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by request from the Bard Financial Aid Office.
Applying for Financial Aid (non-U.S. citizens)
International applicants are not eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. government but may qualify for other sources of aid. International applicants seeking financial aid should fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application and Certificate of Finances, both available online or by request from the Bard Financial Aid Office at (845) 758-7526.
All correspondence should be addressed to:
Bard College Conservatory of Music
Graduate Admissions
30 Campus Road
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000
Application deadline: December 1, 2009
