Catalogue

Bard College Conservatory of Music

bard.edu/conservatory

The Bard College Conservatory of Music offers graduate programs in conducting, vocal arts, and instrumental studies.  

Graduate Conducting Program: The Graduate Conducting Program is a two-year master of music degree curriculum with tracks in orchestral and choral conducting, designed and directed by James Bagwell, professor of music, director of music performance studies, and principal guest conductor of the American Symphony Orchestra; and Leon Botstein, president of Bard College, music director of the American Symphony Orchestra and The Orchestra Now, and conductor laureate of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. In addition to instruction in conducting, the curriculum includes a four-semester music history sequence; voice and diction lessons for choral conductors; instrument lessons for orchestral conductors; and foreign language study, ear training, and composition for all students. The program, which began in 2010, provides students access to the resources of the Bard Music Festival and other Bard-related musical institutions. 

Graduate Vocal Arts Program: The Graduate Vocal Arts Program is a unique master of music program led by the renowned mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, who brings her wealth of experience as a groundbreaking recitalist and international star of the operatic stage to the young artists in the program. The program was conceived and designed by soprano Dawn Upshaw, who served as the artistic director of the program from its inception in 2006 to the spring of 2019. In addition to receiving individual private lessons in voice, vocal coaching, and the Alexander Technique, students delve into the study of art song, chamber music, contemporary music, oratorio and operatic repertoire throughout their coursework, and give public performances each semester. Opera is performed in curated scene programs, concert versions with orchestra, and in fully staged productions. The innovative curriculum also includes workshops in professional development, diction, language, and acting, and a special course focusing on preparation of the final degree recital. The core teaching faculty includes Associate Director Kayo Iwama, pianist and vocal coach, and is supplemented by guest artists from the professional music world.

Master of Music in Instrumental Arts Program: The MM in instrumental studies combines academic and practical studies of music, with a strong emphasis on music as a means of engaging with, and serving, the broader community beyond the campus. There is a great need for musicians who combine excellent instrumental skills with a more expansive understanding of the role of music in society, and this program aims to train this type of musician by combining the academic and practical studies of music with a strong emphasis on music as a means of engaging with the community. During this two-year program, students develop the core value of music and musicians in service of society. Through private instruction with artist faculty members, coursework in music history and music theory, practical seminars in professional and program development, and performance in recital, chamber music, and orchestra, graduates of the Instrumental Arts Program will be well equipped to meet the demands of a career in music. 

Master of Arts in Chinese Music and Culture: The MA in Chinese Music and Culture is an innovative two-year graduate program offered through the US-China Music Institute of the Bard College Conservatory in collaboration with the Asian Studies Program at Bard. The full-time program provides a unique opportunity for music scholars seeking to develop a balance between music practice and academic research. A range of interdisciplinary course offerings have been designed to deepen students’ understanding of Chinese musical tradition and cultivate their musical skills, while also providing a solid foundation in Chinese Classical and contemporary language, history, and culture. Degree candidates can choose from among the following concentrations, based on their area of interest/specialization: Chinese or Western instruments, voice, musicology/ethnomusicology, or composition. Students who complete the program will be prepared to embark on careers in various fields of China studies, such as musical performance, education and academic research, and the music and media industries.