You are joining a unique community of accomplished, intelligent, and supportive musicians who are combining music making of the highest standard with an ambitious liberal arts curriculum. The fully integrated double-degree curriculum not only prepares one for life after college but also develops better musicians—musicians who can put their music making in a larger intellectual, social, and artistic context; who can bring a broader set of intellectual skills to their music making; who can serve their community and move the art of music forward. The world is changing, and it is not enough to just be able to play your instrument well. Musicians now must be able to think broadly, creatively, and entrepreneurially about the art form. To achieve these ambitious goals you will have an incredible group of faculty—musicians of the highest caliber who are also dedicated and supportive educators.
This section of the website is to help you take the first steps of becoming part of the Conservatory. Since Conservatory students are fully integrated into the larger Bard College community, the majority of your enrollment and orientation will be done through the College. Below you will find more details about that, and you will also find some helpful initial information specific to the Conservatory program.
Welcome to the Bard Conservatory. You will learn a lot, you will have fun, and you will never be bored!
The enrollment deadline for incoming first year students is May 1. In order to officially enroll in the College, you will need to reply to your offer of admission through your Applicant Portal and submit your enrollment deposit before May 1. You will have the option for online payment using your Applicant Portal. If paying by check, mail the check deposit form with your payment, postmarked no later than May 1.
All official communication for Conservatory activities and scheduling goes to student’s Bard email addresses. It is important to set up your Bard email account and check it frequently—especially during the months leading up to arrival at Bard.
During the first week of Language and Thinking in August there will be an orientation session for incoming Conservatory students. Students are introduced to the core members of the Conservatory team and are given specific information about lessons, orchestra, chamber music and the use of the Conservatory facilities.
During the summer before you come to campus you will be contacted by Erica Kiesewetter, the Conservatory director of orchestral studies. She will let you know the required excerpts for the first seating auditions, which usually take place at the end of the first week of the semester.