Curriculum
All students in the Advanced Performance Studies Program are fully integrated into the life of the Conservatory. All APS students perform in the Conservatory Orchestra, participate in the full chamber music program, receive studio instructions from our exceptional faculty, and act as mentors for the undergraduate instrumentalists. They also have significant interaction with the other graduate programs within the Conservatory in vocal arts, instrumental arts, and conducting.
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Studio InstructionWeekly private lessons with artist teachers are at the center of the educational experience of every student at the Bard Conservatory. Drawing from the professional music world of New York City, Bard is able to attract exceptional faculty. Private studio lessons are supplemented with frequent master classes with visiting guest artists. -
OrchestraThe growth experienced by rehearsing and performing music with peers in a large ensemble is an irreplaceable part of any musician’s education. Bard places considerable emphasis upon this aspect of the Conservatory experience. The Bard College Conservatory Orchestra rehearses twice a week and performs at least twice each semester in the beautiful and acoustically superb Fisher Center at Bard College. -
Chamber MusicChamber music plays a particularly important role at the Conservatory. In addition to performing the standard masterworks of the chamber music repertoire, students work closely with the composition program of the Conservatory to perform works of the late 20th and the 21st centuries. Studio faculty members serve not only as coaches but often as players in ensembles, allowing students to learn firsthand from the playing of a more experienced musician. The chamber music program is further enriched by master classes and concerts by guest artists.
For Pianists
Solo pianists are required to take the collaborative piano practicum course. And collaborative pianists, in addition to the piano practicum course, are required to take the weekly collaborative piano seminar. Advanced Performance Studies pianists participate in the full chamber music program of the Conservatory, and are often engaged to play with the Conservatory Orchestra and The Orchestra Now. Additionally, pianists have the opportunity to work with the singers in the Graduate Vocal Arts Program through various classes and performances, as well as the conductors in the Graduate Conducting Program.