Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity Statement From The Bard College Music Community

The Bard College music community celebrates its wide-ranging approaches to musical studies by emphasizing creative expression and the development of each individual’s artistic voice. Our programs include:

The Undergraduate Music Program (classical instrumental and voice, composition, electronic music, ethnomusicology, history, jazz, theory)
The Conservatory of Music (composition, conducting, instrumental, US-China, voice)
The Orchestra Now

Historically, classical music education has foregrounded European practices of the 17th through 20th centuries. As we become accountable for discriminations relating to that narrow focus, we affirm our intention to break down those boundaries of exclusion. Actionable steps towards equity include: the long term cultivation of a diverse faculty, staff, and student body that is inclusive of a diverse range of races, ethnicities, genders, and LGBTQ+ identities; the practice of respectful listening and communication within and between our programs; the regular review of curricula and their successful inclusion of multiple perspectives; the presentation of diverse musical programming that features and furthers collaborations across the Bard campus; and the forging of initiatives that engage with underserved communities and underrepresented populations. As we pursue these goals, we remain committed to taking actions that combat discrimination and racism in order to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive program.

Learn More About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bard

Actionable Steps Toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion In The Bard Music Programs

Formation of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Music Committee

The Bard music programs are excited to create a formal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee with student and faculty representatives from all three music programs at Bard. This committee, which will report to the directors of each music program, will facilitate communication around issues of inclusion and equity. The formation of this group will help to guide our programs in their DEI initiatives and work.
Inclusive Excellence in Music Scholarships

Bard Conservatory is committed to fostering musical and academic excellence in students coming from populations historically underrepresented in the classical music field. Bard Conservatory is pleased to announce the creation of up to 5 Inclusive Excellence in Music Scholarships for incoming first years in the Undergraduate Double Degree Program, 1 for incoming first years the Graduate Vocal Arts Program, and 1 for incoming first years in the Graduate Conducting Program.

These scholarships will cover up to the full cost of tuition, room and board at Bard College for the entirety of the student's academic program, and all students applying from populations that have been historically underrepresented in classical music will automatically be considered for this scholarship. In addition to financial support, our Inclusive Excellence in Music scholars will also receive support from Conservatory peer and faculty mentors in bi-weekly meetings, as well as full access to the resources of Bard College's Office of Equity and Inclusion. These services include group advising, the Learning Commons, and leadership development.
Programming
The Bard music programs recognize the importance of the performance of works by historically underrepresented composers. In the 2020-21 season, the Bard music programs presented works by:
- Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
- William Grant Still
- Adolphus Hailstork
- Erica Lindsay
- Jessie Montgomery
- Chevalier de Saint-Georges
- Alvin Singleton
- Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate
Beyond the 2020-21 season, we are committed to continuing to cultivate a canon of diverse repertoire in all of our ensembles.

Land Acknowledgement

In the spirit of truth and equity, it is with gratitude and humility that we acknowledge that we are gathered on the sacred homelands of the Munsee and Muhheaconneok people, who are the original stewards of this land. Today, due to forced removal, the community resides in Northeast Wisconsin and is known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. We honor and pay respect to their ancestors past and present, as well as to Future generations and we recognize their continuing presence in their homelands. We understand that our acknowledgement requires those of us who are settlers to recognize our own place in and responsibilities towards addressing inequity, and that this ongoing and challenging work requires that we commit to real engagement with the Munsee and Mohican communities to build an inclusive and equitable space for all.

Learn More About The Stockbridge-Munsee Community