Preparatory Division
Several pianists sitting.

Preparatory Division

A music program for students ages 3 to 18, the Preparatory Division offers young people the joy of studying music in the context of a first-class conservatory.
A group of children watching scarves fly in the air.

Our Programs

Early Childhood Classes offer the youngest students an introduction to music through singing and movement-based activities.  

Full Program Study, for ages 5 to 18, consists of weekly Private Instrumental or Voice Lessons paired with a Musicianship Class in which students study the fundamentals of music theory, ear training, and composition. Full Program students have the opportunity to perform in student recitals each semester.

Elective Classes and Ensembles offer additional courses that can be taken separately or with Full Program Study.
More About Our Programs →

A Lifetime of Benefits

Studying music provides important benefits in language, motor, and social skills and helps develop an appreciation for the value of diligence. Most importantly, music provides a lifetime of enjoyment.

Bard Preparatory 2025–2026
 

Fall 2025 Semester:
September 6 to January 10
No classes October 11, November 29, December 20, and December 27

Spring 2026 Semester:
January 24 to May 16
No classes February 14 and April 18

2025–26 Programs

Spring 2026 Registration is now open. Registration for New Students opened Nov. 1, 2025.
Summer Music Camp 2026 is now open for Full Day Camp (Ages 6-18) and Early Childhood Camp (Ages 3-5). Early Registration completes March 1, 2026.

 Contact us for more information or to inquire about openings. Please note: there are very limited openings.
  • Early Childhood Music, Spring 2026
    Ages 3 to 7
    9:00-9:45 Music and Movement I 
      (Ages 3-4, b. 2021-2022)

    9:45-10:15 Children's Chorus
      (Ages 4-6, b. 2019-2021)
    must turn 4 by October 1st

    10:15-11:00 Music and Movement II 
      (Ages 4-5, b. 2019-2020)

    11:00-11:55 Music and Movement III
     (Ages 5-6, b. 2018-2019)

    Please Note: All Early Childhood Music Classes are drop-off. Parents or caregivers are not allowed to attend classes.
  • Full Program: Ages 5 to 18, Spring 2026
    Private Lessons and Musicianship Class
    Full Program includes weekly private lesson and Musicianship class. 

    Instrument instructions available for:
    Cello, Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Composition, 
    Euphonium, Flute, Guitar, French Horn, Bassoon,
    Percussion, Piano, Saxophone,
    Trombone, Trumpet, Voice

    There is very limited availability for all instruments. The Preparatory Program does not offer private lessons separate from the Full Program. Elective classes and ensembles may be added to the full program curriculum.
     
  • Bard Music Camp 2026
    June 29 to July 11, 2026.
    Early Childhood Music Program:
    Ages 3 to 5: June 29 - July 3
         
    Full Day Program:
    June 29 – July 3: Ages 6 to 10
    July 6 – July 11: Ages 10 to 18

    Bard Music Camp Hours for Full Day Program: 9 am to 3 pm. Camp takes place at László Z. Bitó '60 Conservatory Building.

    Registration Deadline: May 1, 2026

Location and Contact

Directions to Bard
Classes are held in the Avery Arts Center (Edith C. Blum building) and the László Z. Bitó '60 Conservatory Building on the Bard College campus.
Recitals are held at Olin Concert Hall and the performance space at the László Z. Bitó '60 Conservatory Building.

Staff
Dr. Wendy Case, Director
James Chou, Assistant to the Director

Contact Us
[email protected]
Director: Dr. Wendy Case
(810) 875-2220 
[email protected]

Join the Conversation