The Preparatory Division offers a comprehensive course of music study for students of all ages, including Early Childhood Classes, Full Program Study, Elective Classes and Ensembles. The Preparatory Division provides its students with many advantages, including an expert and nurturing faculty, as well as access to concerts and master classes presented by the Conservatory free of charge.  
A child in a bow tie playing piano with a serious expression.
A child in a bow tie playing piano with a serious expression.

About Our Programs

Students in the Preparatory Division participate in a well-rounded program of music study that includes private lessons of age-appropriate length in Piano, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trombone, Euphonium, French Horn, Percussion, Guitar, and Composition; matched with Musicianship Class, in which elements of music theory and ear training are taught with an emphasis on composition. Students also have multiple recital performance opportunities each semester, which are open to family and friends.
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An adult teaching a child how to play drums. Both are holding drumsticks.

Full Program

Ages 5 to 18
The Full Program consists of a weekly private lesson and Musicianship Class.

Fall 2025 Semester 
  • 30-min. Lesson and 45-min. Music and Movement I: $1,383
  • 30-min. Lesson and 55-min. Music and Movement II/III: $1,478
  • 30-min. Lesson and 55-min. Musicianship Class: $1,478
  • 45-min. Lesson and 55-min. Musicianship Class: $1,897
  • 60-min. Lesson and 55-min. Musicianship Class: $2,321

Musicianship classes take place on Saturdays
Various class times. New students will be given a placement test.

Early Childhood Classes

Ages 3 to 7
Please Note: Classes meet on Saturdays following the Bard Prep calendar:

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

Spring 2026:
January 24 to May 16
No classes February 14 and April 18
 
  • Spring 2026 Tuition
    15 Weeks of Class
    January 24 through May 16
    No classes: February 14, April 18

    Music and Movement I: Ages 3–4
    • 9:00–9:45 am
    • $477
    • for children born 2021–2022

    Children's Chorus: Ages 4–6
    • 9:45–10:15 am
    • $310
    • for children born 2019–2021
    • must turn 4 by October 1
  • Music and Movement II: Ages 5–6
    • 10:15–11 am
    • $477
    • for children born 2019-2020
    Music and Movement III: Ages 6–7
    • 11:00–11:55 am
    • $525
    • for children born 2017–2018
    Package Discounts: 
    Music and Movement I + Children's Chorus:  $752
    Music and Movement II + Children's Chorus:  $752

Elective Classes and Ensembles

  • Electives
    • Piano Technique and Repertoire Class for Advanced Pianists
    • Secondary Instruments
  • Ensembles
    • Instrumental Chamber Music
    • Beginning Violin Class
    • Beginning Cello Class
    • Piano and Voice Chamber Class
    • Piano Four Hands Chamber Class
    • String Ensemble Technique Class
    • Vocal Ensemble
    • Recording and Music Technology