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 2026 Semester 
  • 30-min. Lesson and 45-min. Music and Movement II: $1,410
  • 30-min. Lesson and 55-min. Musicianship/Technique Class: $1,507
  • 45-min. Lesson and 55-min. Musicianship/Technique Class: $1,934
  • 60-min. Lesson and 55-min. Musicianship/Technique Class: $2,367

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 2026:
August 29 - Jan 9
No classes October 10, November 28, December 19, December 26, and January 2.

Spring 2027:
January 23 to May 15
No classes February 13 and March 27
 
  • Fall 2026 Early Childhood Tuition
    15 Weeks of Class
    August 29 through Jan 9
    No classes: October 10, November 28, December 19, December 26, and January 2.

    Music and Movement (section 1): Ages 3–4
    9:00–9:45 am
    Tuition: $486

    Music and Movement (section 2):  Ages 5–6
    10:15–11:00 am
    Tuition: $486

    Package Discounts (per semester)

    9:00-10:15am: Music and Movement I + Children's Chorus:  $767
    9:45-11:00am: Music and Movement II + Children's Chorus:  $767

    Please note: All Early Childhood Music Classes are drop-off. Parents or caregivers are not allowed to attend classes.

    Register Here
     

Elective Classes and Ensembles

  • Electives
    • Piano Technique and Repertoire Class for Advanced Pianists
    • Secondary Instruments
    • Senior Chorus (Ages 7-11)
    • Senior Vocal Ensemble (Ages 12-18)
    • Recording Technology (Ages 13-18)
  • Ensembles
    • Instrumental Chamber Music
    • Vocal Ensemble
    • Senior Chorus
    • Recording and Music Technology