Bard Music Camp Classes

Early Childhood and Full Day Program
Chorus is for students to sing and make music together! No singing experience is necessary and students will not be required to sing solo. Students explore the fundamentals of singing including proper posture, breathing techniques, intonation, and phrasing. Repertoire includes simple choral pieces in unison and with harmony. The joy of singing is what this experience is all about!

Music and Movement classes are based on the pedagogical theories of Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze. Students explore musical elements through movement, folk songs, games, and other hands-on activities. 

Some of the skills emphasized in Music and Movement include:

• Matching pitch with the voice
• Keeping a steady beat
• Reading and understanding rhythmic notation
• Sight singing from the staff
• Improvising
• Composing

The Advanced Chamber Program is for serious String and Wind players who are looking to have more intensive classes geared towards their studies. Students must submit a recent recording and repertoire list in order to participate in a chamber music group. Pre-formed groups welcome and encouraged to apply! Please submit the advanced chamber group form in addition to the full day camp registration form. Courses include Technique and Performance classes, in addition to Masterclasses with camp piano faculty.

Students will be accepted by audition only.

Musicianship includes the study of many aspects of music. Musicianship Class consists of rhythmic ensemble, conducting, composing, music history, theory, ear training, and note reading. Students are also introduced to other genres such as folk and jazz.

Students perform for their peers and a faculty coach in a relaxed and informal setting and, in the process, work on performance skills such as proper preparation and stage etiquette.

Students work on vocal performance topics while learning and performing small ensembles (duets, trios, or quartets) from classical and musical theater repertoire. This class is specifically for voice students, since it deals with the challenges and creative challenges that arise while singing in harmony and performing with other singers.

All string instruments—violin, viola, cello, double bass—are invited to participate in the string ensemble. Students rehearse standard string ensemble repertoire each day with a conductor, culminating in a performance at the Ensembles Concert on Friday, July 11.

Beginners do not participate in string ensemble.

All Ages
Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Voice, Percussion, Composition

Ages 8 and Up
Double Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Euphonium, Trombone, Trumpet

The Advanced Piano Program is for serious pianists who are looking to have more intensive classes geared towards their piano studies.

Courses include Piano Repertoire, Technique, and Performance classes, in addition to Masterclasses with camp piano faculty.

Pianists in the Advanced Piano Program typically should have the following pieces (or of similar level) in their repertoire:

• Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven Sonatas (not Sonatinas)
• Chopin Etudes, Ballades, Impromptus, Scherzos
• Brahms Rhapsodies
• Rachmaninov Preludes, Etudes

The program will be incorporated into the regular Full Day Program.

Students will be accepted by audition only.