All Conservatory undergraduates pursue a five-year program leading to two degrees: the bachelor of music and the bachelor of arts in a field other than music. Conservatory students live, eat, and attend most classes with non-Conservatory students, and are fully part of the academic and social life of the College. Each Conservatory student has two academic advisers, one from the Conservatory and one from a field that the student is considering as a major for the BA degree.
Philosophy
The bachelor of music program contains many innovative components: all performance majors study composition, and the Conservatory Seminar integrates music theory and music history with special emphasis on their relation to performance. The curricula of the Conservatory and the College are flexible, allowing participants to create the sequence of music and other courses that best suits each student. The aim of the Conservatory and the College is to foster a unified learning environment where the serious study of music goes hand in hand with the education of the whole person.
Bachelor of Music Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
The requirements (by semester) of the bachelor of music degree in the Conservatory are:
Studio Instruction (all)
Aural Skills (two)
Conservatory Seminar (four)
Music History (two)
Chamber Music (all)*
Orchestra (all)*
Graduation Recital
*Performance majors only
Information about the Bard College bachelor of arts curriculum may be found here.
Course Requirements
Requirements for the simultaneously awarded degrees of B. Music and B.A. can be summarized as follows:
1. A minimum of 160 credits, at least 64 of which must be taken at Bard. 2. A minimum of 40 credits outside the division of BA major. 3. Every student must take two semesters of First-Year Seminar. Transfer students may be exempt. 4. Every student must be promoted to the Upper College by passing moderation. 5. Every student must complete an acceptable BA Senior Project in a field other than music. 6. Distribution requirements: one course from each of the appropriate distribution areas. 7. Studio instruction (CNSV 100) in every semester of enrollment for performance majors. Composition tutorial (CNSV 102) in every semester of enrollment for composition majors. Studio instruction and Composition tutorial carries 4 credits. 8. Orchestra (CNSV 112) in every semester of enrollment for performance majors. Orchestra carries 0 credits. 9. Chamber Music: for all first-year Conservatory students: First-Year Conservatory Forum (CNSV108) for the fall semester of the first year. For the nine subsequent semesters of enrollment, for performance majors: Chamber Music (CNSV 110). Students may request a WAIVER for two semesters, by filling out the form and notifying the Chamber Music Coordinator before the first week of classes for the semester in question. (2 cr) 10. Core Sequence in Theory, Analysis, and Composition (CNSV 140, 240, 330, 332) four semesters (4 credits each): CNSV 140: Diatonic Harmony and Single Species Counterpoint CNSV 240: Chromatic Harmony and Combined Species Counterpoint CNSV 330: Contemporary Composition CNSV 332: Conservatory Seminar The order indicated by the numbering is strongly recommended, except that CNSV 330 and CNSV 332 may be taken in either order. 11. Aural Skills (CNSV 308, 309) two semesters, 2 credits per course. Some students may require supplementary studies to bring them up to the level of CNSV Aural Skills. They may take a Music Program Theory class. Some students may test out of the classes. 12. Music History: two semesters/courses of 4 credits per course. (MUS 264-265 in Language and Literature of Music are recommended, as preparation for graduate school entrance exams). With prior approval, students may choose courses from the Music Program’s history offerings. 13. Senior Recital Seminar (CNSV 403) 4 cr- includes recital preparation and program note writing, concert production, with a performance forum.
Performance Requirements and Assessments: (for students entering fall 2019, and after.) 1. First Year Jury 2. Second Year Jury 3. Third Year Midpoint Recital 4. Fourth Year Off-Campus Recital 5. Fifth Year Degree Recital and Promotional
Withdrawals A Conservatory student may withdraw from the Conservatory and continue as a BA candidate at Bard College. (Such a decision may have an impact on the student’s financial aid.) However, a student may not withdraw from Bard’s BA program and continue in the Conservatory.
Music Electives
Additional music electives are available in a broad range of topics, including classes in music history, advanced analysis, and courses studying music beyond the Western classical tradition. All courses in the Bard College B.A. Music Program—including those in electronic music, jazz, and world music—are open to students in the Conservatory.
Course Descriptions
Conservatory students take a full range of music classes including:
Studio Instruction
Chamber Music
Orchestra
The Conservatory Core Sequence in Theory, Analysis, and Composition
Aural Skills
Music History
Orchestra Repertoire Class
Graduation Recital
Course Descriptions
Studio Instruction Weekly private lessons with artist teachers are at the center of the educational experience of every student at the Bard Conservatory. Drawing from the professional music world of New York City, Bard is able to attract world-class faculty who believe strongly in the special mission of the Conservatory double degree program. Private studio lessons are supplemented with frequent masterclasses with visiting guest artists.
Chamber Music Chamber music plays a particularly important role at the Conservatory. In addition to performing the standard masterworks of the chamber music repertoire, students work closely with the composition program of the Conservatory to perform works of the late 20th and the 21st centuries. Studio faculty members not only serve as coaches but often as players in ensembles so that students can hear firsthand and learn from the playing of a more experienced musician. The chamber music program is further enriched by master classes and concerts by guest artists groups.
Orchestra The growth gained by rehearsing and performing music with peers in large ensemble is an irreplaceable part of any orchestral musician’s education. Bard places considerable emphasis upon this aspect of the Conservatory experience. The Bard Conservatory Orchestra rehearses twice a week and performs at least twice each semester in the beautiful and acoustically superb Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College. Under the direction of its music director, Leon Botstein, the orchestra also performs off campus in major cities in the US and overseas in tours of Asia and Europe.
Conservatory Core Sequence in Theory, Analysis and Composition The Conservatory Core Sequence is unique four-semester sequence of classes that integrate the study of music theory, music history, and composition in order to give students a richer understanding of these topics as vital and relevant to their work as interpreters:
Core Sequence Class I - Diatonic Harmony and Single Species Counterpoint: This course is the first of a two-semester sequence on harmony and counterpoint, the two dimensions of tonal music. Beginning with single species counterpoint in 2, 3 and 4 parts, using alto and tenor clefs, students will initially develop fluency in part writing. The study of diatonic harmony begins with the many possibilities of expanding the tonic key by the dominant. After surveying all the functions of diatonic chords in major and minor keys, the course ends with simple modulations from I to V in major and I to III in minor. There will be weekly writing assignments in harmony and counterpoint, and all musical examples will be drawn from the classical repertoire.
Core Sequence Class II - Chromatic Harmony and Combined Species Counterpoint: This course is a continuation of the material studied in CNSV 140. It covers the many possibilities of using non-diatonic tones in a key (i.e., chromaticism), spanning a variety of topics such as modal mixture, applied (i.e., secondary) dominants, the Phrygian 2 and the different forms of the augmented-sixth chords. This course also focuses upon the study of combined species counterpoint. In addition to understanding how combined-species patterns form the basis of diatonic sequences, the interaction between contrapuntal voice-leading techniques and genuine harmonic progressions will be clarified.
Contemporary Composition - By learning to compose, students develop a deep understanding of the compositional process, which is an integral skill for all performing musicians. Students produce several original compositions to be performed by themselves and others at a final concert. The class is taught by the conservatory composition faculty Joan Tower and George Tsontakis, two of our most celebrated composers and teachers of composition.
Conservatory Seminar - This is the capstone class for the Conservatory Core Sequence and is designed to give students the ability to place their music making in a larger historical, musical, sociological, and expressive context. Conservatory Seminar examines pieces from the conservatory orchestra repertoire and addresses broad questions such as the political and social context in which they were composed and understood, the relationship between the formal structure of the work and others of a similar general type, how the form of the work conveys meaning for particular sets of listeners and how these meanings have evolved through time.
Aural Skills This sequence of courses provides Conservatory students with skills in sight-singing, harmonic, melodic and rhythmic dictation, clef reading, keyboard harmony, harmonic analysis and other requirements of functional musical literacy.
Music History In addition to the four-semester Conservatory Core Sequence in Theory, Analysis and Composition, students are required to take two upper level music history classes. These classes can be general survey classes or classes devoted to more specific topics in music history.
Orchestra Repertoire Class In this class for wind, brass, percussion and harp players works drawn from the core of the symphonic repertoire are studied and rehearsed in 2-hour sessions throughout the semester with all wind, brass, percussion players. This course addresses issues of ensemble playing, intonation, and musical expression, and broadens the knowledge of the symphonic repertoire through practical playing experience.
Graduation Recital Students present a full length in the fourth or fifth years of the program. The repertoire is chosen in conjunction with the primary teacher and should demonstrate the unique musical strengths and artistic goals of the student.
BACHELOR OF MUSIC DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHINESE INSTRUMENT MAJORS
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The requirements (by semester) of the bachelor of music degree in the Conservatory are:
Studio Instruction (all)
Chinese Ensemble (all)
Aural Skills (two)
Conservatory Core Sequence (four)
Music History (four)
Graduation Recital
BACHELOR OF MUSIC DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHINESE INSTRUMENT MAJORS
Studio Instruction Working with outstanding master teachers and their hand-picked graduate assistants from the Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM), students benefit from weekly in person instruction with on-site studio teachers, along with regular video-conference sessions with master teachers in Beijing utilizing state-of-the-art technology. The Studio Instruction program includes study abroad in Beijing to work with the master teacher in person while residing on campus at CCOM. A total of three month-long study abroad trips to CCOM are needed to complete Studio Instruction degree requirements.
Chinese Ensemble Chinese Ensemble provides Chinese instrument majors both large-ensemble and chamber music experience with regular rehearsals and performance opportunities. Students work closely with the ensemble coach and their studio teachers to further develop their skills in ensemble playing, intonation, and musical expression through practical playing experience. At least one major Chinese Ensemble concert with the participation of all Chinese instrument majors will be performed each semester on campus, supplemented by other types of performance opportunities on and off campus throughout the year. Studio teachers assist the ensemble coach as well as performing in ensembles, allowing students to learn firsthand from the playing of more experienced musicians. Mixed ensembles including Western instruments are encouraged. The Chinese Ensemble program is further enriched by master classes and concerts by guest artists. In their first semester, first-year students will also attend 8 special sessions of the Conservatory’s Introduction to Chamber Music to acquire skills in musicianship, rehearsing, ensemble playing, and managing the requirements of the double-degree.
Note: For Chinese instrument majors, Chinese Ensemble is the equivalent to both the Conservatory Chamber Music and Orchestra requirements. Separate enrollment in Chamber Music or Orchestra is not required.
Conservatory Core Sequence for Chinese Music The Conservatory Core Sequence is a unique four-semester sequence of classes that integrates the study of music theory, music history, and composition in order to give students a richer understanding of these topics as vital and relevant to their work as interpreters:
Music Theory, Tonal Harmony and Counterpoint – a 2-semester accelerated overview to species counterpoint and traditional harmony. Note: Music theory 1 (Music department) or placement test required.
Composition for Performers - By learning to compose, students develop a deep understanding of the compositional process, which is an integral skill for all performing musicians. Students produce several original compositions to be performed by themselves and others at a final concert. The class is taught by the Conservatory composition faculty Joan Tower and George Tsontakis, two of our most celebrated composers and teachers of composition.
Conservatory Seminar on Chinese Music – This is the capstone class for the Conservatory Core Sequence in Chinese Music, and is designed to give students the ability to place their music making in a larger social, historical, and expressive context. The seminar explores Chinese music and the arts in society. Topics include the political role that music and the arts have played, and continue to play, in modern China’s history, as well as the history of Western music in China and its close association with domestic politics and international diplomacy. This course is taught by the director of the US-China Music Institute, Jindong Cai.
Aural Skills This sequence of courses provides Conservatory students with skills in sight-singing, harmonics, melodic and rhythmic dictation, clef reading, keyboard harmony, harmonic analysis and other requirements of functional musical literacy.
Chinese Music History In addition to the four-semester Conservatory Core Sequence, students are required to take a four-semester music history sequence titled Literature and Language of Chinese Music. In their first semester, students are required to take Literature and Language of Chinese Music I: Introduction. The three remaining semesters provide an in-depth exploration of the development of Chinese instrumental music, folk traditions, and opera. One of these three courses will be offered each semester in rotation and can be taken in any order at any time after the first semester.
Graduation Recital Students present a full-length recital in the fourth or fifth year of the program. The repertoire is chosen in conjunction with the master teacher and should demonstrate the unique musical strengths and artistic goals of the student.
Specific Courses of Study
Conducting Concentration for Performance & Composition Majors
This track within the Conservatory Undergraduate Double Degree Program offers students training in conducting, in conjunction with their composition or performance degree.
Students in this track take beginning and intermediate conducting with maestro James Bagwell, co-director of the Graduate Conducting program. After completion of these courses students enroll in the graduate conducting seminar which meets in weekly sessions with two pianos or with a small orchestral ensemble. Additionally, students are required to complete three courses from the following list.
Conducting Concentration for Performance & Composition Majors
Students are required to complete at least three of the courses from the following list.
Ear Training and Score Reading for Conductors
Keyboard Skills
Secondary Lessons in another orchestral instrument or in voice
Foreign Language Study (offered through Bard College language programs)
Diction (Italian, French, German, English)
Flute Studies
The flute studio is led by Professor Tara Helen O'Connor. Her "philosophy of teaching is to train students to be thinking, feeling constantly searching musicians and learn to use their bodies and instruments as fully, freely and economically as possible."
Flute Studies
Visit the flute studio's website here to learn more.
Oboe Studies
The oboe faculty at Bard has designed a comprehensive curriculum that addresses orchestral, solo and etude repertoire, as well as reed making, instrument repair, and training on the English horn. The instructors, Elaine Douvas, Alexandra Knoll, and Ryan Roberts function as a team and foster a supportive group atmosphere.
Oboe Studies
One of the three oboe instructors comes to Bard almost every week to give private lessons and a 2-hour class. Group sessions are efficient and valuable because the students benefit from hearing each other and observing the instruction of their fellow students on a weekly basis.
The orchestral literature class meets once a month, taught by Ryan Roberts, English hornist of the New York Philharmonic Fifty complete works are covered in a 3 to4-year rotation, following a well-outlined syllabus. Students are asked to study two or three major works per month, preparing independently, listening to three recorded examples, using a complete oboe part and a full score.
Etude class also meets once per month (8x per year) and is taught by Elaine Douvas, principal oboist of the Metropolitan Opera. The entire Barret method is covered in a two to four year cycle, following an organized syllabus. Ferling etudes are added for students in their 3rd, 4thand 5thyears and are also taught in private lessons. The oboe faculty seeks to perpetuate the tradition of teaching universal musical principles through etudes, and to prepare students to be effective teachers themselves.
Training on the English horn is essential for all oboists, and English horn class is taught by Ryan Roberts.
Reed making class is held about 5 times per year, taught by Alexandra Knoll, Principal Oboist of the American Symphony and Acting Associate Principal of the NYC Ballet, although reed making instruction also takes place in individual lessons. Bard owns 2 gougers, an RDG and an Innoledy. Students working in small groups help each other and progress more quickly. Detailed written material is provided.
Repair skills are essential to be able to play the oboe fluently, to handle emergencies, and to become an expert teacher. Repair class, taught by Ryan Roberts, mainly covers adjustment screws, but additional subjects can be covered in one more class, if desired: crack gluing, pad changing, spring changing, octave vent and tone-hole cleaning, and tuning of tone holes.
In order to prepare students for professional orchestra auditions, two placement auditions are conducted each year at Bard. (We use the eight-semester rotation of audition repertoire used at Juilliard.)
We hope this course of study sounds exciting for you; we believe you can master all of your repertoire and skills in this well-organized way. We teachers will try our very best to prepare you for a happy life in music!
Sample Five-Year Plans
The sample five-year plans below are modeled after actual course schedules of some recent graduates from the Conservatory. These show just a few of the many possible combinations of instruments and academic majors:
