Bard Conservatory of Music stands out with its world-class faculty, many of whom also teach at other music schools on the East Coast.
Bard offers students access to exceptional instructors and performance opportunities in nearby New York City, approximately 90 miles away.
At Bard, all undergraduates pursue a five-year double major, combining professional music training with a liberal arts degree. This approach reflects the school’s philosophy that “the education of the mind is as important as the education of the fingers,” fostering well-rounded performers and thinkers.
The conservatory’s facilities include the state-of-the-art László Z. Bitó ’60 Conservatory Building, completed in 2013, featuring modern classrooms, studios, and a recital hall.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Music alongside a dual Bachelor of Arts in various fields, from Languages and Literature to Science and Mathematics.
While most programs at Bard are undergraduate-only, graduate programs are available in voice, conducting, and collaborative piano.
Undergraduate majors include a wide range of instruments, from strings to woodwinds to percussion and composition. Bard College Conservatory only offers classical performance and composition training; jazz and popular music are not majors offered at Bard.
Here’s an overview of Bard’s Conservatory.
Bard Conservatory of Music Acceptance Rate
Bard College’s general acceptance rate is 45%, according to their common data set from the 2022-2023 academic year.
Bard Conservatory specifically does not release nor give any hints about its acceptance rate. It is likely that Bard’s Conservatory is generally around that number or even a little more selective.
What Makes Bard Stand Out From Other Schools
Bard Conservatory of Music stands out from other schools in several ways.
The mandatory double degree program, combining intensive music training with a liberal arts education, is a distinctive feature that typically extends students’ studies to five years.
As a liberal arts college, Bard offers a less competitive atmosphere than many university programs, fostering a close-knit community feeling.
The predominantly undergraduate environment is particularly appealing to students who prefer to avoid competing with graduate students for performance opportunities, as there are very few graduate students in the music program.
Bard is known for its progressive political outlook, with a significant portion of the student body identifying as liberal or very liberal. This creates a campus culture that encourages open dialogue and diverse perspectives.
The Bard Music Festival, part of the seven-week SummerScape, provides students with performance opportunities in the summer term. These experiences can be invaluable for budding musicians looking to expand their repertoire and gain real-world stage experience.
Bard’s varied facilities cater to different performance needs and styles.
From the student-run, multipurpose Old Gym with its intimate black-box theater setup to the more formal spaces in the László Z. Bitó ’60 Conservatory Building, students can access a range of venues.
Notable Faculty at Bard
Bard Conservatory of Music boasts a roster that includes some of the most influential figures in contemporary classical music.
Tan Dun, the renowned composer behind the score for the hit 2000 film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” serves as the Dean of the conservatory, bringing his innovative approach to music education.
The instrumental faculty features luminaries such as Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and Elaine Douvas, former principal oboe of the same prestigious ensemble.
Composer Joan Tower, a long-standing faculty member, contributes her wealth of experience as one of the most important living composers.
Percussionist Jason Treuting, a member of the groundbreaking ensemble Sō Percussion, brings a contemporary edge to the faculty. His group’s close collaboration with Bard students over the years has enriched the school’s percussion program.
Acclaimed clarinetist David Krakauer rounds out this star-studded faculty, offering students insight into both classical and klezmer traditions.
Determining Whether Bard Is the Right Fit for You
Bard Conservatory of Music is an excellent choice for students seeking a balanced education that values both musical excellence and academic rigor. The school’s unique double-major program makes it ideal for those who want to pursue music seriously while also developing their intellect in other areas.
For students who appreciate a small liberal arts college environment with occasional access to urban culture, Bard’s location about two hours from New York City by train makes it appealing.
The school’s top-tier faculty provides high-quality musical instruction, making it suitable for those committed to developing their craft at a professional level.
However, Bard may not be the best fit for everyone. Students who prefer a constant urban environment, or those looking to focus exclusively on music without significant academic commitments, might find the rural setting or dual-degree requirement challenging.
As a college consultant, I advise students to consider their personal and professional goals when evaluating Bard’s unique offerings. My opinion, though, is that it is an amazing school for the right student and one of the strongest music programs in the country.
