Bard College/Conservatory 5 Year Program

<p>Can anybody help me? I really could use some detail about what it’s like to be dual enrolled in the college and conservatory. How rigorous is this program? I don’t really have a feel for how the Bard conservatory compares to the top music schools (Oberlin, Eastman, Peabody, etc.) How much daily practice is expected of the students that are dual enrolled? I’m serious about my music, and I’m looking for a great music program, but that’s not my only area of interest.</p>

<p>My son is in his second year (of five) at Bard College/Conservatory for a BM in Music Composition and BA in Classics. The professors in the conservatory are as good as they get - and the level of play is as selective as the very top conservatories. And the professors on the academic side in the college are fantastic. Many of the students choose Bard over Curtis/Juilliard/Eastman etc because they are interested in the double degree program. There is full support for the student for pursuing both degrees - in terms of time, flexibility, and commitment required for both sides of the picture.</p>

<p>A frequent poster on CC is N8Ma who is the director of admissions for the conservatory. He can answer all your questions and more - if he doesn’t see this post, send him a private message.</p>

<p>I recommend browsing around on the Bard Conservatory website and read some of the Hopson Cottage admissions blog (a link can be found on the left of the home page for the conservatory)- there are a number of posts by conservatory students, as well as N8Ma which will answer many of your questions.</p>

<p>The October 11th admissions program includes a special seminar on the conservatory. If you can visit that day, it might be useful. You have to register now though, and I’m having trouble getting the web site to accept my registration survey.</p>

<p>I can’t speak to the conservatory piece of the puzzle (although my understanding is that it’s high level) but the college part requires serious attention to your studies. The good thing is that most people at Bard fit that profile.</p>

<p>Hi sevenstars,</p>

<p>I’m the Director of Conservatory Admission here at Bard College. I’m happy to answer any detailed questions you may have via PM, but to answer generally: </p>

<ol>
<li><p>In terms of selectivity, intensity, and preprofessional focus, we are on par with (and, in some areas, probably exceed) the levels at Oberlin, Eastman, and Peabody. Every year students accepted into the Bard Conservatory turn down offers of admission to other top programs to attend. Right now we’re averaging a 15% acceptance rate. </p></li>
<li><p>How much practice time is expected? That’s an interesting question to ask. I don’t know if doing it by the numbers is much help. You have to practice as much as you need to cover all of your solo, chamber music, and orchestral repertoire assignments each week. There is a weekly private lesson, weekly orchestral rehearsals and sectionals, and weekly chamber music rehearsals and coachings. My guess is 4-6 hours a day of practicing are the norm for Conservatory students. A little less on certain weekdays, but then made up for on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Having said that, Bard’s program is the most thoroughly integrated of all the Conservatory dual degree programs. Because we as an institution mandate dual enrollment, the burden for completing the dual degree is then shifted from the individual to the institution. So, instead of some of the other places you’ve mentioned, where 10-15% of the student body starts a dual degree and only half that amount finish, at Bard 100% begin and, to remain in the Conservatory, 100% finish the dual degree. The psychological climate of the place is very different–completely supportive of the endeavor. So, while there is an intense, preprofessional focus to the study of music in the Conservatory (around 80% of Conservatory students plan on earning MM degrees in music performance upon graduation; ~20% plan on pursuing law, medicine, teaching, scientific research, etc.), the study of academics and the pursuit of other interests is not seen as an obstacle or a distraction away from serious, intensive musical training. </p>

<p>What instrument do you play? The program is very small–85 undergraduates, plus grad programs in voice and conducting. The Conservatory only offers instruction to undergraduates in orchestral instruments, composition, and piano. There is also the Bard College Music Program, with excellent chamber music, orchestral, choral, jazz, and world music components. Students in the Music Program can major (or double major) in music, but earn a BA via Bard’s regular 4-year undergraduate curriculum.</p>