Do I need a studio-quality prescreening recording?
No. A home-quality audio recorder will be sufficient, as will any home-quality digital camcorder for video submissions.
Do I need an accompanist for my prescreening recording?
With the obvious exception of works for solo instrument (e.g., Bach Partita, Kopprasch etude), repertoire for the prescreening submission should be accompanied. In addition, appropriate chamber music works may be used as the “work of your choice.”
What is the policy on taking trial lessons?
Prospective students sometimes wish to arrange lessons with Conservatory faculty as part of the process of deciding where to apply. This is a good idea, and the members of our roster are happy to try to make such arrangements if their schedule allows.
The admissions director can help facilitate this, but until a student has actually been admitted to the Conservatory such arrangements have to be made directly between the student and the faculty member, both with respect to scheduling and with respect to payment.
Is it possible to contact one of Bard Conservatory’s instrumental teachers directly?
It is certainly possible! If you wish to contact a Conservatory instrumental teacher please email [email protected]. Include the name of the faculty member you wish to contact and a brief musical résumé or biography so that we can make an introduction between you and the teacher.
What are the acceptable media types when I am uploading my recordings to the application?
The application accepts the following file types for uploading recordings and documents:
Videos: .avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .wmv
Audio: .aac, .aif, .aiff, .iff, .fla, .m4a, .mpa, .mp3, .ra, .wav, .wma
Documents: .pdf, .doc
File size: Although we technically support media files as large as 2 GB, please be advised that larger files will take longer to upload from your internet connection and may stall if you are on a wireless connection or one that cannot sustain a connection for the necessary period of time.
When are my prescreening materials (recordings, transcripts, etc.) due?
All prescreening materials—recordings, scores, and résumés—are due on the application deadline.
I am an international student. How do I audition for the Advanced Performance Studies Program? Do you require the TOEFL?
International students may apply by DVD if travel to the United States for a live audition is not possible. The live audition repertoire requirements should be used for the audition DVD.
Information about English Language proficiency:
Bard Conservatory of Music Admissions
30 Campus Road
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000
The Bard College school code is 2037. A minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the internet-based test is required for admission. In special circumstances these requirements may be waived.
Other evidence of English-language proficiency will be accepted only with the approval of the Graduate Admission Committee. An application is considered incomplete and cannot be acted upon until all the materials listed above are received.
For those Advanced Performance Studies students who wish to further develop their English language skills, ESL classes in the Bard Conservatory may be taken as an elective.
If I receive a Conservatory internship what kind of work would I do?
Conservatory internship duties can include helping in the Conservatory office with light administrative duties, for up to 10 hours per week for the 15 weeks of each semester.