The Graduate Instrumental Arts Program, a Master of Music in Instrumental Studies, combines academic and practical studies of music, with a strong emphasis on music as a means of engaging with, and serving, the broader community beyond the campus. Through this degree program, students develop the core values of music and musicians in service of society.
Frank Corliss
Director and Faculty, Bard College Conservatory of Music
"The Instrumental Arts Program aims not only to deepen student's musical and instrumental skills but also to broaden their understanding of the role of music in civil society, and to develop their ability to connect with—and serve—the larger community through their art."
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Tori Conner '25Tori Conner '25
What is your current year of study?
First Year
What is your primary instrument?
Oboe
Who is your current instrumental instructor(s)?
Elaine Douvas, Ryan Roberts, and Alexandra Knoll
Where is your hometown?
Katy, Texas
Where did you study before Bard College?
Louisiana State University
What did you do this past summer?
I went to the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival and the Mostly Modern Festival. I also was the Program Coordinator for the Seven Hills Chamber Music Festival.
What were your main reasons for choosing to attend the Graduate Instrumental Arts Program at Bard?
The main reasons why I decided to go to Bard were due to the amazing Oboe faculty, beautiful campus, and top-quality orchestra program.
What were the last three things you listened to?
Beethoven Symphony No.6, Sibelius Symphony No.2, and Taylor Swift -
Francis Huang '25Francis Huang '25
What is your current year of study?
First year
What is your primary instrument?
Piano
Who is your current instrumental instructor(s)?
Rieko Aizawa
Where is your hometown?
Yilan, Taiwan
Where did you study before Bard College?
I did the five-year double degree undergraduate program at Bard.
What did you do this past summer?
I went back to Taiwan to visit my family, last time I was there it was three years ago.
What were your main reasons for choosing to attend the Graduate Instrumental Arts Program at Bard?
As an alumnus spent my past five years at Bard, I decided to stay for two more years not only because they have amazing faculty, but also because the Bard Conservatory is such a loving and caring place, as an international student I truly felt welcome and accepted at Bard.
What were the last three things you listened to?
1. Some Beethoven string quartets by Belcea Quartet, the complete string quartet album released in 2012
2. Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, and Leonidas Kavakos Trio album, released this year or last year, they played the Pastorale Symphony arranged by my former instructor Shai Wosner.
3. A random jazz album “Bewitched” by someone called Laufey, I listened to it while working and found it quite relaxing. -
Luca Sakon '25Luca Sakon '25
What is your current year of study?
First Year
What is your primary instrument?
Violin
Who is your current instrumental instructor(s)?
Mira Wang
Where is your hometown?
New York City
Where did you study before Bard College?
Barnard College (and the cross-exchange program with Manhattan School of Music)
What were your main reasons for choosing to attend the Graduate Instrumental Arts Program at Bard?
Mira Wang introduced me to this program, and I was drawn to the program’s focus on performance and engaging with communities through music. I’ve already met wonderful people during my first few weeks here and I appreciate the emphasis on practical studies in the coursework as well as the openness toward various opportunities. I am looking forward to the rest of my time in the program.
What were the last three things you listened to?
Bartok Concerto for Orchestra, Brahms Violin Concerto, Beethoven Violin Sonata No. 1 -
Mark Kovacs '26Mark Kovacs '26
What is your current year of study?
First Year
What is your primary instrument?
I play the Trumpet
Who is your current instrumental instructor(s)?
I’m currently studying with Edward Carroll
Where is your hometown?
Budapest, Hungary
Where did you study before Bard College?
I finished my undergraduate at the Liszt Academy in Budapest
What did you do this past summer?
I enjoyed some free time as I was traveling with my family.
What were your main reasons for choosing to attend the Graduate Instrumental Arts Program at Bard?
The main reason I chose Bard was because I wanted to study with the amazing faculty that this school has. Also I was very impressed by all the different chamber music groups and the opportunity to perform on a regular basis.
What were the last three things you listened to?
H.K Gruber 3 MOB Pieces, Mahler Symphony No. 4, Poulenc Les animaux modèles Suite -
Christian Midy '26Christian Midy '26
What is your current year of study?
First Year
What is your primary instrument?
Flute
Who is your current instrumental instructor(s)?
Tara Helen O’Connor
Where is your hometown?
Brentwood, New York
Where did you study before Bard College?
Queens College Aaron Copland School of Music
What were your main reasons for choosing to attend the Graduate Instrumental Arts Program at Bard?
My Professor Judy Mendenhall recommended I apply to Bard because of the excellent faculty, amazing orchestra program, and all the other great opportunities at Bard.
What were the last three things you listened to?
1. Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4
2. Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet
3. John Coltrane, Moments Notice Transcription by Kent Jordan -
Chelsea Yang '26Chelsea Yang '26
What is your current year of study?
First Year
What is your primary instrument?
Piano
Who is your current instrumental instructor(s)?
Terrence Wilson
Where is your hometown?
China
Where did you study before Bard College?
The Liszt Academy in Hungary
What did you do this past summer?
I just finished my undergraduate degree before this summer. I finally had a vacation where I could stay home and spend time with my parents.
What were your main reasons for choosing to attend the Graduate Instrumental Arts Program at Bard?
Bard College offers a wide range of on-campus and professional performance opportunities, and I've been able to work with instrumental performers in a variety of disciplines. Bard gives students maximum freedom of choice, and I can study any program that interests me.
What were the last three things you listened to?
Symphony No. 3 in D minor by Gustav Mahler
Don Giovanni Opera by Mozart
Symphony No.8 in B minor, D.759 Franz Schubert
