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Graduate Instrumental Arts Program

Applying 
Applications for the Graduate Instrumental Arts Program are due on December 1. 
Graduate Instrumental Arts Program Application
Important Dates and Deadlines

Important Dates and Deadlines

December 1: Application deadline*
Mid-December: Applicants are notified of prescreening results via their Application Portal
Late February or Early March: Final Auditions at Bard College 
March 1: Financial Aid Application deadline
Mid-March: Final admissions decisions and financial aid packages will be released. 
April 15: Enrollment deadline

Application Requirements

A completed application will contain the following materials, as well as a nonrefundable application fee of $75.00, payable online with a valid credit card or electronic check. For questions, please contact the Conservatory Admissions Office at [email protected].
  • Prescreening
    Prescreening requirements may be found here. Prescreening recordings must include both audio and video. Audio only submissions will not be accepted. 

    Although Slate does 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. Uploaded documents may contain no more than 75 pages.
  • Written Materials
    1. Completed online application 
    2. Musical Bio or Resume/CV including academic and performance details
    3. Personal statement. Please write a brief statement, no more than two pages in length, describing the journey which has led you to apply to the Instrumental Arts Program and what your goals are for your time in the program.
  • Academic Materials
    1. Two letters of recommendation. When prompted in the application, please enter the recommender’s name and email address. The recommender will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the recommendation online.
    2. All academic transcripts from schools attended. Please request an official copy of your academic transcript only after you have received your official live audition invitation, and no later than February 15. Transcripts may also be emailed from the institution directly to [email protected].

International Applicants: English Proficiency

In addition to the first-year application requirements, non-native speakers of English must demonstrate proficiency in English. They should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).* TOEFL scores should be sent to the Graduate Instrumental Arts Program by the Educational Testing Service. The Bard College school code is 2037. A minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test (PBT) or 100 on the internet-based test (iBT) is recommended for admission. We also accept the IELTS in place of the TOEFL, with a band score of no less than seven, or the Duolingo Test with a total score of no less than 120. Students should only request results to be sent electronically to Bard College directly from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, and not physical documents to be mailed.

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 the English proficiency score is received. The deadline for English proficiency score submissions is February 15. 

*Students who have spent the majority of their secondary education in an English-medium program may be eligible for a waiver of the language testing requirement.

Letters of recommendation and transcripts may be mailed to: 

Bard College Conservatory of Music
Admissions: IAP
30 Campus Road, PO Box 5000
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504