The Bard College Conservatory of Music Preparatory Division Presents A Program of Study for Young People Ages 5-18

Saturday Courses Offer Young People the Joy of Studying Music in the Context of a First-Class Conservatory

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.—A new initiative of The Bard College Conservatory of Music is the Preparatory Division, offering a Saturday program of study for students aged 5-18. For the academic year 2007–2008, instruction is offered in piano, violin, cello, guitar, and flute. Additional instruments will be added on the basis of demand. “The opportunity to study music with conservatory-level instructors is often only available to those who live near urban cultural centers,” said Bard College President Leon Botstein. “It is gratifying that, with the Bard College Conservatory of Music, we are able to offer serious music study, in a conservatory setting, to those who live in the Hudson Valley region.” The program includes private lessons (of age-appropriate length); Performance Class, group sessions in which students play for each other in a relaxed and supportive environment; Musicianship Class, in which elements of music theory and history, as well as ear-training, are offered; and monthly and end-of-semester recitals, which are open to parents and friends. Chamber music coaching sessions will be offered if there is sufficient interest. “The early study of music brings important benefits to young people, touching many areas of their lives: language, motor and social skills, and an understanding of the value of hard work,” explains Robert Martin, director of the Conservatory. “Most important, music enriches the young person’s life and provides a lifetime of enjoyment,” Because of its connection to The Bard College Conservatory of Music, the Preparatory Division provides its students with many advantages, including an expert and nurturing faculty, many of whom have connections with the Conservatory. Concerts and master classes presented by the Conservatory are open to students and families of the Preparatory Division, free of charge. In certain cases, advanced senior students in the Preparatory Division may be able to take lessons from regular Conservatory faculty, who are among the most distinguished musicians of our time. As an additional benefit, students and immediate family members of the Preparatory Division will be issued Bard courtesy identification cards so that they may use the Bard gymnasium and libraries. The director of the Preparatory Division of The Bard College Conservatory of Music is Fu-chen Chan. She holds a master’s degree in flute performance from New York University and a master of music degree, also in flute performance, from the Mannes College of Music. She has performed widely in solo performances and ensembles in the United States and Taiwan, and has taught students at all levels. At the Bard Conservatory, she manages the Conservatory orchestra and coordinates student affairs. The faculty of the Preparatory Division consists of gifted, experienced young professionals selected by Chan and Martin. Sample Schedule: 9:30–10:00 a.m.            Lesson (45-minute and 60-minute lessons start earlier) 10:10–11:10 a.m.          Musicianship Class Lunch Noon – 1:00 p.m.          Performance Class 1:30–2:30 p.m.              Chamber music coaching
(in some cases, individual lessons can be scheduled in the afternoon)

 

The fall semester meets on 13 Saturdays, from September 8 through December 8 (except November 24) and the spring semester meets on 13 Saturdays from January 26 through May 10 (except February 16, March 22, and April 19). Tuition, which includes private lessons, Performance Class, and Musicianship Class: Junior Division (ages 5–13), with 30-minute private lessons is $1,800 per semester per student; with 45-minute private lessons, $1,900 per semester per student; with 60-minute private lessons is $2,000 per semester per student. Senior Division (ages 14–18), with 60-minute private lessons, $2,000 per semester per student. A registration fee of $50 per semester per family is required. Registration, including full-semester payment and registration fee, is due by September 1 for the fall semester, and by January 15 for the  spring semester. Refund policy: A full refund will be made for withdrawal before the start of classes. A refund of 80 percent will be made for withdrawal before the second Saturday of each semester. No refund will be made after the second Saturday of the semester. Upon receipt of the application for admission, an interview with the Preparatory Division director will be scheduled. At that time, questions about the program can be answered and a determination made as to the seriousness of the interest of both student and parent(s) in the program. No audition is required. Motivation and enthusiasm are important criteria for admission.  For further information about the Preparatory Division, e-mail [email protected] or call 845- 758-7196. # # #

(8/21/07)

This event was last updated on 09-10-2007

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