Graduation Requirements

Requirements for the simultaneously awarded degrees of B. Music and B.A. 

In order to be awarded the Bachelor of Music degree, a student must complete all requirements for Bard’s Bachelor of Arts degree in a field other than music, in addition to Conservatory requirements. Five years of study will normally be required to complete all requirements for the two degrees. A Conservatory student may withdraw from the Conservatory and continue as a B.A. candidate at Bard College. Such a decision may have an impact on the student’s financial aid. However, a student may not withdraw from Bard’s B.A. program and continue in the Conservatory.

Curricular Requirements as of 4/8/2020

1. A minimum of 160 credits, at least 64 of which must be taken at Bard.
2. A minimum of 40 credits outside the division of B.A. major.
3. Every student must take two semesters of the First-Year Seminar. Transfer students may be exempt.
4. Every student must be promoted to the Upper College by passing Moderation in their academic area.
5. Every student must complete an acceptable B.A. Senior Project in a field other than music.
6. Distribution requirements: one course from each of the appropriate distribution areas.
7. Studio instruction (CNSV 100) in every semester of enrollment for performance majors.  Composition tutorial (CNSV 102) in every semester of enrollment for composition majors.  Studio instruction and Composition tutorial carries 4 credits. See below for the performance schedule of juries and recitals.
8. Orchestra (CNSV 112) in every semester of enrollment for performance majors.  Orchestra carries 0 credits.
9. Chamber Music (CNSV 108, 110) (2 credits)
   • First-Year Conservatory Forum (CNSV108) for all first-year Conservatory students in the fall semester of the first year.
   • For the nine subsequent semesters of enrollment, for performance majors: Chamber Music (CNSV 110).
   • Students may request a WAIVER for two semesters, by filling out the form and notifying the Chamber Music Coordinator before the first week of classes for the semester in question.
10. Core Sequence in Theory, Analysis, and Composition (CNSV 140, 240, 330, 332) four semesters (4 credits each):
    • CNSV 140: Diatonic Harmony and Single Species Counterpoint
    • CNSV 240: Chromatic Harmony and Combined Species Counterpoint
    • CNSV 330: Contemporary Composition
    • CNSV 332: Conservatory Seminar
    • The order indicated by the numbering is strongly recommended, except that CNSV 330 and CNSV 332 may be taken in either order.
11. Aural Skills (CNSV 308, 309) two semesters, 2 credits per course.  Some students may require supplementary studies to bring them up to the level of CNSV Aural Skills. They may take a Music Program Theory class. Some students may test out of the classes.
12. Music History: two semesters/courses of 4 credits per course. (MUS 264-265 in Language and Literature of Music are recommended, as preparation for graduate school entrance exams).  With prior approval, students may choose courses from the Music Program’s history offerings.
13. Senior Recital Seminar (CNSV 403) 4 cr- includes recital preparation and program note writing, concert production, with a performance forum.

¹ Composers should sign up for CNSV 102 Composition Tutorial

² For players of orchestral instruments

³ For players of orchestral instruments

⁴ depending on the results of the Aural Skills placement exam

DOUBLE-DEGREE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS & ASSESSMENTS

For Students who entered the Conservatory in the Fall of 2019 and after

• First Year Jury
• Second Year Jury
• Third Year Midpoint Recital
• Fourth Year Off-Campus Performance
• Fifth Year Degree Recital

These requirements are a minimum. Faculty are welcome to demand more of their individual students.

Juries

All students are required to play a short 15 minute jury in each of their first two years of the five-year program. These juries are heard by representatives from the Conservatory administration and faculty. Specific repertoire requirements for these juries are determined by your teacher. These juries are meant simply to be check-ins on how you are progressing in your instrumental studies.

Voice and percussion students follow the jury guidelines set by their faculty.

Midpoint Recital

All students are required to do a “Midpoint Recital”. The length of this concert should be approximately 30 minutes (i.e. a half recital.) Specific length and repertoire again are determined by your individual teacher. We encourage you to do this recital in the fall semester, or before spring break, of your third year, since there are so many degree recitals and final concerts after spring break.

All students are required to do a performance off campus—usually in their fourth year. This off-campus performance  can, but does not have to be a full solo recital; it can be a short performance at a  local school, hospital, retirement community etc. It can include solo music or chamber music.  The goal is to gain more performance experience and, even more importantly,  to have the experience of performing out in the world and connecting with a broader community. We want you to see yourself as a musician with a larger mission in our society. You will have to find the venue and organize the program yourself . There are many local schools, assisted care facilities, libraries, social organizations that are available to you as performance venues. The conservatory staff can help you identify these possible locations for your recital.

Final Degree Recital