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. (as of 6/29/2026)

A minimum of 160 credits, at least 64 of which must be taken at Bard.
A minimum of 40 credits outside the division of B.A. major.
Every student must take two semesters of First-Year Seminar. Transfer students may be exempt.
Every student must be promoted to the Upper College by passing Moderation in their academic area.
Every student must complete an acceptable B.A. Senior Project in a field other than music.
Distribution requirements: one course from each of the appropriate distribution areas.
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.
Orchestra (CNSV 112) in every semester of enrollment for performance majors. Orchestra carries 0 credits.
Chamber Music: for all first year Conservatory students: First-Year Conservatory Forum (CNSV 108) for 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. (2 cr)
Core Sequence in Theory, Analysis, and Composition (CNSV 140, 240, 330, 332) four semesters (4 credits each):

The first two semesters of the Bard Conservatory theory sequence (CNSV 140 and CNSV 240) are required for all conservatory students, and should be completed during the first two years of the degree program. These courses serve as preparation for Composition for Performers (CNSV 330) and the Conservatory Seminar (CNSV 332), and are also prerequisites for enrollment in any upper-level conservatory course. This two-semester theory sequence is specifically intended for those students with a working knowledge and deep interest in classical music.

CNSV 140: Core Sequence 1: Diatonic Harmony and Single Species Counterpoint

CNSV 240: Core Sequence 2: Chromatic Harmony and Formal Analysis

CNSV 330: Core Sequence 3: Composition for Performers

CNSV 332: Core Sequence 4: Conservatory Seminar

The order indicated by the numbering is strongly recommended, except that CNSV 330 and CNSV 332 may be taken in either order. Some students may require supplementary studies to bring them up to the level of CNSV Music Theory (CNSV 140/240), and they may take the Music Program Theory sequence in place on the CNSV 140 and CNSV 240. Some students may test out of CNSV 140 and/or CNSV 240.

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. Students may test out of one or both Aural Skills classes. Students may fulfill the Aural Skills and Music Theory requirement by taking the equivalent Music Program sequence (MUS 201 & MUS 202).
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 other courses from the Music Program’s history offerings.
Senior Recital Seminar (CNSV 403) (2 credits). This optional-but-encouraged course helps students work towards their final degree recital preparation through a supportive 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
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 10-15 minute jury at the end of each of their first two years. These juries may be heard by faculty and administration, and will serve as an opportunity to consult and advise each student on the progress. Repertoire is flexible to the demands of each instrumental major. First year juries will likely be in May, and 2nd year juries will take place before the Spring Break, in March. Some studios have additional jury requirements beyond those listed here.

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.

Final Degree Recital

Students are required to present a full length final degree recital, with repertoire chosen in consultation with the primary teacher. Each student may enroll in the Senior Recital Seminar where they will get additional support for the logistics of concert production, and a forum for performing. This opportunity is meant to solidify the students’ performance goals, and to support their efforts towards the final degree recital.