{"id":79,"date":"2021-09-14T15:30:16","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T15:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bard.edu\/conservatory-wiki\/?page_id=79"},"modified":"2026-07-30T15:46:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T15:46:36","slug":"graduation-requirements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bard.edu\/conservatory-wiki\/programs\/undergraduate-double-degree-program\/udd-handbook\/graduation-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Graduation Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Requirements for the simultaneously awarded degrees of B. Music and B.A.\u00a0<\/b><\/h1>\n

In order to be awarded the Bachelor of Music degree, a student must complete all requirements for Bard\u2019s Bachelor of Arts degree in a field other than music, in addition to Conservatory requirements.\u00a0 Five years of study will normally be required to complete all requirements for the two degrees.\u00a0\u00a0 A Conservatory student may withdraw from the Conservatory and continue as a B.A. candidate at Bard College.\u00a0 Such a decision may have an impact on the student\u2019s financial aid.\u00a0 However, a student may not withdraw from Bard\u2019s B.A. program and continue in the Conservatory.\u00a0<\/span><\/em>(as of 6\/29\/2026)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. A minimum of 160 credits, at least 64 of which must be taken at Bard.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. A minimum of 40 credits outside the division of B.A. major.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Every student must take two semesters of First-Year Seminar.\u00a0\u00a0Transfer students may be exempt.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Every student must be promoted to the Upper College by passing Moderation in their academic area.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Every student must complete an acceptable B.A. Senior Project in a field other than music.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Distribution requirements: one course from each of the appropriate distribution areas.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Studio instruction (CNSV 100) in every semester of enrollment for performance majors.\u00a0\u00a0Composition tutorial (CNSV 102) in every semester of enrollment for composition majors.\u00a0 Studio instruction and Composition tutorial carries 4 credits. See below for the performance schedule of juries and recitals.<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Orchestra (CNSV 112) in every semester of enrollment for performance majors. Orchestra carries 0 credits.<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. 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)<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Core Sequence in Theory, Analysis, and Composition (CNSV 140, 240, 330, 332) four semesters (4 credits each):\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    CNSV 140: Core Sequence 1: Diatonic Harmony and Single Species Counterpoint<\/span><\/p>\n

    CNSV 240: Core Sequence 2: Chromatic Harmony and Formal Analysis<\/span><\/p>\n

    CNSV 330: Core Sequence 3: Composition for Performers\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    CNSV 332: Core Sequence 4: Conservatory Seminar\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. Aural Skills (CNSV 308, 309) two semesters, 2 credits per course.\u00a0 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).<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. 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\u2019s history offerings.<\/li>\n
    3. 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      1<\/sup>\u00a0Composers should sign up for CNSV 102 Composition Tutorial<\/p>\n

      2<\/sup>\u00a0For players of orchestral instruments<\/p>\n

      3<\/sup>\u00a0For players of orchestral instruments<\/p>\n

      4<\/sup> depending on the results of the Aural Skills placement exam<\/p>\n

      DOUBLE-DEGREE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS & ASSESSMENTS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      For Students who entered the Conservatory in the Fall of 2019 and after<\/em><\/p>\n