Private school2.4K

Bard College

Annandale-On-Hudson, NY

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Quick links

BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Weekly private composition lessons with Missy Mazzoli, Joan Tower, and George Tsontakis

Additional faculty in electronic music and film scoring

Optional Conducting and Film Scoring concentrations within the degree

Performance & Productions

Works performed by the Da Capo Chamber Players and the Bard Conservatory Orchestra

Degree Flexibility

Five-year double-degree program: BM in Composition and a BA in a field other than music

Fully integrated in the intellectual and social life of the College

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.86

Admit rate

52%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

2.4K

Earnings

$47K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$72,420

Before aid

Average net price

$34,649

After aid

Tuition · bard.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 11, 3:06 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Weekly private composition lessons with Missy Mazzoli, Joan Tower, and George Tsontakis

Additional faculty in electronic music and film scoring

Optional Conducting and Film Scoring concentrations within the degree

Performance & Productions

Works performed by the Da Capo Chamber Players and the Bard Conservatory Orchestra

Degree Flexibility

Five-year double-degree program: BM in Composition and a BA in a field other than music

Fully integrated in the intellectual and social life of the College

Program Highlights

Training

Weekly private composition lessons with Missy Mazzoli, Joan Tower, and George Tsontakis

Additional faculty in electronic music and film scoring

Optional Conducting and Film Scoring concentrations within the degree

Performance & Productions

Works performed by the Da Capo Chamber Players and the Bard Conservatory Orchestra

Degree Flexibility

Five-year double-degree program: BM in Composition and a BA in a field other than music

Fully integrated in the intellectual and social life of the College

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App Coalition App School Website

Deadline

Early application deadlineNov 1, 2026

Early Decision IIRegular DecisionJan 15, 2027

Firstyear · bard.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The prescreen may be submitted before the university application.

Apply

School Website

Deadline

Early Conservatory Application and Prescreening DeadlineNov 1, 2026

Conservatory Application and Prescreening DeadlineJan 1, 2027

Audition · bard.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Portfolio

Submit a portfolio of original compositions

Include scores and recordings of your work

Resume

Submit a musical bio or resume

Letters of Recommendation

One recommendation from a professional musician (most usually your composition teacher or private instructor)

Up to three musical recommendations may be submitted

Requirements · bard.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit both a Conservatory Composition Application and a Bard College Regular Decision application by January 1

College application via Common App or Coalition with Scoir

Composition applicants apply through the separate Composition Application portal

Admissions Process

Two separate decision letters: one from the Conservatory and one from the College

Applicants not admitted to the College may not attend the Conservatory

Applicants admitted to the College but not the Conservatory may enroll in the BA Music Program

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit a composition portfolio and prescreening materials through the Conservatory Composition Application portal

The composition faculty reviews the portfolio before inviting finalists

Invited applicants complete a live interview/audition with the composition faculty and bring a portfolio of their works

Applicants also perform a piece on an instrument of their choice

International applicants and applicants for whom travel is a hardship may interview via Zoom

Exact live audition dates will be announced in the fall

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.86

Admit rate

52%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

2.4K

Earnings

$47K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$72,420

Before aid

Average net price

$34,649

After aid

Tuition · bard.edu College Scorecard

Training

Weekly private composition lessons with Missy Mazzoli, Joan Tower, and George Tsontakis

Additional faculty in electronic music and film scoring

Optional Conducting and Film Scoring concentrations within the degree

Performance & Productions

Works performed by the Da Capo Chamber Players and the Bard Conservatory Orchestra

Degree Flexibility

Five-year double-degree program: BM in Composition and a BA in a field other than music

Fully integrated in the intellectual and social life of the College

Updated Sep 11, 3:06 PM