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Composition

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Music composition has been central to the teaching of music at Bard for decades; creativity is the core of our mission. We get performers to engage with living composers, and we encourage—and in some cases require—performers to compose something at some point in their education, so they’ll have an idea what the act involves.
Studying Composition

Studying Composition

Our student composers are guaranteed a range of opportunities for performance of their works. Most regular of these is the student composition concerts presented by the Da Capo ensemble, which is in residence; once each semester they give a concert of student works for Pierrot ensemble (flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano), plus other performers as needed. The graduating composer has the option of having an orchestra piece performed by The Orchestra Now at the Commencement Concert. In addition, the students have many avenues for getting their pieces performed by student ensembles and soloists.

Requirements for the Major

The requirements for composition majors are:

  • Three semesters of music theory past first-year theory, at least one of which should be a course analyzing music after 1910
  • Two semesters of music history
  • Two semesters of lessons on an instrument (unless prior proficiency can be demonstrated)
  • Orchestration
  • Composition workshop
  • An electronic music course (Some of our electronic courses are designed with the acoustic composer in mind.)

Composition Faculty

Composition Faculty

The Bard composition faculty is committed to aesthetic diversity. We argue with each other about what kind of music is best, and the fact that we disagree means that the student composers have a range of options. Stylistic dogma has no place here. Our composition professors have international careers and are actively integrated into a worldwide network of colleagues. Through our program, young composers come into contact with the wider world of new music composition. Faculty include:
Thurman Barker
John Esposito 
Kyle Gann 
Erica Lindsay 
Matt Sargent 
Joan Tower 
George Tsontakis 

Applying to the Program

  • How to Apply
    To apply to the undergraduate Bard Music Program, apply through the Bard Admission Office. Applying to the Bard Conservatory of Music requires a separate application to the Conservatory.
    Apply to the Undergraduate Program   Apply to the Conservatory
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