The Bard Music Program offers students a wide range of courses in electronic music, all focused on the immense potential for circuits and computers to act as creative tools and musical partners.
Photo by Kay Bell '26
Studying Electronic Music
The curriculum is designed to be open to a wide variety of aesthetic interests and interdisciplinary pursuits. Course topics include music composition, sound art, coding/programming, circuit design, recording/audio production, improvisation, and electronic music performance, among many others. The program includes two ensembles—electroacoustic and electric guitar—both of which workshop and perform works by Bard students.
Studying Electronic Music
Students enrolled in electronic music courses have access to the department recording studio facilities, which include a variety of industry-standard microphones, outboard gear, software, a Steinway piano, and an extensive analog synthesizer collection (ARP, Serge, and Moog). Students are also able to utilize the studio facilities to record their own albums and pursue independent creative projects.
Requirements
Course Requirements for Majors
Theory and History (12–16 credits)
Music Theory / Ear Training I and II (or) Jazz Harmony I and II (Students with prior proficiency may test out of Music Theory I or Jazz Harmony I at the discretion of the instructor.)
History of Electronic Music
Electroacoustic Composition Seminar
Sound and Technology (16 credits)
Introduction to Electronic Music
One course from each of the following topic areas: Topics in Music Software (e.g., Topics in Music Software: MAX/MSP); Topics in Sound Studies (e.g., Topics in Sound Studies: Critical Listening; a sound studies course under Experimental Humanities and/or in the ethnomusicology focus area may fulfill this requirement with approval of electronic music adviser); Topics in Music Production (e.g., Topics in Music Production: Sound Recording I)
Ensemble and Lessons (4 credits)
Two semesters of performance ensemble (Electroacoustic Ensemble or other)
Two semesters of private lessons or tutorials on an electronic music subject
Total credit hours: 32–36 credits
The following courses must be completed prior to Moderation:
Introduction to Electronic Music;
History of Electronic Music (or) Electroacoustic Composition Seminar.
It is strongly encouraged that students complete Music Theory I/II or Jazz Harmony I/II before Moderation.
Moderation and Senior Concert Requirements
For Moderation Senior Project I/II requirements, contact an advisor in electronic music. For general guidelines and information, click here.
Bard Electronic Music Presents
The Music of Iannis Xenakis
László Bitó ’60 Conservatory Building ____________________________________________________
Plektó (1993) The Bard Sinfonietta; Timmy Morrow, conductor Francisco Verastegui, flute; Colin Roshak, clarinet; Chris Nelson, violin; Chris Van Zyl, cello; Ryan McCullough, piano; Taylor Long, percussion
Rebonds (1987-89) Part A; Juan Diego Mora Rubio, percussion Part B: Joao Melo, percussion
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 ProgramApply to the Conservatory