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The following is the suggested course flow for students interested in moderating into Jazz at Bard College.

Available/Appropriate courses for First-Year Students:

Fall Semester

  • FISEM I - 4 credits
  • Distribution Course - 4 credits
  • MUS171 Jazz Fundamentals l requirement - 4 credits
  • MUS173 Jazz through the Prism of History I requirement - 4 credits
  • Ensemble choice - ( MUS WKSHP3 Jazz Improv I, Spontaneous Composition, Women Composers Ensemble, Jazz Vocal Ensemble) - 2 credits
  • Lessons and/or Sight Reading - Audit
  • Total: 18 credits
Spring Semester
  • FISEM II- 4 credits
  • Distribution Course - 4 credits
  • MUS 171B Jazz Fundamentals lI requirement - 4 credits
  • MUS 173B Jazz through the Prism of History II requirement - 4 credits
  • Ensemble choice - ( MUS WKSHP4 Jazz Improv II, Spontaneous Composition, Women Composers Ensemble, Jazz Vocal Ensemble) - 2 credits
  • Lessons and/or Sight Reading - Audit
  • Total credits :18

Available/appropriate courses for Sophomores:

Fall Semester
  • MUS266C Jazz Repertory Bebop Masters I - (4 credits)
  • MUS266B American Popular Song I - (4 credits)
  • MUS WKSHP Improv III - (2 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)
Spring Semester
  • MUS266C Jazz Repertory Bebop Masters II - (4 credits)
  • MUS266B American Popular Song II - (4 credits)
  • MUS WKSHP Improv lV - (2 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)

Available/appropriate courses for Juniors:

Fall Semester

  • MUS108N Contemporary Composers Ensemble I - (2 credits)
  • MUS266D Music of John Coltrane I (4 credits)
  • MUS367B Jazz Composition I - (4 credits)
  • MUS366A Advanced Contemporary Jazz Techniques I - (4 credits)
  • MUS108W Women Composer Ensemble - (2 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)
Spring Semester
  • MUS108N Contemporary Composers Ensemble II - (2 credits)
  • MUS108SC Spontaneous Composition Ensemble II - (2 credits)
  • MUS266D Music of John Coltrane II (4 credits)
  • MUS367B Jazz Composition II - (4 credits)
  • MUS366B Advanced Contemporary Jazz Techniques ll - (4 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)

Suggested courses for Seniors:

Fall Semester

  • MUS356 Arranging Techniques: Jazz I - (4 credits)
  • MUS366C Advanced Contemporary Jazz Techniques III - (4 credits)
  • MUS108N Contemporary Composers Ensemble III - (2 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)
Spring Semester
  • MUS356 Arranging Techniques: Jazz II - (4 credits)
  • MUS366D Advanced Contemporary Techniques lV - (4 credits)
  • MUS108N Contemporary Composers Ensemble lV - (2 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)
Note:
Jazz Composition I & II followed by Jazz Arranging I & II is a two year sequence, and can be started in your Sophomore or Junior year, depending on when the sequence begins for your four year program. Jazz Through the Prism of History I, II is a two year sequence and can be taken out of sequence.

Contemporary Jazz Composers Ensemble is available to all Jazz students who have advanced sight reading and performance skills.

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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Annandale-on-Hudson, New York 12504-5000
Phone: 845-758-6822
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