Overview
Longy School of Music of Bard College is a accessible private four-year institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school accepts 89.0% of applicants and enrolls 34 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 89.0%
- Total Enrollment
- 34
Admission Guide
Longy School of Music requires a completed application, academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement explaining your musical goals and background. You'll submit these materials through the school's online application portal with a priority deadline of December 1 for fall admission, though applications received after this date receive consideration on a rolling basis.
Your audition represents the most critical component of admission. You'll perform live pieces that demonstrate your technical skill and musical interpretation in your primary instrument or voice. The school schedules auditions from January through March, with specific repertoire requirements varying by instrument and degree program. International students can submit recorded auditions if travel proves difficult.
The graduate programs in conducting and composition maintain higher selectivity than other offerings due to limited faculty availability and specialized mentorship requirements. These programs typically accept only two to three students annually per area.
Housing operates on a first-come basis at nearby Bard College properties, with most students securing spots by submitting deposits early. The school strongly recommends completing your enrollment deposit within two weeks of acceptance to guarantee housing placement, as Cambridge rental market options remain expensive and competitive.
New students attend a mandatory week-long orientation in late August covering practice room reservations, ensemble placement auditions, and Cambridge public transportation. You'll complete jury examinations at the end of each semester, where faculty evaluate your progress and determine continued enrollment in your degree program. The school's small size means you'll work closely with the same faculty throughout your studies, making early relationship-building during orientation particularly important for your success.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $43,291/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $52,950
- Students Receiving Aid
- 10%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,543/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 87.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Longy School of Music of Bard College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Longy School of Music focuses primarily on auditions and musical ability rather than standardized test scores for admission decisions.
What is the audition requirement for Longy School of Music of Bard College?
All applicants must complete a live audition or submit recorded audition materials depending on their program and instrument. Specific repertoire requirements vary by department and degree level.
Can you transfer credits to Longy School of Music of Bard College?
Transfer students can apply previously earned college credits toward their degree at Longy. The school evaluates transcripts on a case-by-case basis to determine which credits will transfer.
Does Longy School of Music of Bard College offer early decision or early action?
Longy operates on rolling admissions for most programs rather than traditional early decision or early action deadlines. Students should check specific program deadlines as they may vary by degree type.