Quick Facts
Conservatory of music with innovative curriculum
Location
Cambridge, MA
Degrees
Certificates, Bachelor's, Master's
Popular Majors
Music Performance, Composition, Music Education, Vocal Studies, Instrumental Studies
Total Students	Undergrad Students
250	40
Tuition (2025-2026)	Room and Board
$54,000	$16,000
Selectivity	Average Net Price *
Moderately Selective (audition-based)	$34,000
Distance from Boston	School Website
In Cambridge (adjacent to Boston)
* Average Net Price is the actual average cost to students for attending the college. This is calculated by adding the cost of attendance (tuition, fees and room and board where applicable) and subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid.

Longy School of Music of Bard College, founded in 1915, is a progressive conservatory dedicated to reimagining music education for the 21st century. Located in Cambridge near Harvard Square, Longy serves approximately 250 students with innovative programs that blend artistic excellence with social impact and community engagement. The conservatory's distinctive curriculum emphasizes creative entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and service to society while maintaining rigorous performance standards.

Longy offers bachelor's and master's degrees in performance, composition, music education, vocal studies, and instrumental studies.

The conservatory focuses on preparing musicians for diverse careers through community partnerships and public performances.

Programs include innovative tracks in music and social change.

Longy maintains affiliations with Bard College for expanded opportunities.

The Cambridge campus places students near Boston's vibrant music scene.

Contents

Academics>

Admission>

Career Outcomes>

Campus>

Student Life>

Graduate Schools>

International Students>

Visiting Longy School of Music>

Academics

Longy School of Music offers innovative conservatory training that reimagines music education for social impact. Undergraduates and graduates pursue degrees in Performance, Composition, Music Education, Vocal Studies, and Instrumental Studies. Classes emphasize artistic excellence with community engagement and interdisciplinary projects. Small ensembles and faculty mentorship foster creative growth. Programs integrate entrepreneurship and public service. Longy's progressive curriculum prepares musicians for diverse careers while addressing societal needs.

Admission

Admission to Longy is moderately selective with audition requirements. Applications via Longy portal with prescreening and live auditions. Holistic review considers musical talent, academics, and commitment to innovation. Test-optional policy applies.

Career Outcomes

Longy graduates achieve success in performance, education, community arts, and entrepreneurship, benefiting from innovative training and networks. Career services support residencies, teaching positions, and project funding. Many students launch initiatives or join ensembles during studies. Alumni lead in orchestras, schools, and nonprofits. Graduates often create hybrid careers, empowered by Longy's focus on social impact and practical skills.

Campus

Longy's Cambridge campus features historic buildings with practice rooms, performance spaces, and recording studios near Harvard Square. Facilities support intensive training with technology-enabled rooms. The campus offers commuter resources and limited housing partnerships. Easy transit connects to Boston venues. The location immerses students in cultural community while providing focused artistic environment.

Student Life

Longy fosters a collaborative artistic community with performances, projects, and events focused on innovation and service. Students engage in ensembles, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary work. Activities include concerts, workshops, and social impact initiatives. Wellness resources support balance. The international population enriches collaboration. Cambridge location offers cultural enrichment while the campus provides focused creative space.

Graduate Schools

Visiting Longy School of Music