The Lesson Exchange with Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music

A fun fact that surprises people is that I grew up in the arts, mainly in dance, but I had my stint with musical instruments ranging from the violin to vocal lessons. I’ll save you the long-winded story, but let’s just say I was better suited for dance than playing violin or singing (once I didn’t get the lead in Annie, it seemed as though I should stick to dance).

Why am I telling you this? Because I know the importance of the arts, especially as you continue in college. When I was searching for colleges, I was attracted to liberal arts schools like Barnard that would allow me to pursue a new academic discipline while continuing to chase my passion for dance. And Barnard takes this a step further with the Lesson Exchange Program hosted by Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music (MSM).

What is the Lesson Exchange?

The Lesson Exchange allows Barnard students to take private, weekly lessons with faculty at MSM or Juilliard. Lessons are offered at Juilliard in instrumental or vocal performance (classical or jazz) and piano composition. At MSM, students can take lessons for instrumental or composition only.

Who is the Lesson Exchange For?

The cross-registration program is available for Barnard students who successfully audition and have advanced training on classical instruments, classical piano, classical composition, vocal performance, or jazz instruments.

Why Should I Consider the Lesson Exchange?

Barnard offers a variety of music courses, majors, private lessons, and many performance opportunities through our expansive music department and in conjunction with Columbia University, but this provides students who have and want to continue conservatory-level training while in college. Additionally, it allows you to interact with a greater community of musicians and artists, and work with some of the most talented music professors in the world.

How do I Apply for the Lesson Exchange?

Please note that the cross-registration program only includes private lessons, and does not include access to performance ensembles or degree/diploma programs at MSM or Juilliard. MSM and Juilliard have different requirements within the application process, so please read on:

For MSM:

• No prescreening for cross-registration program applicants

• Auditions:

  • All applicants (except for classical composition) must upload their recorded audition repertoire directly to their online application. For classical composers, an in-person audition at MSM is required.

• Results:

  • You can expect to hear back from MSM within six weeks of your audition and your acceptance to the program is contingent upon your acceptance to Barnard (i.e. you may only participate in MSM’s program if you are admitted to Barnard College).

For Juilliard:

• Apply to Barnard as an undergrad student AND apply to Juilliard to participate in the cross-registration (“Barnard, Columbia, Juilliard: BCJ”) program option.

  • To participate in the exchange elements noted below under Current Barnard Students.

  • If you are admitted to Barnard and you enroll, you become a Barnard student.

  • If your application and audition to the BCJ program is successful, you will be assigned an applied teacher at Juilliard. Lessons taken at Juilliard will appear on your transcript at Barnard.

  • Students enrolled at Barnard who have participated in the cross-registration program for at least two years are eligible to apply to Juilliard for the Master of Music degree program in their junior year (as noted under The Accelerated Master of Music section below).

• If you are interested in pursuing the program, you must apply and audition at the same time and to the same standard as all Juilliard applicants

• There is a $35 application fee

You should never have to sacrifice your passion to attend college, so I hope that this information has provided, well, hope and opportunity for you to continue something you love and realize that there is a place for the arts in your college experience. The good news is I am the liaison between Barnard, Juilliard, and MSM for this program. If you have any questions regarding this specific program, you are free to reach out to me at gbradley@barnard.edu.