Adri de Vugt Receives Honorary Title from the Royal Conservatoire

On 29 October 2026, the Royal Conservatoire The Hague awarded Adri de Vugt the title of Maestro Honoris Causa on the occasion of his retirement. With this distinction, the Royal Conservatoire recognises his longstanding commitment to music education, research and the development of music teaching.

Adri has been part of the Royal Conservatoire since 1995. He began as a lecturer in educational pedagogy in the Music in Education programme, formerly known as Schoolmuziek. Since its establishment in 2007, he has been closely involved in the development of the master's programme The Musician Educator as programme coordinator. He helped shape a programme that brings together musicianship, artistic development, research and the personal growth of music educators.

As an educator, Adri encourages students to think critically, develop their own perspectives and connect research with teaching practice. His extensive knowledge, personal commitment and genuine interest in students have made him a highly valued teacher and mentor.

Beyond the Royal Conservatoire, Adri has made significant contributions to music education. He is a former president of the European Association for Music in Schools and has contributed to nearly sixty publications as an author, co-author or editor. His latest book, Basisboek Muziekeducatie: Resonerend lesgeven in het instrumentaal onderwijs, co-authored with Thomas de Baets, Wieke Karsten and Bert Appermont, was published in early October 2026.

With the title of Maestro Honoris Causa, the Royal Conservatoire honours Adri's outstanding contribution as an educator, researcher and programme coordinator. His dedication to students and his belief that good music education begins with committed, critical and artistically minded teachers continue to inspire.

Maestro Honoris Causa

On the occasion of the Conservatoire’s 200th anniversary, the honorary title Maestro Honoris Causa is awarded. This special distinction honours individuals who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the arts and to their field. The Maestri form a lasting source of inspiration for the Conservatoire’s students, teachers and alumni.

As a symbol of this recognition, the Maestri receive a unique artwork from the series Things We Carry by artist Pim Schumacher. This series reflects the connections we share as people: our relationships, our stories and our sense of community. The artwork highlights not only the individual achievements of the Maestro, but also their significance within a larger whole.