Study information

Composition is a highly intensive course which stands out for the loyalty and strong team sprit among the students and teachers. Many graduates of the Composition programme in The Hague have achieved worldwide fame, with their work being performed by prestigious ensembles at the leading opera houses, music festivals and venues all around the world. The faculty, once the birthplace of the revolutionary ‘Hague School’, concentrates on encouraging the creativity and versatility of the students, the conduct of research and helping students to discover their own identity as a composer.

During the course you will develop your own contemporary music practice and work with musicians in performances of your own creations. We devote a lot of attention to cooperation with creative spirits in other disciplines, improvisation and the use and development of (live) elekcronics. You will be able to study the production of music theatre and forms of interdisciplinary art, particularly in association with music theatre workshops, other art academies and numerous music ensembles.

During the course you will be required to manage a portfolio in which you keep a record of your activities during your studies, including your own concert recordings, programmes and reviews,

In addition to acquiring a sound theoretical basis, you will gain practical experience by taking part in a great many internal and external projects

At the end of the fourth year you will give a presentation on the compositions you have produced during the course. The programme has close ties with the professional field through its collaboration with ensembles such as New European Ensemble, Modelo62, Slagwerk Den Haag, Asko|Schönberg, the Nieuw Ensemble, Residentie Orkest, Ensemble Klang, Kluster 5 and with venues like Korzo, Loos, Gaudeamus and the Nutshuis.

You can also take Composition as a minor, but will then have to sit an entrance exam. The course lasts three years. You will have a group lesson in composition every two weeks (group of 5 students) and the weekly Studium Generale. You can expand curriculum with a selection of other group lessons. The evaluation for the minor exam is broadly the same as the Bachelor exam, although the standard at which you are judged is lower.

Specifications

Language

English

Duration

4 years

Degree

Bachelor of Music

Tuition fee

Check 'Tuition fees'

Department Chairs

Yannis Kyriakides - Chairperson & Communication
Erika Bordon - Coordinator & Finances
Peter Adriaansz - Curriculum & Exams
Mayke Nas - Projects & Collaborations
Trevor Grahl - Student Welfare & Quality Culture