As in the Bachelor course, you will be taught by prominent international composers/teachers, from whom you will gain a clear impression of current practice and the standard expected of a Master’s student. You will now be working mainly on long-term composition projects, sometime in combination with other disciplines. On completion of the Master’s programme wou will posssess a sound level of craftsmanship and a wealth of experience in collaborating with professional musicians and ensembles. You will be capable of reflecting on your work and interpreting it in the context of current trends in contemporary art.

On completion of the Master’s course you will have gained considerable experience in working with professional musicians and ensembles such as ASKO|Schönberg, the Nieuw European Ensemble, Residentie Orkest, Ensemble Klang, Modelo62, Kluster 5 and venues like Korzo, Studio Loos, Gaudeamus and the Nutshuis. In the ‘research in and through musical practice’ component of the curriculum you will study the theory and practice of composition in more depth. We also offer a cross-over programme, consisting of a selection of electives with which you can broaden or deepen your professional knowledge and musical training.

Research
We believe it is important that you develop into a self-sustaining musician who can handle the ever-changing professional practice well. For this reason you are required to do research on a topic of your choice during the master's programme. You will be assisted by a research supervisor, follow an introductory course about doing (artistic) research and an elective in your first year. You will participate in a Master circle, a 'peer-to-peer ' group consisting of fellow students and a circle leader. At the end of your master’s programme you are required to present the results of your research.

For 23-24 applications:

Master Project
In the Master of Music programme, you have the unique opportunity to create a Master Project with your own future in mind. A Master Project is an overarching term which combines the three domains of our master curriculum: artistic development, research and professional integration. As part of the curriculum, you will receive individual and group lessons in your main subject to aid you in your artistic development, you will conduct research on a topic of your own choice, and you will design and initiate your own professional integration activity. These elements and activities all come together in the Master Project. To help you develop your Master Project successfully, you will receive guidance and support from your instrumental/vocal teacher, research supervisor and professional integration coach. Additionally, you will take part in a peer group, in which you can discuss what you are working on. Designing your own Master Project gives you an opportunity to consider your future career and experiment with developing your own professional practice during your studies. When creating your Master Project, you should take into consideration whether it will help you find your place in the professional practice after you have finished your studies. We encourage you to collaborate, and therefore it is possible to do a Master Project together with other students. If you would like to find out more information, have a look at the Master Project Plan Guidelines at the end of this page.

Educational Philosophy
The educational philosophy of the Master of Music at the Royal Conservatoire enables you to develop your individual artistic vision, personal growth, inquisitive attitude, entrepreneurship and independence, while broadening your cultural horizon, as well as developing your instrumental and technical skills at a high qualitative level. We want our alumni to be excellent performers and composers, but also professionals who can reflect on their role in society, and know how to collaborate and navigate the complex realities of today’s and tomorrow’s music profession.

Department Chairs

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