Students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree in Composition can apply for admission to the Master’s program. The Master is a two-year program. With your Bachelor’s degree you have been trained to a good professional standard, but with the Master’s program you will develop a more distinctive personal style.
As in the Bachelor course, you will be taught by prominent international composers/teachers, from whom you will gain a clear impression of current practices and the standard expected of a Master’s student. You will mainly be working on long-term composition projects, sometimes in combination with other disciplines. On completion of the Master’s program wou will possess a sound level of craftsmanship and a wealth of experience from collaborating with professional musicians and ensembles. You will be capable of reflecting on your work and will be capable of interpreting it in the context of current developments 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 New European Ensemble, the Residentie Orchestra, Ensemble Klang, Modelo62, Kluster 5 and from working in venues and festivals like Korzo, Studio Loos or Gaudeamus. 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 program, 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 program. You will be assisted by a research supervisor and will follow an introductory course about doing (artistic) research and an elective of choice 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 program you are required to present the results of your research.
For 24-25 applications:
Master Project
In the Master of Music program, 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 main teacher, your research supervisor and from a 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 and personal growth, and to develop an inquisitive attitude, entrepreneurship and independence, while broadening your cultural horizon and developing your professional skills at a high qualitative level. We want our alumni to be excellent 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.
Teachers
Specifications
Department Chairs
Yannis Kyriakides - Chairperson & Communication
Erika Bordon - Coordinator & Finances
Peter Adriaansz - Curriculum & Exams
Mayke Nas - Projects & Collaborations
Trevor Grahl - Student Welfare & Quality Culture
