In the Master's programme, you are taught by internationally prominent composers who introduce you to contemporary practice. You often work on larger, long-term composition projects, with or without an interdisciplinary character. On completion of your master's degree, you will have solid craftsmanship and extensive experience in working with musicians and ensembles from the sector at a professional level. You have the ability to reflect on your own work and interpret it in the context of current developments in contemporary art.

Flexibility in your curriculum

Within the curriculum, there is plenty of room for your own learning route. There is a wide range of electives to broaden or deepen your professional knowledge and musical education.

During your master's you will conduct your own research: research ‘in and through musical practice’. You will meet your fellow students in the master circle to discuss the progress of each other's research under the guidance of a coach.

Practical experience and collaboration with leading orchestras and ensembles during the program

By the time you graduate, you will have gained extensive experience working with professional musicians and ensembles such as the Residentie Orkest, New European Ensemble, HIIIT (formerly Slagwerk Den Haag), Asko|Schönberg, Ensemble Klang, Kluster 5 and with venues such as the Korzo Theatre, Dag in de Branding, Gaudeamus, November Music, Orgelpark, Musica Sacra, and Opera Forward Festival.

We find it important that you develop into an independently functioning musician who helps shape the constantly changing professional practice. Therefore, during the Master's programme you will also do research on a subject of your choice. You will be supervised by a supervisor and follow an introductory course in (artistic) research. You participate in a Master circle, a peer-to-peer group of fellow students. At the end of your Master's programme, you present the results of your research.

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.