Early Music
The Early Music Department of the Royal Conservatoire enjoys a worldwide reputation as one of the largest and most important faculties of its kind. For forty years the Department has formed a unique breeding ground and melting pot for talent in historical performance practice. Vocal and instrumental styles of music from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance up to the end of the Early Romantic period are taught by musicians with an international reputation as authorities in their field. Because of the high standards demanded by the international teaching staff, a degree from the Royal Conservatoire is an automatic recommendation in professional circles.
Nice to meet you
If you have any questions for the Early Music Department, please let us know and we will be in touch as soon as possible. Make sure to also check our FAQ pages on applying and auditioning.
Our famous Early Music Faculty
Main subject teachers
Harpsichord: Fabio Bonizzoni & Carole Cerasi
Organ: Jos van der Kooy
Fortepiano: Bart van Oort, Petra Somlai
Master Historical Keyboard instruments: various keyboard teachers
Master Basso Continuo for Harpsichord: Patrick Ayrton
Baroque harp: Christina Pluhar
Lute/theorbo: Mike Fentross, Joachim Held
Historical violin/viola: Kati Debretzeni, Enrico Gatti, Walter Reiter, Ryo Terakado
Historical cello: Lucia Swarts
Violone: Margaret Urquhart / vacancy
Viola da Gamba: Mieneke van der Velden
Recorder: Daniël Brüggen
Traverso: Kate Clark
Historical oboe: Frank de Bruine / vacancy
Historical clarinet: Nicola Boud
Historical bassoon: Benny Aghassi
Natural trumpet: Susan Williams
Natural horn: Teunis van der Zwart / Vacancy
Baroque trombone: Wim Becu
Cornetto: Doron Sherwin
Supporting teachers
Patrick Ayrton, basso continuo
Rachael Beesley, guest teacher violin/viola
Richard Egarr, chamber music, early keyboards
Rebecca Huber, historical string quartet
Caroline Kang, minor historical cello
Edoardo Valorz, minor harpsichord
Wouter Verschuren, minor dulcian / renaissance reed instruments
Isaac Alonso de Molina, Early Music Theory and Historical Keyboard Skills
Kathryn Cok, Early Music Theory and Historical Keyboard Skills
Joao Carlos Santos, Early Music Theory
Bert Mooiman, Early Music Theory
James Hewitt, Teacher Applied Historical Improvisation
Robert de Bree, Teacher Applied Historical Improvisation
Adrián Rodríguez van der Spoel, Practicum Polyphoniae
Alexandra Nepomnyashchaya, Guest Teacher
Barbara Willi, Guest Teacher
Inspiration
Get to know our students, teachers and alumni, or read up on the latest news of the Early Music Department.
Programmes
Search our bachelor programmes and master programmes.