AEMA
AEMA is an English-taught full-time programme with great attention for the individual student. The programme focuses on developing a unique sound and a solid artist profile.
Programme
To achieve that, there are courses on music technology, composition, music theory, culture and history. To prepare students for their professional life after school, AEMA offers courses on the music industry, entrepreneurship and marketing. Just as important is the production part: you will learn the intricacies of mixing and mastering, sound design and working with hardware, such as analog synthesizers. There are courses on how to produce music commercially for advertising, film or games and how to perform live on stage. For instance, as a DJ or with hardware or musicians.
Diversity and collaboration
Diversity is crucial at AEMA. Students come from all over the world and have diverse musical backgrounds and interests. At AEMA, you are encouraged to explore other styles, collaborate, and learn from your peers in an open climate. AEMA does not choose students within a specific style but aims to support students in developing their own style.
Amsterdam dance capital
Amsterdam has become one of the world's biggest dance capitals. There is a vibrant and diverse scene with countless clubs, events and festivals, such as the annual Amsterdam Dance Event. Amsterdam is also home to many record labels, bookers, agencies and media. AEMA is in the middle of all this. In addition to field trips, there will be a variety of guest speakers, who will share both their knowledge and network. AEMA teachers are part of this creative industry too: they often combine teaching with a career as an artist, manager or producer.
Conservatorium van Amsterdam
Excellence and creativity are paramount at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. The educational experience, facilities and infrastructure of the Conservatory lay a solid foundation under the AEMA programme, allowing students to benefit. There are great opportunities for collabs with students from either the Pop, Jazz or Classical departments. Additionally, students may take instrument lessons at any level.
Associate Degree
The Associate Degree is a two-year internationally recognised undergraduate programme in the bachelor-master structure. The relatively short duration fits well with the needs of the professional field and the pace of the dance industry. Minimum requirements are a VWO, HAVO, 3-year MBO/VHBO diploma or equivalent. The study is suitable for electronic artists who aim at a career as an independent producer, DJ or musician.
AEMA Hybrid
It is also possible to follow the study programme largely online through AEMA Hybrid.
Practical information
Students pay the regular tuition fee, depending on their educational background and country of origin. Please find the list of tuition fees here.
Please note: the tuition fee does not cover traveling and lodging expenses for the required weeks in Amsterdam. The conservatory is not responsible for travel and accommodation arrangements.
Please click here to get to the application form.
Click here for the closing date for application
When you enroll in an Associate Degree course, you can apply for a visa. For more information about visa procedures click here.
- HAVO high school certificate or certificate of MBO+ (intermediate vocational education) music training (minimum)
- supply three self-produced tracks, of which at least 2 were produced in the past six months
- an extensive letter of motivation, including your vision, goals, context and personal development
- Optional: a live video of a performance as DJ or a live performance
After a pre-selection, candidates are invited for an interview, a musical test and a demonstration of the submitted work in your DAW/Laptop
September 2023
This is a two-year study.
The main language for this course is English, therefore every student must have a passive as well as an active knowledge of the English language.
Depending on the composition of the groups, some classes will be taught in Dutch.
Read more about the language requirements.
Dennis Waakop-Reijers music technology, building tracks, the art of remixing
Vince Watson style labs, DJ & repertoire, the art of remixing
Ferry Ridderhof sound design, style labs, creativity & identity
Hans Weekhout mix & production
Jack Pisters composition & analysis
Sebastiaan Dutilh general music theory
Victor Coral electronic music history, artist & culture
Martin van den Oetelaar sound design
Rita Zapora industry & entrepeneurship
Onno van Velzen music & media
Remi Lauw Ableton advanced
Attie Bauw production