![[Translate to English:]](/media/cva/_processed_/b/5/csm_nmo-header_1f5695e740.webp "[Translate to English:]")
National Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting
The National Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting is a prestigious two-year master’s degree programme offered jointly by the Royal Conservatoire and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. It is designed for aspiring conductors who wish to lead with artistry, authority and vision.
Students work closely with eminent mentors such as Ed Spanjaard and Jac van Steen, as well as guest conductors such as Antony Hermus, Tianyi Lu, Lorenzo Viotti, and Bas Wiegers. They accumulate hands-on experience by taking on regular assignments as an assistant conductor with major Dutch symphony orchestras, including the Residentie Orkest, the Noord Nederlands Orkest and the Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest.
The curriculum balances rigorous study with practical training and covers score study, rehearsal techniques, leadership skills, interpretation, and artistic communication. By participating in masterclasses and working with orchestras during rehearsals and public performances, students gain valuable stage experience and sharpen their conducting skills while developing their artistic identity.
Participating orchestras
- Concertgebouworkest
- Het Balletorkest
- Nationaal Jeugdorkest
- Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest|Nederlands Kamerorkest
- Noord Nederlands Orkest
- Phion, Orkest van Gelderland & Overijssel
- Philzuid
- Radio Filharmonisch Orkest
- Residentie Orkest
- Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest
The National Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting is supported by Het Kersjes Fonds.
Admission
The admission procedure for the National Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting differs from the other master's degree programmes at the CvA. View the admission requirements and the audition procedure below. If you have any questions, please contact Jaike Bakker.
- bachelor’s degree in music
- a well-developed musical ear
- knowledge of the basic repertoire for symphony orchestra from 1750 to the present
- ability to master scores, also by score-playing
- ability to rehearse with a symphony orchestra, with the use of proper conducting techniques
- ability to conduct and inspire a symphony orchestra during concerts
- a pronounced personal and artistic vision
- ability to express personal views regarding the composition concert programmes
- to show potential for development
Auditions for the 2026-2027 academic year
After a selection, a number of candidates will be invited to the online interviews. A maximum of 8 candidates will be invited for the live auditions; all invited candidates will take part in both live rounds. The live auditions will be held on 3 and 4 June 2026 in The Hague.
Candidates are asked to upload the following documents together with their application:
- Motivation (written)
- Biography
- Portfolio (overview of your experience as a musician/conductor)
- Research proposal
- Video of yourself conducting*
- Personal introduction video**
- Copy of diploma(s) granted
- Copy of passport
* As part of the application for the National Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting we ask you to upload a recent recording of yourself conducting. The recording must exist of a minimum of two contrasting pieces, filmed from the players’ view of the conductor. You can upload a maximum of three conducting videos.
** In addition to a recording of yourself conducting, we ask you to upload a selfie-video of maximum 5 minutes in which you introduce yourself and explain your motivation on why you are applying to the National Master in Orchestral Conducting.
Sunday 1 March 2026
Closing date for application
Please apply via the online application form
Monday 16 March 2026
Announcement of the candidates invited to the online interviews
Wednesday 22 April 2026
Online interviews
Friday 24 April 2026
Announcement of the candidates invited to the live auditions
Wednesday 3 June 2026
Morning: Theory Level Test***
Afternoon: First round
Repertoire: A. Mahler – Sieben Lieder (version for medium voice and 2 pianos)
Thursday 4 June 2026
Morning: Final round with the Residentie Orkest
Repertoire: J. Haydn – Symphony no. 87
Afternoon: Jury deliberation + results
*** The theory level exam is a test which gives us information about your general knowledge. No one will be rejected after this test. It consists of theoretical and historical knowledge, reading and analytical ability, hearing and vocalization. The test includes score playing on the piano. In addition to this you will get sight singing exercises, with and without piano accompaniment. Also recognizing chords/modulations and recognizing scores.
NB. The National Master in Orchestral Conducting reserves the right to at all times make schedule changes as well as to adjust the repertoire.
If you have any questions, please contact Jaike Bakker.
Candidates who have passed the entrance exam, either enroll with the Royal Conservatoire or the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
