National Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting
The National Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting (NMO) is a prestigious two-year master’s programme offered jointly by the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. This programme is presented in cooperation with several professional Dutch orchestras, including the Residentie Orkest, the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, and the North Netherlands Orchestra.
You will follow lessons with our principal subject teachers Ed Spanjaard and Jac van Steen. Additionally, you will have classes with various guest professors like Anja Bihlmaier, Antony Hermus, Lorenzo Viotti and Bas Wiegers. You will work as assistant conductor with orchestras in the Netherlands and abroad and you will have regular masterclasses with our partner orchestras.
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 2025-2026 academic year
After a selection, a number of candidates will be invited to the online interviews. A maximum of 8 candidates will be admitted to the live auditions. A maximum of 4 candidates will be admitted to the final round.
Candidates are asked to upload the following documents together with their application:
- Motivation (written)
- Biography
- Portfolio
- 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 exists 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 why you want to apply for to the National Master in Orchestral Conducting.
Saturday 1 February 2025
Closing date for application (application is possible between 1 November 2024 and 1 February 2025). Please apply via the online application form
Monday 3 March 2025
Announcement of the candidates invited to the online interviews.
Monday 31 March 2025
Online interviews.
Tuesday 1 April 2025
Announcement of the candidates invited to the live auditions.
Sunday 25 May 2025
Theory Level Test***
Location: Amsterdam
Monday 26 May 2025
Morning: First round with the Noord-Nederlands Orkest
Repertoire: to be announced in March 2025
Location: Groningen
Afternoon: Final round with the Noord Nederlands Orkest
Repertoire: B. Bartók – Concerto for Orchestra
Location: Groningen
*** The theory level exam is a test which gives us information about your general knowledge. No one will be rejected on the basis of 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. Other elements of the test are recognising chords/modulations and recognising 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.
Candidates who have passed the entrance exam, either enroll with the Royal Conservatoire or the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
