Orchestral Conducting

During the bachelor programme the training focuses primarily on the many-sided amateur and semi-professional practice; during the master's degree programme the training centres on the practice of professional orchestras and ensembles. In addition to a thorough training in baton techniques a broad theory education forms an important part of the curriculum. The orchestral conducting student is expected to dispose of a solid musical education, which will be developed further during the study with the aid of orchestra and ensemble repertoire.

Teachers

bachelor's degree programme
Ed Spanjaard section representative,principal subject
Karel Deseure regular guest teacher
Antony Hermus regular guest teacher
Bas Wiegers regular guest teacher

National Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting
Ed Spanjaard principal subject
Jac van Steen principal subject

Practical aspects of conducting will take up a large part of the tuition: rehearsal, organisation, how to manage musicians, how to programme concerts. If possible the young conductor will be employed in the conservatory's orchestral activities, for the benefit of his own experience as well as the experience of his fellow-students.

Admission requirements

a bachelor's degree in music (or being in the process of completing a bachelor's degree in music)
some ability to play the piano
some ability to play simple scores on the piano
being able to play one movement from a sonata and one movement from a piece
to undergo ear tests, which will explore your insight into musical structures
to show potential for the principal study, which will be tested by means of a rehearsal

Preselection
Audition candidates will be selected on the basis of a video recording to be submitted digitally via the application form. Recordings must be received by February 1st at the latest.

Requirements for the video materials are:

1. A video of yourself conducting, repertoire free of choice, filmed from the players’ view of the conductor.
2. A short introduction regarding your education, personal motivation, something that reflects you. Max. 4 minutes
3. A video of you playing your principal instrument. Repertoire free of choice, one or two pieces (or excerpts, if necessary). Max. 10 minutes.

National Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Royal Conservatoire The Hague offer a joint national master programme in orchestral conducting, in cooperation with the professional Dutch orchestras. In this master programme, orchestra conductors develop the skills and gain the experience required to conduct a professional symphony orchestra in a competent and artistically well-thought-out manner.

The master programme builds a bridge between the study and the professional practice and offers students the opportunity to build and expand their own professional networks. Additionally, the master enhances the educational programmes of the orchestras involved. More >>