The Curriculum
The curriculum offers a strong and coherent study programme. The course ‘Keyboard Musicianship’ emphasizes the development of practical skills so that students become familiar with improvisation, sight reading, and transposition. During the last two years of the programme, the repertoire classes ‘Historical Keyboard Instruments’ and ‘Contemporary Music’ afford greater insight into the principal subject, and are taught by experts, both on an individual basis and in groups. This is followed by an intensive supplementary programme consisting of group lessons and workshops. Student contribution is significant; the Piano Student Council is involved in the planning and organisation of projects and masterclasses.

The piano section is firmly anchored in the Department of Keyboard Studies, which besides piano offers the following principal subjects: organ, fortepiano, harpsichord, and clavichord. In addition to the above-mentioned repertoire class ‘Historical Keyboard Instruments,’ students may enrol in individual elective courses for other keyboard instruments. In addition, students also acquire knowledge and skills related to all these keyboard instruments through projects.

Ensembles
Ensemble playing is an essential part of the curriculum. In the first year, piano students enrol in the Lied class, where they form a regular duo with a student studying singing. As of the second year chamber music is a compulsory part of the curriculum; from the second through the fourth year students are coached in ensembles comprised of various instruments.

Preparation for Professional Practice
Although the curriculum is strongly orientated towards music performance, pedagogical subjects and the subject ‘Entrepreneurship’ also form part of the curriculum. Through these subjects students become excellently prepared for all facets of their future profession.

Concluding the Study
At the end of the bachelor programme the student is capable of presenting a persuasive public recital with music from different style periods and in various instrumentations.
For many students the bachelor final exam forms the starting point of a Master’s education at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam or abroad.

Admission Requirements
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. The video repertoire consists of about 30 minutes of music and should comprise the following pieces:

• an etude of the level of difficulty of at least C. Czerny - op. 740, M. Clementi - Gradus ad Parnassum, J.B. Cramer/Bülow, or a more advanced level
• a classical sonata, minimum the first movement 
• one or more repertoire pieces of the candidate's choice

Please make sure that the videos are recorded from a static perspective, showing hands and face, and that each work or opus is recorded in a separate video. Movements of a sonata or cycle may be recorded separately. Please be aware that cuts within movements of a sonata or cycle are not allowed. The videos should be submitted through a (private) YouTube or of Vimeo link.

Audition repertoire
For the live audition the candidate should prepare the following:

• two etudes, for example C. Czerny - opus 740; M. Clementi - 'Gradus ad Parnassum'; J.B. Cramer/Bülow or a more advanced level
• polyphony: a three-part Invention, some movements from a suite, partita or a prelude and fugue from Das wohltemperierte Clavier by J.S. Bach
• a classical sonata, minimum the first movement 
• two repertoire pieces of the candidate's choice in different styles

The repertoire of the pre-selection may return in the live audition.

The development of distinguishing artistic qualities is central to the two-year Master programme, in addition to developing excellent pianistic skills.

Specializations
Within the principal subject, master students can specialize in certain repertoire, such as chamber music and contemporary music. It is also possible to compile a multidisciplinary Master’s curriculum, combining piano with another keyboard instrument at the Department of Keyboard Studies.

In addition to a Master’s degree with piano as principal subject, students can also choose to continue studying for a:
Master’s Degree in Répétiteurship, vocal or instrumental
Master’s Degree in Piano Trio

After Graduating
After completing the curriculum the student is equipped for a professional career at an international standard.

Admission Requirements
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. The recording should comprise a programme of 30 minutes of music, including solo works from at least two different style periods. 

Please make sure that the videos are recorded from a static perspective, showing hands and face, and that each work or opus is recorded in a separate video. Movements of a sonata or cycle may be recorded separately. Please be aware that cuts within movements of a sonata or cycle are not allowed. The videos should be submitted through a (private) YouTube or of Vimeo link.

Audition

1. The entrance exam programme includes solo works from various style periods and has a minimal duration of 50 minutes. The repertoire of the pre-selection may return in this programme. The candidate must submit a programme proposal to the CvA study secretariat before February 1st.
2. In addition to a high level of technical ability, the candidate must demonstrate an involved, personal approach to the musical material. He/she must be able to convince the committee that these aspects in particular can be further developed.