In 2003, the Conservatorium van Amsterdam started a study programme in pop music. Now, twenty years later, we can proudly state that the pop department's right to exist as a springboard for creative and innovative pop talents has been proven time and time again.

Our pop musicians release remarkable albums and make international careers with projects such as Dewolff, WIES, Jungle by Night, EUT, Nusantara Beat, MY BABY and many others. Bands from the pop department play at festivals such as Eurosonic Noorderslag, Pinkpop, Best Kept Secret, Lowlands, Down the Rabbithole, Reeperbahn Festival (D), Glastonbury (UK) and SXSW (USA). Additionally, the work of pop students and alumni is regularly honoured with prizes and distinctions such as the Sena Pop NL Award, the Grote Prijs van Nederland, 3FM Awards, Gouden Kalf, the Amsterdam Popprijs and Edisons in various categories. Furthermore, our alumni and students perform with bands such as Spinvis, Maan, Kensington, Blaudzun, Goldband, Bløf and Van Dik Hout.

Alumni of the Pop Department are also active in other branches of the music scene. For example, songwriter and composer Tessa Rose Jackson wrote the music of three films, including the opening film of NFF 2021 Mijn vader is een viegtuig, and NINGDU, which made the IFFR Tiger selection. The song "Wat een dag" by Okke Punt, for Unox's winter commercial, was voted the most popular commercial music of 2015. Romano Wijnstein collaborated with artists such as Typhoon, Mr. Probs, Wende Snijders and Ronnie Flex, for which he received two Grammy nominations and won an Edison. Songwriter and composer Gyo Kretz has won multiple gold and platinum awards for songs for Rolf Sanchez, Vic9 ft. Ronnie Flex, Zefanio ft. Jayh, Tabitha and Sevn Alias.

The pop department has expanded to include a two-year master's degree, the Young Pop Academy for young talents, and an electronic music programme, the Amsterdam Electronic Music Academy (AEMA). During this two-year Associate Degree, students are trained to become electronic artists and producers. Alumni and teachers of AEMA can be seen in clubs and at festivals such as Club Basis, the School, Tomorrowland, Thuishaven, Mysteryland and many other venues.

We invite you all to celebrate 20 years of Pop Department with us on 5 October 2023!