Master

Master of Music in Pop Music

Artist, Training, and Music Industry
In the two-year full-time Master of Pop programme, excellent students go through a tailor-made development path. This covers all facets of existence as a professional pop musician, including facilities, knowledge, feedback and a network in the music industry. In this way, artists learn to position themselves strongly and professionally in the music world.

The master programme consists of three components:

Developing and designing a complete artistic concept: from songwriting to recording, from live shows to online presence.
Executing and positioning this artistic product in the market, including all relevant organisational, business, and artistic aspects.
Doing relevant research necessary to sustain the project and the artistic development of the master student.

‘The CvA Pop Master can be the perfect bridge between your inside and the outside world.’ 

Marnix Dorrestein | Ciao Lucifer

Popcontact

Twice a year students organize Popcontact evenings. During these these evenings, master students discuss current issues with the field, and present their music or innovative projects of the pop department. The interactive setting, the interviews, and active participation in the organisational process result in valuable insights and access to a new network. We work together with MOJO, Universal, TopNotch, Sony, Friendly Fire, Agents After All; organisations such as BumaStemra, Stichting GRAP; national venues such as Paradiso, TivoliVredenburg and festivals such as Lowlands, Best Kept Secret, Down the Rabbit Hole and Popronde.

‘During the Popcontact events, I was able to showcase my music to important people within the music industry, resulting in more shows.’

Wesley Fransen | Keenan Mudane

What is Popcontact?

Research

During the two years of study, each master student does a research project. Generally, this is artistic research appropriate to the direction in which the student wants to develop. In some cases, the research can also be of a a historical or analytical nature.

Every year, the second-year master students present the results of this research during the Master Research Symposium organised in the conservatoire. For the presentation, students can choose from different formats, such as the combination of a presentation with a concert, or a workshop or master class.

Download the Master's Research Guide

‘I would recommend the master programme for every musician with bigger goals and dreams. You can form your programme in a way that fits you.’

Marieke Naus | Miss Starling