Amsterdam Electronic Music Academy
Electronic music has gone through a massive evolution in the last few decades. New styles evolve while the genre’s popularity continues to grow. The Netherlands is leading in this regard. To help sustain this strong position and develop young talent, the Conservatorium van Amsterdam offers a two-year international Associate Degree for the electronic musician: the Amsterdam Electronic Music Academy (AEMA).
AEMA is an English-taught full-time AD-programme with great attention to the individual student. The curriculum focuses on developing a unique sound and a solid profile as an artist. During two years, students learn the intricacies of mixing and mastering, sound design, and hardware, such as analog synthesizers. There are courses on how to produce music commercially for advertising, film, or games, as well as stage performance. Preparing for post-graduation success, the program includes modules on the music industry, entrepreneurship, and marketing. AEMA targets aspiring independent producers, DJs, and musicians in electronic music. Admission is based on musical talent and a mature, independent work ethic.
ProduceLearn advanced mixing techniques, craft tracks with impact, refine your sound | CreateShape compositions that are genuine, build a musical identity that resonates |
PerformLearn how to showcase your musical talent, engage live audiences, generate income | ReleaseLaunch your tracks into the world and learn how to promote |
AEMA Hybrid
AEMA Hybrid is the flexible way to follow our comprehensive program. With the same curriculum as on-site, AEMA Hybrid lets you learn online through our state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS).
Study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world, while receiving personalized feedback and engaging with teachers, similar to the on-site programme. Upon completion, you earn the same Associate Degree. AEMA Hybrid is tailor-made for producers and deejays who want to take the next step in their musical development, propel their careers and broaden their network.
Anywhere, anytime
Study at AEMA from anywhere in the world
Same degree
AEMA Hybrid earns you the same Associate Degree as AEMA on-site
Personal feedback
Grow faster with individual guidance and personal feedback
Graduates
Those who completed the AEMA journey
Our former students have done more than just learn music. They've grown both as people and artists. So instead of talking about what we teach, why not look at whom we teach? Here are some stories about the accomplishments of our amazing alumni.
‘My time at AEMA turned out to be the best two years of my life’
In this interview AEMA alumna Vera Grace discusses the impact AEMA has had on her development and career, propelling her passion for electronic music to new heights in various ways. 'I didn't expect it to be as enjoyable as it was. It offered everything I wanted and more.'
More Student Stories
Dance Capital Amsterdam
At AEMA, diversity is crucial. We harbour a global community of students with diverse backgrounds and musical tastes. Students are challenged to explore various styles, collaborate, and gain insights from peers.
Situated in the dance capital Amsterdam, AEMA benefits from the city's vibrant scene, and its numerous clubs, events, and festivals like the renowned Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). With proximity to record labels, agencies, and media, AEMA stands at the heart of this dynamic ecosystem. Field trips and guest speakers enrich the experience, offering valuable knowledge and networking opportunities.
The program caters to aspiring producers, DJs, and musicians across all electronic genres, prioritizing the development of individual styles.
Faculty
Who you’ll learn from
AEMA is a dynamic hub where aspiring electronic music artists meet some of the industry's most seasoned professionals. Our faculty members are not just educators but influential figures in the world of electronic music, each bringing a wealth of experience, creativity, and innovation to our academy.
From the chart-topping production brilliance of Dennis Waakop-Reijers, known for his collaborations with everyone from DJ Tiësto to Britney Spears and Kanye West, to the profound musical depth of Vince Watson with his impressive repertoire of over 200 EPs and albums, our teachers are here to guide you through every step of your musical journey.
The AEMA also takes pride in its founding members like Hans Weekhout, a renowned name in the Dutch studio scene with a world number 1 hit record in his pocket, and true analog aficionado Ferry Ridderhof, known for his international chart successes and deep understanding of sound design. They, along with other distinguished faculty members, bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to our classrooms.
Our courses cover a broad spectrum, from Music Technology and The Art of Remixing to Sound Design and General Music Theory, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. Whether you're looking to sharpen your production skills, master remixing, or explore new realms of creativity, our faculty is here to mentor and inspire you.
As you navigate through our website, you'll find detailed profiles of each faculty member. Their stories, achievements, and contributions to the music world are not just impressive but more importantly, they are also a testament to the level of expertise and passion you can expect as a student at AEMA. Exciting, right?
Practical information
How to apply
Please click here to get to the application form.
Click here for the closing date for application
When you enroll in an Associate Degree course, you can apply for a visa. For more information about visa procedures click here.
Admissions Requirements and selection
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HAVO high school certificate or certificate of MBO+ (intermediate vocational education) music training (minimum)
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supply three self-produced tracks, of which at least 2 were produced in the past six months
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an extensive letter of motivation, including your vision, goals, context and personal development
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optional: a live video of a performance as DJ or a live performance
After a pre-selection, candidates are invited for an interview, a musical test and a demonstration of the submitted work in your DAW/laptop.
General information
Start of study: September 2024
Duration: This is a two-year study.
Language: The main language at AEMA is English, therefore every student must have both a passive and active knowledge of the English language. Depending on the composition of the groups, some classes will be taught in Dutch. Read more about language requirements.
Tuiton fee: Students pay the regular tuition fee, depending on their educational background and country of origin. Please find the list of tuition fees here. Please note: the tuition fee does not cover traveling and lodging expenses for the required weeks in Amsterdam. The conservatory is not responsible for travel and accommodation arrangements.
Studyguide: click here
Instruments requirements
AEMA’s student requirements for equipment: a modern and solid working laptop including DAW software, headphones, monitor speakers, audio interface and a midi keyboard.
For AEMA Hybrid you'll also need a Behringer Crave or similar (modular) synthesizer and DJ gear such as the Pioneer FLX4 with Rekordbox software.
Faculty
Dennis Waakop-Reijers Music Technology, Building Tracks, The Art of Remixing
Vince Watson Stylelabs, DJ & Repertoire, The Art of Remixing
Ferry Ridderhof Sound Design, Stylelabs, Creativity & Identity
Hans Weekhout Mix & Production
Jack Pisters Composition & Analysis
Sebastiaan Dutilh General Music Theory
Victor Coral Electronic Music History, Artist & Culture
Martin van den Oetelaar Sound Design
Rita Zapora Industry & Entrepeneurship
Tom Tukker Music & Media
Remi Lauw Ableton Advanced
Attie Bauw Production
Contact
About
Conservatorium van Amsterdam
Excellence and creativity are paramount at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. The educational experience, facilities and infrastructure of the Conservatory lay a solid foundation under the AEMA programme, allowing students to benefit. Not only are there great opportunities for collabs with students from either Pop, Jazz or Classical departments, but students may also take instrument lessons, at any level.
Facilities
Within the larger premises of the Conservatory, the AEMA department has mix cabins with professional monitoring and precisely tuned acoustics. Students can practice on our Pioneer CDJ sets or pick just about any piece of gear from a vast collection of analog synths, drum machines, and modular equipment for use in their projects. Additionally, two sophisticated mix/master rooms are equipped with cutting-edge monitoring technology from ATC and PMC. Students can book rooms through our online reservation system.
Associate Degree
The Associate Degree is a two-year internationally recognised undergraduate programme in the bachelor-master structure. The relatively short duration fits the needs of the professional field and the dance industry’s pace. Minimum requirements are a VWO, HAVO, 3-year MBO/VHBO diploma or equivalent.
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