As a student of Composition & Music Production you will study to become a composer, songwriter or producer, or a combination of those.
You play in a band and you write the songs. When you listen to a CD you are always listening to how it is made; when does the guitar enter, how is the sound of the drums, how are the beats programmed. Maybe you even spend long evenings programming beats into your computer. Or you play the piano and write small compositions for yourself and others who play an instrument or sing. When you watch a film or play a computer game, you pay more attention to the music than to the storyline. In short, you are extremely interested in the composition of music, perhaps even more than in interpreting and playing music. Do you recognise yourself here? If so, then CMS has much to offer you.
Graduates generally combine arranging, composing and producing in their work. Your arrangements may be heard in concert halls or at home on a CD or via a streaming service. You can work, for example, at a sound and audio-visual studio or at a theatre. On the one hand, you will notice in professional practice that you will often work independently, regardless of whether you are composing, arranging or producing. On the other, you will be working together with all sorts of people during productions. In this ever-changing field, you need to develop knowledge and skills quickly and on your own initiative.
What is it like, to work on a concert with students from all departments of the conservatoire, and to perform it on the main stage in a big concert venue? Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at such a large production.
The ESNS Songwriting Speed Date Sessions are organised every year during Eurosonic/Noorderslag. Successful songwriters collaborate with our C&M students.
Composition & Music Production students attended a master class by music producer Henrik Schwarz and the Alma Quartet. Check the video for an impression.
We realise the music of the future by educating music professionals who can navigate the professional field with versatility and are curious about the world around them. We do this in a creative and musical learning community, connected to the professional practice.
A place to develop yourself and where you feel at home
About the Conservatoire
The programme consists of four main subjects and several supporting classes. During the first two years you will have to attend all subjects, including the four main subjects. In the third year you can specialise in one of them.
You will take lessons from our own faculty members, who are also working professionals, as well as from guest lecturers, such as composers and producers.
Note that Composition and Music Production is a Dutch-taught programme. Please visit our Dutch website for more information.
The Composition & Music Production (C&M) programme is a Dutch-taught programme. We have a limited number of places available each year. We are looking for highly motivated, talented and opinionated music creators with both depth (quality of the work you produce) and breadth (a demonstrably broad musical interest and knowledge). Candidates often have their own musical preference or expertise, a genre in which you have been mostly active so far. But we also want to hear what happens when you write something in a style you may not yet be well versed in. We want to hear what you create, be it instrumental pieces, pop songs, dance productions, film scores or soundscapes. We think it's important that you show work in distinctly different genres. So make sure you have diversity in the pieces you submit for your entrance exam.
Theoretical and technical knowledge
A solid basic knowledge of notation, music theory and solfège is necessary for admission. We offer various opportunities (including crash courses and practice exams) to help you prepare for these. In addition, we expect basic knowledge of working with a DAW (music software) in a home studio and an affinity with music technology.
Dutch is required
Note that C&M is a Dutch-taught programme, we only offer the info on our website in English by popular demand. Entering the programme requires a decent level of Dutch in reading, writing and speaking. There are several intensive summer courses that can help you achieving the level you need for following classes and writing assignments. There are no exceptions to the Dutch language requirement for now.
To audition at the Prince Claus Conservatoire, the following steps are required:
For questions about admission, dimplomas, exams and more.
Meeuwerderweg 1, 9724 EM Groningen
Meeuwerderweg 1, 9724 EM Groningen
For questions about admission, dimplomas, exams and more.
Meeuwerderweg 1, 9724 EM Groningen
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