Master’s Programme in Composition

Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (HAMU)

Overview

The Master’s Programme in Composition at HAMU is a two-year, full-time course taught in English, designed for graduates who wish to develop their artistic voice, technical mastery, and professional presence as contemporary composers. The programme combines advanced compositional practice with theoretical study, methodological training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to work across acoustic, electro-acoustic, film, and hybrid media formats. Students refine their creative identity while situating their work within historical, cultural, and technological contexts, preparing for careers in composition, research, and performance.

Programme Goals

The programme aims to cultivate composers who are both artistically independent and professionally equipped to navigate contemporary music practice. Key objectives include:

• Artistic development: Supporting the creation of a distinctive compositional style and creative identity.

• Contemporary engagement: Encouraging critical awareness of current trends in music and interdisciplinary practices.

• Technological proficiency: Equipping students with skills in notation software, sound editing, electro-acoustic systems, and media integration.

• Theoretical grounding: Strengthening understanding of music history, aesthetics, theory, and cultural context.

• Professional readiness: Preparing graduates for independent creative work, interdisciplinary collaboration, public performance, and further research or academic study.

Graduates leave the programme with a strong foundation for both professional practice and academic contribution in the field of contemporary composition.

Curriculum Structure

The programme spans four semesters and integrates practical composition, theory, and research:

• Core composition practice: Students produce works in acoustic, electro-acoustic, and media-based formats, developing a portfolio aligned with their artistic focus.

• Elective specialisation: Students may concentrate in areas such as acoustic instruments, electro-acoustic music, film composition, or hybrid interdisciplinary projects.

• Technology and production: Training in sound recording, editing, notation software, and production workflows ensures competence in contemporary compositional methods.

• Theoretical and historical modules: Courses cover music theory, analysis, aesthetics, and research methodology, enabling critical contextualisation of students’ work.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Opportunities for cooperation with theatre, dance, film, and media projects broaden practical and conceptual experience.

• Final composition project and thesis: Students complete a major portfolio or project demonstrating technical mastery, artistic maturity, and theoretical reflection.

This integrated structure ensures graduates combine creative practice, technological fluency, and scholarly understanding.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the Master’s in Composition are:

• Creative and independent composers: Capable of producing original works across multiple media with technical and artistic expertise.

• Technologically adept: Skilled in contemporary tools and production methods relevant to professional composition.

• Critically informed: Able to situate their work within historical, aesthetic, and cultural contexts.

• Collaborative: Prepared to engage in interdisciplinary projects across music, dance, theatre, and media.

• Professionally ready: Equipped to pursue careers as composers, researchers, performers, or educators, and to engage in further doctoral study.

Graduates emerge as versatile professionals capable of leadership, innovation, and research in contemporary music practice.

Why Choose HAMU?

HAMU offers a distinctive environment for the development of professional composers:

• Creative freedom and specialisation: Students define their own compositional identity while pursuing elective specialisations.

• State-of-the-art facilities: Support for acoustic, electro-acoustic, and interdisciplinary composition, alongside public performance opportunities.

• International orientation: Taught in English, attracting a multicultural student body and providing global networking opportunities.

• Mentorship: Small cohort sizes ensure personalised supervision and guidance.

• Cultural setting: Prague’s vibrant artistic scene offers concerts, archives, collaborations, and exposure to international professional networks.

• Research and professional infrastructure: Students gain experience in applied projects, public presentations, and interdisciplinary collaborations, supporting career readiness.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate artistic and technical proficiency:

• A Bachelor’s degree in composition, music, or a related discipline.

• Submission of a portfolio of recent compositions (scores and recordings).

• Evaluation through a portfolio review and interview, assessing compositional skill, theoretical knowledge, and creative potential.

• Proficiency in English.

The programme admits a small cohort, ensuring intensive guidance and high-quality studio training.

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in contemporary music and interdisciplinary practice:

• Composer for acoustic, electro-acoustic, film, theatre, and intermedia works.

• Collaborator in interdisciplinary projects involving dance, theatre, media, and multimedia installations.

• Academic researcher, lecturer, or doctoral candidate in composition and music studies.

• Curator, producer, or manager for concerts, festivals, and artistic residencies.

• Performer-composer in ensembles, recordings, and interdisciplinary projects.

Graduates combine artistic originality, technical proficiency, and professional adaptability to succeed in the global contemporary music scene.

Conclusion

The Master’s Programme in Composition at HAMU provides a rigorous, practice-oriented, and internationally oriented path for composers seeking to refine their craft and establish professional independence. Through creative practice, theoretical study, technological training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, graduates develop the skills, artistic vision, and critical understanding required to innovate and lead in contemporary music, research, and cultural life.