Master Programme in Violin

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

Overview

The Violin programme at HAMU offers an intensive, full-time curriculum designed for students aspiring to careers as professional violinists in solo, chamber, orchestral, and interdisciplinary settings. The programme combines a three-year Bachelor’s with a two-year Continuing Master’s, forming a continuous development pathway from technical proficiency to artistic maturity and professional readiness. Students explore a broad repertoire spanning Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary works, while developing interpretative insight, stage presence, and individual artistic voice. The curriculum integrates instrumental tuition with theoretical, methodological, and professional preparation, equipping graduates for versatile musical careers nationally and internationally.

Programme Goals

The Violin programme aims to cultivate technically excellent, musically expressive, and professionally prepared violinists. Key objectives include:

• Technical mastery: Developing advanced technique, including bowing, articulation, intonation, vibrato, and phrasing across a wide repertoire.

• Artistic individuality: Fostering personal interpretative style, musical expression, and stage presence.

• Repertoire versatility: Preparing students to perform solo, chamber, and orchestral literature, including Czech and international compositions.

• Professional readiness: Equipping students to perform in solo, ensemble, orchestral, and interdisciplinary contexts.

• Reflective and analytical skills: Encouraging critical engagement with historical context, performance practice, and stylistic interpretation.

• Career management: Training students to organise performances, projects, and professional activities independently.

Graduates emerge as confident, versatile violinists, ready to establish themselves as professional performers and educators.

Curriculum Structure

The programme spans six semesters at the Bachelor’s level and four semesters at the Master’s level:

• Bachelor’s Programme (3 years / 6 semesters): Intensive violin tuition, chamber music, orchestral participation, music theory, ear training, history, and performance practice. Students develop technical foundation, repertoire knowledge, stage presence, and ensemble skills. Public recitals and masterclasses provide practical experience. (hamu.cz)

• Master’s Programme (Continuing) (2 years / 4 semesters): Focuses on advanced repertoire, interpretative depth, solo and chamber leadership, and professional career development. Students undertake independent projects, interdisciplinary collaborations, and prepare a final recital or portfolio demonstrating artistic maturity and technical excellence.

• Cross-programme supports: Seminars in music theory, history, pedagogy, performance psychology, and career management complement practical training. Students participate in masterclasses, orchestral projects, and international exchanges.

This structured approach ensures progression from foundational skill acquisition to high-level performance, interpretative insight, and professional readiness.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the Violin programme demonstrate:

• Technical and artistic proficiency: Mastery of advanced violin techniques, expressive phrasing, and stylistic versatility.

• Personal artistry: Individual musical voice, interpretative confidence, and stage presence.

• Professional versatility: Ability to perform solo, in chamber ensembles, orchestras, and interdisciplinary projects.

• Critical awareness: Ability to contextualise repertoire historically and stylistically and to engage in reflective practice.

• Career readiness: Skills to manage concerts, collaborate professionally, and engage in teaching or research.

Graduates are prepared for successful careers as soloists, chamber musicians, orchestral leaders, educators, and interdisciplinary performers.

Why Choose HAMU?

HAMU offers a unique environment for violinists:

• Specialised instruction: Individual violin tuition tailored to each student’s artistic development.

• Performance opportunities: Public recitals, chamber music, orchestral performances, and participation in national and international festivals.

• International orientation: English-taught options attract a diverse student body and offer global networking.

• Mentorship and masterclasses: Sessions with distinguished violinists and visiting artists enhance skill and perspective.

• Cultural environment: Prague provides historic concert venues, ensembles, festivals, and vibrant musical life.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Opportunities to collaborate with composition, dance, theatre, and media departments.

These factors ensure students develop both artistry and professional competence in a rich, inspiring environment.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate strong musical ability and professional potential:

• Bachelor’s level: Secondary music education or equivalent; performance audition demonstrating technical and musical ability; selection of solo repertoire.

• Master’s level: Bachelor’s degree in violin or equivalent; submission of performance portfolio; live audition with advanced repertoire; evaluation of interpretative and professional readiness.

• Language proficiency: English for international-taught options.

• Selection process: Competitive audition and interview assessing technical skill, artistic individuality, and potential for advanced study.

Admitted students receive intensive one-on-one instruction and access to performance and professional development resources.

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for:

• Solo performance: Recitals, recordings, and festival appearances.

• Chamber music: Participation in ensembles, quartets, and collaborative projects.

• Orchestral careers: Positions in symphony orchestras, opera houses, and contemporary ensembles.

• Education: Teaching at conservatories, universities, and private studios; leading workshops and masterclasses.

• Interdisciplinary projects: Collaborations with dance, theatre, film, and media.

• Arts management and leadership: Programming concerts, organising festivals, and managing artistic projects.

Graduates’ combination of technical mastery, artistry, and professional readiness enables successful national and international careers.

Conclusion

The Violin programme at HAMU provides rigorous technical training, artistic development, and professional preparation. Through individual tuition, ensemble experience, masterclasses, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with Prague’s vibrant musical life, students cultivate the skills, artistry, and professional confidence to excel as violinists in diverse performance contexts worldwide.