Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or log in.
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) offers a two-year master's programme focused on musical craftsmanship, artistic excellence, and individual authenticity. The aim being to train and produce versatile musicians of the highest level, whether they be performers and/or composers. With a highly varied study programme, students have every opportunity to prepare themselves for professional careers. They are able to combine flexibility and a broad approach with complete mastery of their own particular area of study, receiving optimal guidance that enhances their own talents and qualities to the fullest.
The master's programme maintains a careful balance between knowledge and capability on the one hand and thought and practice on the other. Students completing the programme combine full mastery of their instrument with critical reflection, artistic originality and entrepreneurial skills.
All students in the master are encouraged and empowered to cooperate with our international network of renowned conservatories and perform in world-class ensembles and symphony orchestras. Students can tailor their curriculum to their own specific interests, talents and ambitions.
For the master's programme the Jazz department of the CvA works in close association, exchanging students and staff with other leading music institutions, among which leading European conservatories. In ddition, the conservatorium is unique in the country in that, in association with the chair group of the University of Amsterdam, it also offers the Master of Arts programme in music theory. Students on the master's programme can also attend lectures and study groups at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) in several subjects.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Music
Degree
MMusic
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) offers a two-year master's programme focused on musical craftsmanship, artistic excellence, and individual authenticity. The aim being to train and produce versatile musicians of the highest level, whether they be performers and/or composers. With a highly varied study programme, students have every opportunity to prepare themselves for professional careers. They are able to combine flexibility and a broad approach with complete mastery of their own particular area of study, receiving optimal guidance that enhances their own talents and qualities to the fullest.
The master's programme maintains a careful balance between knowledge and capability on the one hand and thought and practice on the other. Students completing the programme combine full mastery of their instrument with critical reflection, artistic originality and entrepreneurial skills.
All students in the master are encouraged and empowered to cooperate with our international network of renowned conservatories and perform in world-class ensembles and symphony orchestras. Students can tailor their curriculum to their own specific interests, talents and ambitions.
For the master's programme the Jazz department of the CvA works in close association, exchanging students and staff with other leading music institutions, among which leading European conservatories. In ddition, the conservatorium is unique in the country in that, in association with the chair group of the University of Amsterdam, it also offers the Master of Arts programme in music theory. Students on the master's programme can also attend lectures and study groups at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) in several subjects.
Admission Requirements
In order to be admitted to the master programme at the Conservatorium
van Amsterdam, candidates should possess a Bachelor of Music diploma at
the start of their study.
The master entrance exam consists of two parts
a practical part
an interview
In the interview, the following topics are discussed:
motivation to do a master study
specific plans for the study (based on the written motivation in the application form)
plans for the curriculum and a research proposal
During the entrance examination candidates will be tested for level of
repertoire, technical skills, artistic abilities, development
possibilities, ear tests and musical hearing. If one of these aspects is
considered insufficient, the candidate will fail.
The examination result of the practical part is communicated to the
candidate directly after the practical part. The result can be
'admissible to the principal subject' or 'rejected from the principal
subject'. The board of directors (not the exam committee), will make the
final decisions regarding the admissions. In addition to the results of
the practical and theoretical exams (and for foreign candidates their
command of the English language), the number of student places available
per section will be taken into account. As soon as possible after the
entrance exams the candidates will be informed if they will be admitted
or not. During the summer holidays all admitted candidates will receive
information on the start of the study year, the introduction day and the
payment of the tuition fee.
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Jazz Master's Degree Program
Oosterdokskade, Amsterdam, Netherlands
24 monthsProgramme duration
10 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
AugStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Music
Degree
MMusic
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) offers a two-year master's programme focused on musical craftsmanship, artistic excellence, and individual authenticity. The aim being to train and produce versatile musicians of the highest level, whether they be performers and/or composers. With a highly varied study programme, students have every opportunity to prepare themselves for professional careers. They are able to combine flexibility and a broad approach with complete mastery of their own particular area of study, receiving optimal guidance that enhances their own talents and qualities to the fullest.
The master's programme maintains a careful balance between knowledge and capability on the one hand and thought and practice on the other. Students completing the programme combine full mastery of their instrument with critical reflection, artistic originality and entrepreneurial skills.
All students in the master are encouraged and empowered to cooperate with our international network of renowned conservatories and perform in world-class ensembles and symphony orchestras. Students can tailor their curriculum to their own specific interests, talents and ambitions.
For the master's programme the Jazz department of the CvA works in close association, exchanging students and staff with other leading music institutions, among which leading European conservatories. In ddition, the conservatorium is unique in the country in that, in association with the chair group of the University of Amsterdam, it also offers the Master of Arts programme in music theory. Students on the master's programme can also attend lectures and study groups at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) in several subjects.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Music
Degree
MMusic
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) offers a two-year master's programme focused on musical craftsmanship, artistic excellence, and individual authenticity. The aim being to train and produce versatile musicians of the highest level, whether they be performers and/or composers. With a highly varied study programme, students have every opportunity to prepare themselves for professional careers. They are able to combine flexibility and a broad approach with complete mastery of their own particular area of study, receiving optimal guidance that enhances their own talents and qualities to the fullest.
The master's programme maintains a careful balance between knowledge and capability on the one hand and thought and practice on the other. Students completing the programme combine full mastery of their instrument with critical reflection, artistic originality and entrepreneurial skills.
All students in the master are encouraged and empowered to cooperate with our international network of renowned conservatories and perform in world-class ensembles and symphony orchestras. Students can tailor their curriculum to their own specific interests, talents and ambitions.
For the master's programme the Jazz department of the CvA works in close association, exchanging students and staff with other leading music institutions, among which leading European conservatories. In ddition, the conservatorium is unique in the country in that, in association with the chair group of the University of Amsterdam, it also offers the Master of Arts programme in music theory. Students on the master's programme can also attend lectures and study groups at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) in several subjects.
Admission Requirements
In order to be admitted to the master programme at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, candidates should possess a Bachelor of Music diploma at the start of their study.
The master entrance exam consists of two parts
In the interview, the following topics are discussed:
During the entrance examination candidates will be tested for level of repertoire, technical skills, artistic abilities, development possibilities, ear tests and musical hearing. If one of these aspects is considered insufficient, the candidate will fail.
The examination result of the practical part is communicated to the candidate directly after the practical part. The result can be 'admissible to the principal subject' or 'rejected from the principal subject'. The board of directors (not the exam committee), will make the final decisions regarding the admissions. In addition to the results of the practical and theoretical exams (and for foreign candidates their command of the English language), the number of student places available per section will be taken into account. As soon as possible after the entrance exams the candidates will be informed if they will be admitted or not. During the summer holidays all admitted candidates will receive information on the start of the study year, the introduction day and the payment of the tuition fee.
https://www.conservatoriumvanamsterdam.nl/en/application-and-admission/how-to-apply/
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
More programmes from the university
Arts and Humanities (2)
Bachelor Programme in Pop Music
Bachelor Programme in Pop Music
Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Music
Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Music
Bachelor's Programme in Classical Music
Bachelor's Programme in Classical Music
Bachelor's Programme in Early Music
Bachelor's Programme in Early Music
Social Sciences and Management (2)
Bachelor's Programme in Music in Education
Bachelor's Programme in Music in Education
Arts and Humanities (2)
Jazz Master's Degree Program
Jazz Master's Degree Program
Master Composing for Film
Master Composing for Film
Master Music in Society
Master Music in Society
Master Programme in Pop Music
Master Programme in Pop Music
Master in Immersive Audio
Master in Immersive Audio
Master of Music - Dutch National Opera Academy
Master of Music - Dutch National Opera Academy
Master's Programme in Classical Music
Master's Programme in Classical Music
Master's Programme in Early Music
Master's Programme in Early Music
Master's Programme in Live Electronics
Master's Programme in Live Electronics
Social Sciences and Management (2)
Master of Education in Arts
Master of Education in Arts