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The
master's programme in Live Electronics at the Conservatorium van
Amsterdam is designed to accommodate the aspirations of performers from
any musical background who wish to specialize in combining instrumental
music with live electronics. The programme is targeted towards
performers with a music-driven interest in electronics and technology,
which could also include 'laptopists,' or software-based musicians as
long as they can show proficiency in music theory and performance
practice.
In a world where
computers are ubiquitous, and advanced tools for making electronic music
have become more accessible and affordable, there is an increasing
interest in musicians who can work with live electronics in creative and
innovative ways.
The Amsterdam
two-year master's programme provides profound education in combining
the traditional instrument with live electronic extensions. Through
balanced training using dedicated software and hardware on one hand and
the traditional instrument on the other, students are enabled to develop
their artistic, creative and technological skills in an area which asks
for consistent development. Performance, composition, improvisation,
multimedia, audiovisual, computer programming, synthesizer programming,
new and vintage hardware, and music theatre are among the key subjects
taught.
The programme is
completely cross-genre and is not biased towards one music style or
tradition. Musicians with a background in classical, jazz or pop music
can all follow this master's programme.
Lessons,
lectures, and workshops are given by an experienced team of CvA
teachers and internationally recognized guest lecturers.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Music
Degree
MMusic
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The
master's programme in Live Electronics at the Conservatorium van
Amsterdam is designed to accommodate the aspirations of performers from
any musical background who wish to specialize in combining instrumental
music with live electronics. The programme is targeted towards
performers with a music-driven interest in electronics and technology,
which could also include 'laptopists,' or software-based musicians as
long as they can show proficiency in music theory and performance
practice.
In a world where
computers are ubiquitous, and advanced tools for making electronic music
have become more accessible and affordable, there is an increasing
interest in musicians who can work with live electronics in creative and
innovative ways.
The Amsterdam
two-year master's programme provides profound education in combining
the traditional instrument with live electronic extensions. Through
balanced training using dedicated software and hardware on one hand and
the traditional instrument on the other, students are enabled to develop
their artistic, creative and technological skills in an area which asks
for consistent development. Performance, composition, improvisation,
multimedia, audiovisual, computer programming, synthesizer programming,
new and vintage hardware, and music theatre are among the key subjects
taught.
The programme is
completely cross-genre and is not biased towards one music style or
tradition. Musicians with a background in classical, jazz or pop music
can all follow this master's programme.
Lessons,
lectures, and workshops are given by an experienced team of CvA
teachers and internationally recognized guest lecturers.
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 Live Electronics programme is
intended for performers with an instrumental bachelor's degree or
equivalent. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in another musical field
may be admitted, provided that they show proficiency in music theory
and a sufficient level of performance skills.
In
addition to the completed and signed application form and the other
documents, students are requested to send links to (an) audio and/or
video recording(s) of a performance of live electronic music. A
motivation letter stating the student's reasons for applying to the
programme must also be included.
Selected
candidates will be invited to do an audition in which they will present
a live electronic performance of no more than 10 minutes, followed by
an interview of about 10 minutes. Candidates from outside the European
Union can opt for an online audition.
Applicants must have their own instruments (like any student of an instrumental principal subject), and also:
a recent MacBookPro
Max (cycling74.com), Ableton Live (ableton.com) and Teensy software installed
a professional audio/MIDI interface (MOTU M-series or Focusrite Scarlett, for example)
appropriate microphones and/or cabling that can be used for live performance with their instrument
The CvA can give technical advice for various instruments on request.
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:
Master's Programme in Live Electronics
Oosterdokskade, Amsterdam, Netherlands
24 monthsProgramme duration
01 Mar, 2026Application Deadline
AugStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Music
Degree
MMusic
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The master's programme in Live Electronics at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam is designed to accommodate the aspirations of performers from any musical background who wish to specialize in combining instrumental music with live electronics. The programme is targeted towards performers with a music-driven interest in electronics and technology, which could also include 'laptopists,' or software-based musicians as long as they can show proficiency in music theory and performance practice.
In a world where computers are ubiquitous, and advanced tools for making electronic music have become more accessible and affordable, there is an increasing interest in musicians who can work with live electronics in creative and innovative ways.
The Amsterdam two-year master's programme provides profound education in combining the traditional instrument with live electronic extensions. Through balanced training using dedicated software and hardware on one hand and the traditional instrument on the other, students are enabled to develop their artistic, creative and technological skills in an area which asks for consistent development. Performance, composition, improvisation, multimedia, audiovisual, computer programming, synthesizer programming, new and vintage hardware, and music theatre are among the key subjects taught.
The programme is completely cross-genre and is not biased towards one music style or tradition. Musicians with a background in classical, jazz or pop music can all follow this master's programme.
Lessons, lectures, and workshops are given by an experienced team of CvA teachers and internationally recognized guest lecturers.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Music
Degree
MMusic
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The master's programme in Live Electronics at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam is designed to accommodate the aspirations of performers from any musical background who wish to specialize in combining instrumental music with live electronics. The programme is targeted towards performers with a music-driven interest in electronics and technology, which could also include 'laptopists,' or software-based musicians as long as they can show proficiency in music theory and performance practice.
In a world where computers are ubiquitous, and advanced tools for making electronic music have become more accessible and affordable, there is an increasing interest in musicians who can work with live electronics in creative and innovative ways.
The Amsterdam two-year master's programme provides profound education in combining the traditional instrument with live electronic extensions. Through balanced training using dedicated software and hardware on one hand and the traditional instrument on the other, students are enabled to develop their artistic, creative and technological skills in an area which asks for consistent development. Performance, composition, improvisation, multimedia, audiovisual, computer programming, synthesizer programming, new and vintage hardware, and music theatre are among the key subjects taught.
The programme is completely cross-genre and is not biased towards one music style or tradition. Musicians with a background in classical, jazz or pop music can all follow this master's programme.
Lessons, lectures, and workshops are given by an experienced team of CvA teachers and internationally recognized guest lecturers.
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 Live Electronics programme is intended for performers with an instrumental bachelor's degree or equivalent. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in another musical field may be admitted, provided that they show proficiency in music theory and a sufficient level of performance skills.
In addition to the completed and signed application form and the other documents, students are requested to send links to (an) audio and/or video recording(s) of a performance of live electronic music. A motivation letter stating the student's reasons for applying to the programme must also be included.
Selected candidates will be invited to do an audition in which they will present a live electronic performance of no more than 10 minutes, followed by an interview of about 10 minutes. Candidates from outside the European Union can opt for an online audition.
Applicants must have their own instruments (like any student of an instrumental principal subject), and also:
The CvA can give technical advice for various instruments on request.
https://www.conservatoriumvanamsterdam.nl/en/study/focus-masters/live-electronics/
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:
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