Bachelor's Programme in Early Music
48 monthsProgramme duration
01 Feb, 2026Application Deadline
AugStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Music
Degree
BMus
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
Students wishing to specialize in historical performance will find that the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) offers the ideal study environment. The Early Music Department offers full- time degree programmes in historical instruments, and subsidiary subjects for classical music students looking to familiarize themselves with the performance of historical repertoire. The department is an international training center for historically informed performance practice made up of a community with its own character, while simultaneously maintaining multiple connections within the CvA. The department provides in-depth knowledge of, and experience in, more than three centuries of music to both principal study students looking to specialize and students of subsidiary subjects with a special interest. Early music is not considered a specific style period; the department offers training both to early music specialists with insight into later styles, and to classical and modern musicians with insight into earlier style periods.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Music
Degree
BMus
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
Students wishing to specialize in historical performance will find that the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) offers the ideal study environment. The Early Music Department offers full- time degree programmes in historical instruments, and subsidiary subjects for classical music students looking to familiarize themselves with the performance of historical repertoire. The department is an international training center for historically informed performance practice made up of a community with its own character, while simultaneously maintaining multiple connections within the CvA. The department provides in-depth knowledge of, and experience in, more than three centuries of music to both principal study students looking to specialize and students of subsidiary subjects with a special interest. Early music is not considered a specific style period; the department offers training both to early music specialists with insight into later styles, and to classical and modern musicians with insight into earlier style periods.
Admission Requirements
In order to be admitted to the bachelor programme at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, candidates should possess a graduation certificate from an institution of secondary education a recognised equivalent of a Dutch VWO or HAVO certificate at the start of their study.
The Classical/Early Music bachelor entrance exam consists of three rounds:
1. Video Recording
Candidates
are asked to submit weblinks to their video recordings, uploaded on
YouTube or Vimeo. The requirements for the videos are determined for
each principal subject; please see the list below for the principal
subject of your choice. Please make sure that the videos are recorded
from a static perspective, showing hands and face, and that each work or
opus is recorded in a separate video. Be aware that only unedited
videos are allowed to be submitted. You can put the weblinks to your
video recordings in the application form.
Candidates whose level in the first round meets the entry requirements will proceed to the principal subject entrance exam.
2. Principal Subject Entrance Exam
Aptitude
and suitability are tested with reference to the principal study.
Candidates perform a programme which is to be submitted beforehand of
approximately 20-30 minutes duration (composition: interview).
Programme details are to be submitted beforehand. For full details of
the entrance requirements for each principal study, please see the
principal subject of your choice below.
Please note: if you take the
entrance exam online, you are expected to audition via a video link (no
recordings). Make sure you have a good microphone and internet
connection.
3. Theory Entrance Exam for the preparatory course and all bachelor candidates
Only
candidates admissible for the principal subject take a theory entrance
exam. The theory entrance exam usually takes place the day before or the
day after the principal subject entrance exam. This means that
candidates must be present in Amsterdam for at least two days.
Candidates residing outside the EEA who apply online will be invited to
take an online theory entrance exam. The exact date and time will be
stated in the invitation letter.
During the theory entrance exam, your hearing, solfège skills, and knowledge of music theory will be tested. The exam consists of the following components.
1. A written part, comprising:
- an ear training test
- a general music theory test
2. An oral part (example test), comprising:
- unaccompanied sight singing
- performing a rhythm
- singing a song with piano accompaniment
On CvA Online you can purchase preparatory courses for the theoretical entrance exam.
https://www.conservatoriumvanamsterdam.nl/en/application-and-admission/entrance-exams/classical-entrance-exam/
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.
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme