Classical Music
Michel Dispa Vice-Director / Head of the Classical Department
Will Jansen Programme Coordinator
Dorine Jansma Study Adviser
The Principal Study
The CvA offers a wide range of degree programmes in classical music. Students can study everything from early music and opera to contemporary music. Group lessons are given, and evening group recitals, projects and masterclasses are organized in addition to principal private lessons. Beginning in their second year of study, students are assigned a detailed chamber-music programme.
Performance and Hands-on Experience
The CvA experience is not limited merely to academic endeavours; orchestra and ensemble projects offer students numerous opportunities to gain the hands-on experience they need. In addition to the Symphony Orchestra, there are special wind, string and percussion ensembles, the Sweelinck Baroque Orchestra and the New Music Ensemble. Players in the Symphony Orchestra participate in three annual projects which focus on developing a varied repertoire and which involve performances in Amsterdam, Utrecht and at other important music venues in the Netherlands. Conductors include both renowned guests and CvA teachers.
Electives
Using their third- and fourth-year 'free space' electives, students can choose to specialize in historical performance, chamber music, contemporary music, jazz or non-Western music. A system of electives allows students to take music-theory subjects that relate closely to their principal study.
