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Principal subject
Students on the master's programme focus on broad, in-depth study of their principal subject. The programme is flexible and students are expected to map out their own course of study. This they lay down in the study plan drawn up prior to the entrance examination, which forms part of the selection procedure (see also Study Plan).

Students are free to choose their own areas of emphasis. They may, for instance, decide to concentrate on their initial instrument, but they can also focus on an early or historical version of it (see also the section on Early Music). Other alternatives are to study abroad, or specialize in chamber music, orchestral playing, accompaniment, or even educational or theoretical aspects of their field of study. They may also make other choices, in consultation with their study supervisors.
Research

Master's students also carry out thorough research into a subject related to their principal study. Students of classical and early music conclude their research with a dissertation and a public presentation (e.g. a lecture, lecture-recital, workshop or interview). This research is supervised by either internal or external experts.

Master's Electives
In order to broaden the student's principal study, the Conservatorium van Amsterdam has evolved two groups of master's electives. The first group comprises a spectrum of courses focusing on performance practice. In the second group the accent lies on theoretical, historical or aesthetic aspects. Students take courses in both groups. Some of them are offered by the University of Amsterdam.

Individual Credits
To a certain extent master's students are free to determine their own course load. They may, for instance, gain professional experience by being placed in a professional orchestra or ensemble. They may also choose to take additional master's electives, masterclasses, attend workshops or international competitions, or concentrate on an early instrument, improvisation, ensemble playing or world music. Another alternative is to deepen their theoretical knowledge by attending a single or even several series of lectures at the University of Amsterdam.