Main subjects

Main subjects

- Vocals
- Piano, organ, harpsichord*
- Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone
- French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba
- Percussion, harp, guitar
- Violin, viola, cello, double bass

* If you study piano, clavichord or organ, you will also get lessons in the other keyboard instruments like forte piano and reed organ.

Programme outline 

Programme outline

Your main instrument is the focal point throughout your studies. The first year is mainly an orientation year. Next to your main instrument classes, practical training and projects, you will be attending theoretical classes. In the second year your knowledge and skills will be broadened and deepened, in both practical and theoretical subjects. You will be studying the basis of musical entrepreneurship and teaching. In the third and fourth year a lot of time is invested in didactical subjects with a focus on work placements (internal, external and project internships). You can make your own choice in terms of optional modules, that fit your interest or capabilities. You may participate in an international exchange programme. In the final year you focus on your main instrument, leading to a graduation concert.

Practising

Practising

Much of your time will be taken up with practice, practice and more practice. Playing in an ensemble or orchestra is an essential part of the curriculum. In addition to many heterogeneous chamber music ensembles, the conservatoire also has a percussion ensemble and a choir. Large vocal ensembles, string ensembles and wind ensembles are organised as music productions in project form.

Performing

Performing

There are plenty of opportunities to gain performing experience, including in orchestras, at chamber music evenings, in solo performances or in master classes and concerts, both within the conservatoire and outside. You also attend regular workshops and master classes given by internationally renowned musicians.

Work placement

Work placement

Work placements give you a good picture of your future profession. Work placements can be taken with institutions such as the North Netherlands Orchestra, the Royal Military Band “Johan Willem Friso”, the National Travelling Opera or the Netherlands Radio Choir. You can also gain teaching experience by doing a work placement in education, at a music school or as a private music tutor.

Teachers

Teachers

Here you can find an overview of our teaching faculty.

Your future career

Your future career

After graduation you can work as a performing musician in an ensemble, in an orchestra or as a soloist. Perhaps it is your ambition to play in a renowned symphony orchestra or in one of the Dutch professional military ensembles, or you may wish to become a member of a professional or semi-professional chamber choir. Many of our graduates combine playing (chamber music) with teaching at a music school, or they give private lessons. Some perform solo in international concerts.

Whatever your future path is going to be, at the Prince Claus Conservatoire you will be trained to become a versatile musician at a high level. If you also studied for a teaching qualification, you can work at a music school or as a private teacher. Most graduates are self-employed, pursuing ‘portfolio careers’ that combine performance with teaching.

​Year 1 & 2

• Solfege
• Contextual studies (CTS)
• Ensembles
• Choir
• Piano practicum
• Harmony
• Non-western music
• Arranging
• Projects and Productions

Year 3

• CTS
• Arranging
• Harmony
• Ensembles
• Musical entrepreneurship
• Open credits
• Projects and Productions

Year 4

• Projects and Productions
• Ensembles
• Open credits