| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Music in Classical Music at the University of Groningen is a four-year program designed to train versatile musicians with high-level performance skills, pedagogical abilities, and entrepreneurial knowledge. Through a combination of individual instruction, ensemble work, and internships, students develop their musical identity and prepare for diverse career paths in the professional music world. The program fosters a creative and supportive learning community, providing ample opportunities for stage experience, masterclasses, and international collaborations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Music in Classical Music is a full-time, four-year program taught in Dutch and English in Groningen. It's designed for passionate and driven individuals who aim to make music their profession in one or more musical fields. The program trains students to become versatile musicians of a high level, capable of reflecting on their own practice. Students gain significant stage experience in symphony and chamber orchestras, choirs, various ensembles, and as soloists, both within and outside the conservatory. Music education is integrated, teaching students how to teach (and learn more about themselves and their instruments), and involves collaborative workshops and group work. The "Entrepreneurial Musician" module equips students with business skills for developing their musical careers. The program aims to cultivate future music professionals who are versatile, adaptable to the professional world, and curious about the world around them. It fosters a creative and musical learning community connected to the professional field.
Outline:
The program is structured into a propedeuse (first year) and a main phase (years two through four).
- Propedeuse (Year 1): This year is primarily exploratory. The main subject (student's chosen instrument) is central, supplemented by related subjects like ensemble and orchestral playing, accompanying (correpetition), choir singing, general theoretical training, piano practice, introduction to Finale/Sibelius software, professional development courses, personal study plan development, and internships focusing on subject-specific and general methodology. Business aspects of the music profession are also covered. Students participate in various projects and receive masterclasses from renowned national and international musicians.
- Main Phase (Years 2-4): Years two through four broaden and deepen practical and theoretical knowledge and skills, introducing fundamental principles of musical entrepreneurship and teaching. Years three and four emphasize pedagogical subjects, including internal, external, and project-based internships. These years allow for elective modules based on student interests and development goals. The main phase focuses on discovering and developing one's musical profile and identity. The fourth year concentrates on the main subject, culminating in a final exam concert.
Specific subjects mentioned include:
Altviool, Basklarinet, Cello, Contrabas, Euphonium, Fagot, Fluit, Gitaar, Harp, Hobo, Hoorn, Klarinet, Klavecimbel, Orgel, Piano, Saxofoon, Slagwerk, Trombone, Trompet, Tuba, Viool, Zang (Viola, Bass Clarinet, Cello, Double Bass, Euphonium, Bassoon, Flute, Guitar, Harp, Oboe, Horn, Clarinet, Harpsichord, Organ, Piano, Saxophone, Percussion, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Violin, Voice).
Assessment:
The admission process includes a written theory exam and a practical exam. The theory exam is approximately 75 minutes long, comprising a written section (25 minutes of listening and 30 minutes of theory) and an oral section (20 minutes). A sample exam is available for download. The admission committee assesses not only technical skill but also musical expression and the candidate's potential to complete the program within the given timeframe. Three outcomes are possible: admission to the first year, admission to preparatory studies, or rejection. For violin, voice, and piano, a pre-selection process involves submitting three YouTube videos showcasing different styles and a self-introduction video.
Teaching:
The program involves a combination of individual instruction (main subject), ensemble work (orchestras, choirs, ensembles), and workshops/masterclasses with renowned national and international musicians. The program integrates music education, teaching students pedagogical skills. The "Entrepreneurial Musician" module is also part of the curriculum.
Careers:
Graduates can work as musicians in symphony or chamber orchestras, military ensembles, choirs, or combine playing with teaching in schools or private practice. Some may pursue international solo careers. The text also highlights emerging musical fields, genre-specific or cross-genre, and roles for musicians in broader cultural sectors, business, healthcare, science, and media, or even in newly developed fields.
Other:
The conservatory offers various facilities, including a media library, studio, jazz club, and several performance halls. There are opportunities for students to participate in various projects, such as the Summer Concert and the Prins Claus Concert. The program emphasizes the development of a versatile musician capable of adapting to various professional contexts. A crash course is available to help students prepare for the theoretical part of the admission exam. Internships are available at organizations such as the Noord Nederlands Orkest, the Koninklijke Militaire Kapel 'Johan Willem Friso', the Nationale Reisopera, and the Groot Omroepkoor. Students can also gain teaching experience through internships in schools or private studios.
