You will receive lessons both individually and in ensembles and groups. In addition to your main subject you will also be taught:

• Basic musical subjects
• Specific subjects: basso continuo, historical documentation
• Numerous forms of playing in ensembles
• Masterclasses from guest teachers
• Projects and concerts for the necessary concert experience
• An introduction to world music and community music
• Professional career subjects: ICT, presentation techniques, written skills, audition and application coaching, the business side of the professional world and entrepreneurship.

One of the most important and most valuable goals of music in general is to share musical experiences and make music together. This is an indisputable, integral part of early music repertoire. The Historical Instruments department therefore offers an Ensemble Performance project each term.

In such a project, you examine in depth the background of the composition(s) you are going to perform. Only once you have a good idea of the music can you compile a cohesive concert programme with correct and full titles and interesting explanation. You study and rehearse the pieces together with your colleagues in the ensemble. Such a preparation enables you to incorporate new details, suggestions and instructions in your interpretation during the coaching sessions.

Coaching devotes attention to both individual contributions and performances and the group process. The result of the coaching is therefore that every player is able to better express his musical ideas and, at the same time, mutual cooperation is naturally built. Moreover, you work on your stage presence, both individually and as a member of the ensemble.

The projects conclude with two concerts, public performances of a choice of the best productions. The concerts often take place in the intimate atmosphere of our own neo-gothic chapel and at a venue outside the Utrechts Conservatorium.

During the course, you will often work with other students and with teachers and coaches. You can take part in many different practical projects, such as playing in an ensemble or giving a concert.

Performing within the walls of the conservatoire is a safe, familiar practice situation. You can extend this to performances in one of the many venues in the city or region of Utrecht. Then, you will also be concerned with aspects such as choice of repertoire, rehearsals, organisation, logistics and public relations. For example, Utrechts Conservatorium has its own annual series of lunch concerts within the programming of Muziekcentrum Vredenburg, one of the main stages for classical music in Utrecht and in fact in the Netherlands.

More about the harpsichord class

You can study for a period abroad in consultation with your main subject teacher and your tutor. This generally takes place in your third or fourth year. There is a great deal of contact and cooperation with other conservatoria in Europe.

Once you graduate, you will have a Bachelor of Music degree, which you can add to your name in the abbreviated form of BMus. This degree includes a supplement stating your specialisation, subjects and projects during the course.