Conservatorium van Amsterdam

The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) is the largest and most diverse music conservatory in the Netherlands. Part of the Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK), it trains students in classical music, jazz, pop, early music, opera, electronic music, and music education. The conservatory accepts a highly international student body and offers study programs through both bachelor's and master's degrees.

Programs and Curriculum

The CvA offers degree programs across eight principal areas of study:

• Classical Music: performance, chamber music, and orchestral training across all orchestral instruments and piano
• Jazz: performance, composition, and arranging with a focus on improvisation and contemporary jazz styles
• Pop Music: performance, songwriting, and production for contemporary popular music
• Early Music: historical performance practice on period instruments, with an active summer school program
• Opera: vocal training, stagecraft, and repertoire study
• Electronic Music: the AEMA (Amsterdam Electronic Music Academy) program for electronic composition and performance
• Music in Education: teacher training for primary and secondary music education
• Young Talents: pre-college programs for gifted young musicians

The conservatory also offers continuing education courses, including the Early Music Summer School (tuition approximately 320 euros for active participants, 160 euros for passive participants).

Campus and Facilities

The CvA is located on the Marineterrein campus in central Amsterdam, shared with other faculties of the Amsterdam University of the Arts. Facilities include performance halls, recording studios, practice rooms, and a music library. The building sits in a cultural district near the city center, giving students access to Amsterdam's concert venues, jazz clubs, and recording industry.

The conservatory maintains connections with professional ensembles and venues throughout the Netherlands, providing students with performance opportunities outside the campus.

Admissions and Tuition

Application requires three steps: online application, a practical entrance exam, and a theoretical exam depending on the program. The application portal is available on the official website.

For Fall 2026, the semester runs from August 17 to December 19. The full academic year 2026-2027 runs from August 17 to May 29. Spring 2027 begins January 4.

EU students pay the statutory tuition fee set by the Dutch government (approximately 2,530 euros per year for 2025-26). Non-EU students pay higher institutional fees. Study financing is available for eligible EU students through the Dutch government. An IES Abroad study abroad program offers direct enrollment for international students at an estimated cost of approximately $25,449 per semester.

Notable Faculty and Industry Connections

The CvA's jazz department is one of the strongest in Europe, with faculty who perform at major festivals including North Sea Jazz and Umbria Jazz. The classical faculty includes members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and other Dutch professional ensembles.

The conservatory's location in Amsterdam connects students to a dense network of recording studios, live venues, and music technology companies. Many graduates move directly into professional performance, teaching, or production careers in the Netherlands and abroad.

Why It Matters for Aspiring Musicians

The CvA stands out for its breadth. Few conservatories offer strong programs in both classical and jazz alongside pop, electronic music, and early music. If you want to cross genres or are unsure which direction to specialize in, the CvA gives you room to explore.

Amsterdam is an expensive city. Budget for housing and living costs, which can exceed 1,000 euros per month. EU students benefit from low statutory tuition, but non-EU students should compare institutional fees carefully against other European conservatories.

Students seeking financial aid should browse our music scholarships directory. You can compare the CvA with other institutions in our music schools directory, or use our streaming royalty calculator to project future earnings from your recorded work. If you are interested in performing rights, our PRO directory covers Dutch collection society BUMA/Stemra and other organizations worldwide.